Take Cover

For the record, I am a fan. I have an Adkins film on my list of all-best movies, a claim few other reviewers can make. But, at the same time, I have been outspoken in my view that, since his Boyka films, he has not really found an outlet to best showcase his talent. TAKE COVER 2024 changes all that. Writer Joshua Todd James has cleverly turned a hi-rise apartment into a killbox, showing once again how a limited set does not have be a disadvantage. Properly done, the suspense becomes palpable. The script cleverly pushes the "turnabout" trope -- Adkins's being targeted by a faraway shooter works well because, in the story, he himself is also a sniper. Clever! There is a lot of action and tension in Take Cover, and many of Adkins' special skills are effectively deployed for the first time in quite a while. Recommended. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

Here's my review of Take Cover:

Scott Adkins was the only redeeming factor in this film, though calling it "enjoyable" would be a stretch. His performance managed to elevate certain moments, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough to save the movie.

The opening scene failed to make an impression, with a script that lacked both engagement and impact. The issue was compounded by the overly loud background music, which often drowned out the dialogue and made it hard to follow. This pattern continued throughout, making the viewing experience frustrating at best.

The plot and script were major disappointments, wasting the potential of some decent acting. The narrative felt dragged out and underwhelming, with scenes like the one in the hotel room coming across as bland and predictable. There was no tension or excitement, as it was far too easy to guess what would happen next.

While the cinematography was decent, the music often overstayed its welcome, especially in moments that were supposed to be pivotal. The script felt rushed and uninspired, leaving the actors with little to work with, though some performances stood out slightly above the rest.

Overall, Take Cover had potential but was let down by its weak script, predictable narrative, and poor sound design, making it a forgettable experience despite Scott Adkins' best efforts.

The writing is just dreadful. From the cringeworthy opening conversation between Sam and Ken to the closing scene there isn't anything good. The script is laughable.

Even the fight scenes are slightly below par which is unusual for an Adkins movie.

I was pleased at the hit squad completely destroying the bar area, but failing to hit the fish tank. No one likes seeing fish getting shot up, do they?

Even though they are trapped in the apartment, there is very little in the way of tension. For some reason, they are struggling to close the curtains and there are a few times when they could leave by the door.

The high reviews on here are obviously fake. If you feel you must, then watch it and judge for yourself. This Scott Adkins fan is very dissappointed.

This was pretty poor. It looks like a made for TV movie, that wouldn't even had made it to the VHS bargain bin back in the day.

The acting is lame. The script is atrocious which attempts to play somewhere between a Ryan Reynolds 'action comedy' and an epicly poor Tarantino action thriller.

Adkins colleague is very bad indeed. The action sequences are very poor.

I'd strongly recommend that you give this a wide berth. It's one of those films where you really wish that you can't unsee it, or feel bad about the amount of time that you lost watching it. I had to turn it off at about 35 minutes just during the flat fight sequence. I wish I'd given it up sooner.

Professional mercenary sniper Sam Lorde (Scott Adkins) finds himself in the middle of an existential crisis when he accidentally kills an innocent who throws herself in front of his intended victim. He contacts his remote boss and tells her he wants to leave the business. The boss is very disappointed but books him and his spotter Ken (Jack Parr) into a posh hotel where she'll meet them to go through formalities. However, someone else knows they are there and they are out for vengeance... Right let's say the good things first. By the end of the film, it's quite feel good and you've enjoyed a convoluted story. I very much liked the performance of Madalina Bellariu Ion who plays call girl Mona. Perhaps the best performance of the entire film.

Right, the dogs ears...the script is truly awful. The non stop pseudo-hateful banter between Sam and Ken is acutely badly written and sounds as fake as it is. Fight scenes are pretty poor. Acting is pretty poor. Verbalised emotions are half felt and not explored properly. There are so many plot holes it borders on ridiculous, and there's too much melodrama from poor actors.

Having said all of that the story while not new at all, isn't bad. If this film had great actors and a top end director it probably would have been pretty good. As it was it wasn't dire, it just wasn't very well produced or directed in so many ways. I have had a very tasty and enjoyable dinner so I am in a great mood and I give it a 5.