TAKERS 2.5*** (more like 2.8***)

Takers" is a story about a group of efficient, professional thieves who meticulously plan their robberies a year in an advance. They take their jobs very seriously and leave little room for error. There is no standout boss in this crew…. They each have a specialty, an equal voice and, most importantly, an equal cut of the loot.

After the dazzling opening bank robbery we are introduced to the team of Takers. These guys are suave and know how to present themselves. It was like watching a group of "Esquire" magazine models relax after a hard day at the office. They all wear expensive suits, drink high-end scotch and smoke fine cigars. They each retreat to their own slice of heaven to relax. . After the successful bank job they seem to revel in their male bonding and their exploits.

They decide, against their better judgment, to team up with an ex-partner of theirs who was just released from prison to do a dangerous armored truck heist, worth $20 million. The movie also focuses on an obsessed cop (Matt Dillon) hot on their trail and his seemingly more 'by the book' partner.

The cast adds a lot of sizzle and charm to their roles. And each actor is cast perfectly in his or her part. The action scenes are stunning. The two heists are extremely impressive and there's a breathtaking foot chase sequence which is by far one of the most spectacular I’ve ever seen The movie is entertaining as a action thriller

One thing that amazed and disturbed me about the movie or I should say movie audience…it’s one thing to pull for the bad guys and hope they can pull off a successful heist, but it’s another thing altogether for the audience to cheer and applaud when the bad guys coldly gun down a policeman who is only doing his job. They cheered I said… there is something wrong with moviegoers who do that…I was shocked and appalled.

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, a sexual situation/partial nudity.

Clark