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Takers Review

Movies.com Critics

1.5

Dave White Profile

It'll take two hours and never give it back. Read full review

2.0

Jen Yamato Profile

The Italian Heat Job for Dummies Read full review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 3.0
    45

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Mixed or average reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 30

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times Betsy Sharkey

    Did I mention the dialogue? Well, really the armored car driver put it best when he said, "We're in trouble here" No joke.

    Read Full Review

  • 42

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Adam Markovitz

    At least they do look sharp in those suits.

    Read Full Review

  • 50

    out of 100

    Variety Brian Lowry

    A respectable but watered-down heist movie that, given the Los Angeles setting, either owes a debt to director Michael Mann or suggests an unusually violent and action-packed episode of "Entourage."

    Read Full Review

  • 50

    out of 100

    The New York Times A.O. Scott

    There is plenty of nonsense, a great deal of stylish posturing and clothes-horsing, and a few action sequences that manage to be both gripping and preposterous.

    Read Full Review

  • 50

    out of 100

    USA Today Claudia Puig

    The dialogue is clichd and laughable. It's a film far more concerned with style - architectural, vehicular and wardrobe-related - than substance.

    Read Full Review

  • 63

    out of 100

    Chicago Tribune Michael Phillips

    Noisy, unsubtle, but it gets the job done.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    The Hollywood Reporter Stephen Farber

    The stunt work is amazing, and the pace is breathless enough to keep one watching right up to the somewhat ambiguous conclusion.

    Read Full Review

  • See all Takers reviews at Metacritic.com

For Families provided by Common Sense Media

Iffy for 14+

Heist movie lacks logic but has violence to spare.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that violence permeates this action-oriented heist movie, which co-stars headline-grabbing musician Chris Brown. Many characters die without consequence, and violence seems to be a way out -- or an ending -- for most of the characters. Language is strong, with many uses of "s--t," "goddamn," and "bitch." Many characters smoke cigars or drink champagne or fine scotch as status symbols, and a supporting character has a drug problem (though viewers never see her take drugs). In one scene, one of the robbers wades naked into a pool where two pretty girls are waiting for him, but nothing sensitive is shown. Don't look for positive messages or role models here; ultimately, this is a movie about a bunch of criminals doing what they do best.

  • Families can talk about the movie's violence. Was it exciting or gruesome? How did you feel about how many of the characters met their ends?
  • What are the consequences of the violence in this movie? Do they seem realistic?
  • Are the main characters sympathetic? Should they be? Does the movie glamorize the life of the bank robber?
  • One of the cops takes a bribe. Does this make him a bad guy? As bad as the bank robbers?

The good stuff
  • message true0

    Messages: The five robbers often demonstrate good teamwork, but it's always in the name of crime. Characters can't trust one another in this movie, and several are hiding something. Violence is committed without consequences, and more often than not, violence is seen as a way out.

  • rolemodels true0

    Role models: The most "admirable" characters here are all thieves and robbers. They're the ones who exhibit the best teamwork and problem-solving skills, although always to bad ends. As for the other characters, there's a crooked cop and a cop obsessed to the point of neglecting his family and his health.

What to watch for
  • violence false4

    Violence: The movie is filled with over-the-top action and fighting sequences. Characters single-handedly take on many opponents, and there are acrobatic chase scenes throughout the city. Guns are drawn, and shots are fired, sometimes resulting in dead bodies. There are few consequences to these actions, other than "an eye for an eye." Several explosions.

  • sex false3

    Sex: After a successful heist, a character celebrates by wading naked into a pool where two pretty girls are waiting for him (no sensitive body parts are shown). A man proposes to his girlfriend, and they kiss passionately. Some sexual banter.

  • language false3

    Language: Very frequent use of "s--t," plus "goddamn," "bitch," "ass," "damn," "hell," and "Jesus Christ" (as an exclamation).

  • consumerism false0

    Consumerism: A McDonald's billboard is seen in passing.

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false3

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: A supporting character has a drug problem and is in rehab; she checks out early and falls off the wagon. She's never seen doing drugs, but another character refers to her as a "crackhead." She also smokes cigarettes. Other characters smoke cigars, as well as sample champagne and fine scotch (though no one gets drunk; these things are mainly used as status symbols).

