Takers 2010 (Movie Review)

Dir: John Luessenhop
Starring: Chris Brown, Paul Walker, Idris Elba, Hayden Christensen, Michael Ealy and T.I
Dur: 1 hr 45 mins
Genre: Action/ Crime thriller
Rating: 3/5
PG: Expletives, violence.

Meticulously planned heists working out like clockwork make for good films. That is the first impression Takers gives. It begins with a bank heist that leaves the police clueless except for a few doubts. The ‘takers’ are a group of 6 guys who have turned pro in con jobs and have all but clean slates to show. The build up is a bit too much and takes a pace that gradually may cause one to lose interest. All is well with the team after their big heist until an old member, Ghost (T.I), who was only recently released from prison finds his way back. Tension begins to build within the team when Ghost offers them a job.

Ghost had been doing time after getting caught on one of the takers’ previous heists. He appears to be seeking revenge and the group senses it. To avoid bad blood spilling out into the open they agree to take on the job, despite it going against their regular style and provisos. The heist is carried out albeit with a few hiccups. The heist and its follow through add spice to the film. Parallel to these events, an officer, Jack (Matt Dillon), investigating the bank robbery closes in on the group but lacks the all-important yet elusive proof. Ghost betrays the gang and a bloodbath ensues between them and a Russian group. The group loses some of its members. The remaining guys are bent on stopping Ghost and get back at him for double crossing them.


The film is a bit slow but has moments of excitement. The slo-mo gun battling scenes don’t fit in with the contemporary style. The film has a simple concept and portrays it well although it could have been a lot better. I’d never choose to watch this one again.  

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