The Take

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

If I'd known this was categorically a drama I'd probably not have watched it. But I have a weakness for heist movies of any kind, and I really like Leguizamo, so I gave it a shot. Mistake. Now, the acting was good enough, especially from Rosie Perez, but the editing and choppy/shaky cinematography was beyond annoying, the music way too overdramatic, the action/suspense nonexistent save for the opening scene, and when it came down to it the movie was a recovery drama. As that, it wasn't too bad. Then comes the ending. The, uh, "climax." What were they thinking? A drawn out, fruitless chase scene. I'm not a spoiler reviewer which is tough here but I think I've made my point. The only way you should watch this is knowing it's a drama, and have the FF button at the ready.

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.

There is a time and a place for shaky, hand-held camera work. This irritating technique continues to be the most over-used in Hollywood. I nearly turned this film off after the first 4 minutes because I was experiencing motion sickness. And this was all while the protagonist was getting up and getting ready for work. Even when you are trying to show action as it might be seen from a live news camera I would still make a case for trying to show the action as it might be seen by the human eye -- steady and focused even when the viewer is moving. My perception is that shaky camera work is used in the same way that too much background music is used -- to compensate for mediocrity in the film itself.

I stayed with the film to the end because a lot of others felt it was a good film and John Leguizamo can be counted on for a fine performance. I thought the movie itself was only OK. Story line developed slowly and often tediously to a somewhat satisfying conclusion. I would have rated it a 5 to 6 with better camera work. I'm glad I saw the whole thing but I will never need to see it again.

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.