Fan Reviews provided by

4

Best Man Movie Ever by ngoodman3
Not unlike many women across the country, I saw the preview for this movie at last year's showing of Precious. Showing the preview of a movie staring some of the most beautiful men alive at a showing of a definite chick flick was the best marketing strategy ever! Needles to say, I went to see Takers completely unaware of the theme or content of the movie...it was all for the eye candy. I have to admit that I was presently surprised by the fast paced story line and the incredible action scenes. The bed shot of Idris was the icing on the cake. I think my husband heard me gasp. :)

5

Great movie by Movie_Freak81
All i have to say is wow this movie was worth the wait. After almost a yeaar of being pushed back Takers makes its debut and takes the box office by storm. The cast are terriffic in their roles with Idris Elba and Paul Walker leading the way. This is a definite must see for anyone who likes action and a movie to get into.

5

Takers Movie Review by Asianfreak
88 out of 100 An ferociously spectacular heist thriller with exciting action sequences, surprising plot twists and excellent performances.

5

I loved it! by xNani
I have to admit I am a Paul Walker fan, and since he was in the movie I just had to go see it. I kept coming across people who were doubting the movie was going to be any good, boy were they wrong!! The movie is absolutely amazing, action packed with chase scenes and shootouts the story line was well played out, not confusing at all. All of the actors did a wonderful job. Throughout the entire movie I was on the edge of my seat, if you like action movies then check this one out you won't be disappointed. I will definitely be seeing it again :)

5

TAKERS by dovegg
Action pack great chase screen with Chris Brown. You must go see this film, we loved it!!!

4

A pretty enjoyable watch... by lovestalentmoviefan
...for a genre that is hard to make original. There was some freshness in parts of the story,which I didn't expect. As always,I would love a little more individual character development and background,but this movie jsn't wasn't about that. Actors all knew exactly who their character's were,and followed through. I did end up caring about most of them and hating one,so,there you go! Will see it one more time in theatres.

4

Takers! by j32651
I would call this the late summer surprise. Didn't get all the hype probably underestimated. I've read some of the nay -say but don't get swayed take the time to go and enjoy a very decent heist film. The cast makes the movie and this one definitely carries the chemistry to make this a sleeper hit. While heist movies have been done so many times you'll always want to compare however I just like to see how a new generation of actors take on roles that have them move to that next level in their field (acting). I must say I like their growth and that includes Chris Brown (that chase was off the chain) and props to T.I. who I keep trying to find fault but he holds his own although he did appear a little inexperienced against these other true actors. Hopefully word of mouth will carry this up the box office ladder just as word of mouth for the Last exorcism should see it slip off ladder.

3

Good movie - Yes, but not Great. by extra-butter
This movie was a great story with well directed parts exploring the individual characters. However, it was also a stereotypical bank heist movie that I found to be very predictable, except for the ending. The ending was NOT a fantastical twist or anything. Instead it was cut very short and I felt like the producers ran out of funding for the end of this film. Very disappointed with the ending. Overall, OK entertainment.

1

hahahah wow, i can't believe i actually spent money on this by i_have_balls
this was in league with 2012 as one of the funniest movies that wasn't meant to be so. The plot was not well planned out. The acting was downright appalling. This movie was so cliche that i almost threw up, though that might be because i had a wee bit too much candy also. And to make the previews look like it didn't totally suck, they put a famous rapper in it, who plays a complete a-hole who can barely speak a word of proper English and sounds like he has verbal diarrhea. All in all, don't waste money or time on this one people, even if you don't find the other movies appealing, trust me, you can't get more unappealing than this train-wreck.

5

Blown Away by TAKERS by sunnyforever
I was blown away by this movie. Why? Is it similar to other movies of its kind? Is it predictable? The answer to both questions is yes. However, somehow those fresh IT LIST Hollywood YOUNGBLOODS pulled this one off with fresh appeal. Each Hollywood YOUNGBLOOD so fit their character that you began to see the movie as real and you began to deeply care about the characters. There are a lot of male action sequences for those on adrenalin. There is lots of gorgeous face time for women who need a fantasy dose. And this is a thriller to the end. I would not recommend for children under twelve because there is above average violence for a PG13 movie. I would definitely see this movie again. And it is set up for a sequel which i would see as well.

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