Page 22 THE VILLADOM TIMES III & IV • September 8, 2010 ‘Takers’ is enjoyable, escapist fare at summer’s end by Dennis Seuling “Takers” will give you the feeling you’ve seen this film before. It shows the planning of an elaborate heist by a group of men who have pulled off many successful jobs in the past. They pride themselves on their methodical detail, not leaving any clues to their identity, and knowing when to strike. The thieves (Idris Elba, Paul Walker, Hayden Christensen, Michael Ealy, and Chris Brown) enjoy living the good life their ill-gotten gains have provided. They live in expansive apartments with killer views, dress in tailored suits, and consider their investments with as much scrutiny as a banker. Their past success also has instilled in them a feeling of invulnerability. Los Angeles detectives Jack Welles (Matt Dillon) and Eddie Hatcher (Jay Hernandez) are assigned to find and arrest these crooks who never leave even a single fingerprint. When a former member of the gang, Ghost (T.I.), is released after five years in prison, he returns to the group to find that his former girlfriend (Zoe Saldana) has taken up with a partner in crime. On a job years ago, Ghost was shot and arrested. In a chapter from the “honor among thieves” play book, he didn’t give up his buddies, and did the time. Now he is back with a scheme that will net millions of dollars. The problem is that it has to go down in only days. This is far afield from the careful, patient way the team works, and the rushed time frame raises a red flag. But, after checking out the logistics and weighing the risks against the potential take, they agree to pull the job: robbing an armored truck. Director John Luessenhop has crafted a good action picture, featuring some astounding sequences of mayhem. There is a shootout involving some angry Russian mobsters and the thieves in very close quarters in a hotel suite where machine guns tear the place apart, the body count rises, and the claustrophobic setting underscores the danger. Another scene features a chase on foot, with Jake (Michael Ealy) pursued through buildings, alleys, busy streets, and shopping malls by Detective Welles. This sequence is amazing given the logistics, shooting in actual locations, and maintaining credibility. Because “Takers” is an ensemble piece, no single character stands out, with the possible exception of Ghost. Viewers learn little about the others except that they are proficient, successful men in their chosen profession. Since they are the focus, the audience roots for them, admiring the homework they do to assure that their jobs come off smoothly. They are not above waving automatic weapons around and firing shots into the air to intimidate their victims, but they avoid shooting or killing people. That would bring too much attention from law enforcement. Dillon is very good as a cop driven to collar the thieves and frustrated by how careful they are at avoiding capture. He is also trying to avoid an inevitable Internal Affairs interview. And his family life is in disarray. In a brief scene in which he has custody of his young daughter for the day, he talks about spending a pleasant time together, but winds up putting her on the sidelines when the job calls. Dillon has a rough look, markedly different from his pretty-boy image in such films as “Tex” and “The Outsiders.” Rated R, “Takers” might be overlooked by viewers at a more competitive time of year. As summer winds down, however, it is enjoyable escapist fare. Chris Brown and Michael Ealy star as thieves in ‘Takers.’ ��������������������������������������������� �������������������� ����������������������� ������������� ���������������������������������������� �������������� ����������������������������� ����������� ����������������� State Line 375 State Highway 17 North, Mahwah Open 24 Hours, 7 Days Join Us For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner The Best Got Better! Diner - Restaurant 201-529-3353 Now Serving Cocktails, Espresso & Cappuccino $ 00 On $10.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. Off 1 $ 00 VT On $20.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. Off 2 TOO HOT TO COOK? Take your family to one of the fine restaurants advertised in the Join us for �������������� ��������� ���������� ������������������������ ���������� HAPPY HOUR �������������������� �������������������������������� ���� �������� �������� ������ ������� �������������� ���� ���������� ������ ������������������ ������ ������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������� ���������������������� VT