The Take

Well, it was nothing what I expected- it was a lot worse.

There was no development of character and there were so many scenes that were irrelevant to the plot and totally cliché. Lenguizamo did a fair job but oh boy, he can't save the film. Rosie Perez is fun to watch.

The gritty, dark look of the film was overdone, hard to watch and it gave me a huge headache.

If you want to see a great gritty film, watch Memento.

Overall, I wouldn't recommend that one, unless you're a huge fan of Lenguizamo.

The Take I feel is very entertaining, more so when I heard how much money the film makers had to work with. I read some other reviews, and I was surprised to read that many thought ill of it. First off, I'll say it is exceptionally great film, with some pretty good actors for $800,000. It's not the type of film that has over the top stunts, CGI effects galore, which to me is refreshing. It tends to focus on the story, struggles with every day life, and cogs in the justice system. It has a gritty style, and I feel it's really worth seeing if you aren't looking for a "tear it up" action/suspense movie. "Good" acting...6 "Great" story....8

The Take (2007) is a film I recently watched on Tubi. The story follows an armored truck driver who is taken hostage during a heist, shot, and left for dead. After surviving, he struggles with mood swings, chronic pain, and relentless police interrogation. As his mental state deteriorates and his family life suffers, he decides he may need to solve the crime himself to regain control of his sanity.

Directed by Brad Furman (The Lincoln Lawyer), the film stars John Leguizamo (Moulin Rouge), Tyrese Gibson (Baby Boy), Rosie Perez (White Men Can't Jump), Bobby Cannavale (Boardwalk Empire), and Roger Guenveur Smith (Do the Right Thing).

The cast is impressive, and the acting exceeds expectations, especially from John Leguizamo and Rosie Perez, whose portrayal of a strained marriage felt authentic and emotional. The setup is solid, and Leguizamo's mental unraveling is well-executed. The family dynamics are a strong point and help ground the film. Tyrese's character, however, felt unnecessary, and the full-circle ending leaned a bit too far into the unbelievable. Still, the strong performances and engaging character arcs keep your attention.

In conclusion, The Take is a fairly average film but worth watching if you're in the mood for something a little different. I'd score it a 6/10.

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.

The Take isn't one of those films you'll remember forever, it's plot simplistic, and script not without some flaws, but you will definitely remember the performances by the entire cast.

I always defended Leguizamo as a serious actor, while some claim he's always typecast. I knew he was talented, and he immediately sets the tension in this film. He does a great job in every scene. Rosie Perez was also intense, nice to see her always. Lequizamo drives the film, he's clearly not just a supporting actor. He deserves to be A-listed.

Another honorable mention is the directing of the film. I loved the Urban cinematography! East LA was never covered better. The old fashioned town is shown well, and gritty atmosphere adds to the already dark tale.

Overall, a good old school revenge tale, a modern western perhaps! 7/10