Watch The Take For Free

Simply Perfect

Just what I expected

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Some of these negative reviews are interesting. Of course you're not wrong, everyone has a right to their own opinion, but come on. One reviewer is complaining about how it's not an action movie, another is complaining about plot holes. You wanna see plot holes? Watch Death Sentence, another revenge film which is rated higher than this despite not making any sense. This film is amazing. The performances are amazing. The story is intriguing and gritty. The ending is really intense. What's with all the hate? sure there are some problems occasionally, but all in all, it's a really, really good movie. I thought it was incredible.

No spoilers here. What could have been a good, gritty L.A. crime/revenge flick was spoiled by SLOW pacing and the ridiculously overused shaky camera technique and grainy and way-too-dark (to put it mildly!) final cut. I'm not an expert on film, so I don't know what you would call this extremely washed-out look, but it spoiled the movie. Many scenes were so dark as to be completely unwatchable. I am SO SICK of these "hip", modern film techniques. What is so awful about not shaking the camera and allowing viewers to actually see what's going on?If any aspiring filmmakers are reading this, take it from me (a total movie junkie): STOP SHAKING THE CAMERA! STOP WASHING OUT THE COLORS! The story and acting are what matters to us. Please stop trying to bring attention to the direction. I've been a professional musician my entire adult life, and to me a film director should be like a good bass player: If the song sounds right and I don't notice anything wrong, then he's doing a great job!

Felix De La Pena (John Leguizamo) works as a bank driver, and he lives in the slums of Los Angeles with his wife Marina (Rosie Perez) and his two children. He's caring, compassionate and the perfect husband and father.Until he's threatened by Adell Baldwin (Tyrese Gibson) and is shot and left for dead. When he awakens from his coma, he's a different man - angry, vengeful.Agent Steve Perelli (Bobby Cannavale) is trying to solve the case, and realizes that it might've been an inside job, so he immediately suspects Felix. Felix then goes out and tries to find the people really responsible for what happened, before he takes the rap for it."The Take" is different from most action movies, because it focuses more on Felix's relationship with his family rather than the intense hunt for the people responsible for changing his life. It's not about big car chases, huge explosions and mob war - it's about a man faced with a new outlook on life, struggling to clear his name and find out who is really responsible.

The depictions and descriptions of the film can be read on numerous reviews here and elsewhere - but I have to say most of these writs seem determined to discredit a good film. I truly believe most can agree this is one of the best pieces of fiction best paralleling reality for L.A. filmed since (and including) Crash, Harsh Times, Training Day, etc.Watching the deleted scenes, docu on filming, listening to commentary, and related media, they all reveal a true sense of wanting to make a non-Hollywood film with succession and an honest feeling of REALITY. Reading thru several armored car inside-jobs this film reveals a very authentic feel that deserves more credit than it is being given.Outstanding performances by Cannavale, Perez and Gibson proving small films can bring the best out of someone. Regardless of the negative and technical reviews written about the end scenes and cultural inaccuracies - I have to give this film one of the most realistic portrayals I have seen in years centering around a man that is losing everything that makes him a man - and finds a way to regain it without being Jason Bourne or James Bond.A worthwhile film that deserves a rent or maybe even a purchase for those from the areas of LA they film in…if anything - the sex scene is probably one of the most dedicated I have watched in some time - but at the same time shows a realism that mainstream cinema has missed for years…I will be recommending this title in my store for those looking for an authentic urban film.