sb30 Review of The Take

The Take (2007)

A thoroughly believable and riveting movie with something most heist movies don't have... heart!!!

[10/10 · 27 May 2008]

The Take has some of the finest acting this year from Hollywood's finest actors. John Leguizamo is riveting as Felix, a family man whose life is ruined by no fault of his own. He is a family man and Rosie Perez as his wife Marina, is a devoted, religious woman whose nuanced performance along with John's tour de force role as LEADING MAN works because it is real. The children seem like they could be John and Rosie's children. The casting was that strong. Shot in a documentary style reminiscent of 70's movies, the director coaxs from ALL THE ACTORS scenes that are memorable for their family simplicity or violent realism. I particularly loved the scene when John begs for his medication, violently fights with his wife (Rosie), blaming her for his problems and her control of his meds, and watching it all is their young son. I could feel that family's pain. It was real and palpable. The movie didn't feel like a fiction to me. John and Rosie, who have played it funny in the past, are serious actors in meaty roles here. I definitely think they should be nominated for Indie Spirit awards if not Oscars!!!