'Takers'

'Takers' (PG-13) (3 stars)

Writers: Peter Allen, Gabriel Casseus and John Luessenhop
Director: John Luessenhop
Starring: Matt Dillon, Idris Elba, Michael Ealy, Jay Hernandez, Hayden Christensen, Chris Brown, Zoe Saldana, Gaius Charles, T.I., Marianne Jean Baptiste, Nicholas Turturro, Glynn Turman, Steve Harris, Paul Walker, Jonathan Schaech

"Takers" is a surprisingly solid if minor heist movie, let's call it "Heat" light. The movie works because of a nifty and awesome foot chase scene and two great performances. They save the movie from being routine and dull and the two performances add more depth to the writing. "Takers" is simply a group of thieves trying to grab a big score whenever they can. When the movie opens the group robs a bank and they are pretty good at what they do. When one of their ex group members (rapper T.I.) gets out of prison he tells the group of a million dollar score. They are hesitant because this member is a loose gun and a bad seed but they are criminals and duty awaits. The group is led by the great new actor Idris Elba, using his normal British accent. He is one reason this movie is better than it should be. He has great star potential and might take over for Denzel Washington. The actor is excellent here like he is always and I wonder why he hasn't hit it big. Are we ever going to have a African American star other than Denzel?, this tells us racism is still prevalent in Hollywood. Hot on the group's tail is a cop played solidly by Matt Dillon. His is the other performance that rises this movie above formula. It is no secret that Dillon is one of my top favorite actors ever and he still gets taken for granted. His performance is flawless and full of heart and nuance. At one point he pursues the bad guys in a car with his young daughter after he promised to spend the day with her. This scene is heartbreaking and one of the best scenes in any movie this year.

Dillon and Elba save this movie, without them this movie doesn't work. Everyone else lends good support though Zoe Saldana is wasted in a thankless role and T.I. shouldn't give up his day job. The movie has crisp, well directed action and two nice subplots dealing with the sister of Elba's character and Dillon's daughter. There is also one of the best foot chase scenes I have ever seen. Dillon and Jay Hernandez chase the Chris Brown character on foot as Brown flips and jumps over cars, on top of buildings and up walls. It is a very well directed and fun scene that had the crowd cheering after it was over. "Takers" is actually very entertaining and again I love Dillon and Elba. I could even forgive the crooked partner subplot and you know he will eventually get shot. The formula works this time due to two performances and great action.