Maidexpl Entertaining from beginning to end, it maintains the spirit of the franchise while establishing it's own seal with a fun cast

Glucedee It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

Seraherrera The movie is wonderful and true, an act of love in all its contradictions and complexity

Lidia Draper Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

nadiatownshend The first time I saw this it blew me away. Since then it is probably one of my favourite movies of all time - why? The stylishness, the grittiness, the acting and the passion. You can tell that the people involved in the project really put their all into it and truly believed in telling a good story. The story itself is, on the surface, something we've heard of before - typical heist gone wrong yada yada. But what makes this so special is the clever character study and the evolution we see in John Leguizamo's character. This is one of his best roles - the acting is top notch. Rosie Perez is equally impressive in her role and the passion bleeds from the screen. You can tell Director Brad Furman wanted to stay true to the roots of the characters - he did go to Boyle Heights and filmed within the neighbourhoods wherein the story is set. On the commentary to the film he talks about the issues this raised due to guerilla style filming and some of the risks involved. The evolution of Leguizamo's character, a man just trying to make an honest living and provide for his family, who gets caught up in something outside of his control and has to fight through the ruins of the aftermath. It's truly wonderful to witness - the lawnmower scene and his anger is felt through the screen as he battles the scars he's been left with as a result of the events. Having seen Furman's other films, I still consider this his best for its unique nerve and sheer determination to make this project feel realistic and gritty. 9/10 - For the brutal and hardcore acting, cinematography and gritty realism - do not miss this!

gooth79 "The Take" was just terrible. The locations and the whole feel of the film were cliché. The drama was over the top and badly acted. Apparently it was a low budget movie and it definitely looked like it was made for no money. John Leguizamo's character battles rehabilitation after being shot during a heist. He's also trying to track down the man who did the crime. Sounds good right? Wrong!! It's terribly boring. Leguizamo and Rosie Perez must have gone really low to be in a movie like this. Although they're usually decent actors, here they had very little decent material to work with, and so their performances are fake and amateurish. It takes too long for the story to get going, it's really slow, and the action is lame and predictable. I'm just glad I saw this at a friend's house and didn't have to pay a cent for it. 2/10

bretdw The Take is up there with my favorite independents of all time. Imagine The Departed if Scorsese had a $1 million budget and only a few weeks to shoot.I was hooked from the opening sequence that bled East L.A. and framed the adventure to come. Leguizamo, in his best performance to date, becomes his character and pulls off the transformation of Felix from everyman to consumed by his own vindication. Rosie Perez is tossed between despair and hope as the audience wrestles the same conflict. Tyrese (perfectly cast) oh so subtlety growls as the unscrupulous villain with vicious apathy for his sins as he is absorbed by his mission. Support was well cast and effective with particular props to Perelli and Marco. In addition to the opening sequence highlights include Tyrese's intro, Leguizamo's pained crawl, Rosie's first visit to the hospital, Leguizamo's fight with his TV, and the outstanding chase scene towards the end.Bravo. Fantastic film.

SLVSteve 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.