Takers, the latest motion picture by Rain Forest Productions & Will “Power” Packer has been on my things to do list for months. I had the opportunity to see the film while I attended the 2010 Essence Music Festival, but I chose to pass that up and wait for the big theatre presentation…

Was I pleased I waited? Yes, quite pleased. Although most who know me will argue (somewhat accurately) that the only reason I’m taken by Takers is because of Idris Elba’s presence, the truth is he is just the tip of the iceberg and my affinity for this film.

I attended the 12:01 am viewing of the film. The theatre wasn’t sold out, and I was happy about that. I mean I wanted this movie to be a blockbuster, I just wanted to see it opening weekend without the blockbuster crowds so the midnight viewing Thursday night was ideal.

I purposely stayed away from any discussions of the movie. I knew the cast was the most beautiful casted in recent history, but beyond that I didn’t want to know anything about it til the “please turn off your cell phone” message scrolled across the theatre screen.

The plot involves a crew of bank robbers who specialize in TAKING… Their expertise in successful, perfectly timed robberies leaves law enforcement completely baffled. Their practice of only one heist a year is suddenly interrupted when a former foe is released from prison. His return disturbs the chemistry of the crew; yet his proposition of doing the “ULTIMATE JOB” proves too enticing to ignore and the TAKERS take it up.

The movie has its moments of monotony but just when you think you’ve seen it before, it suprises you with something new.

I must admit there was a moment I thought of the Takers as the 2010 adaption of the Soderbergh trilogy Oceans 11, 12 & 13. I easily envisioned Elba’s Gordon Jennings charachter as being the equivalent to George Clooney’s Danny Ocean. Similar to the Ocean’s veteran Hollywood All-Star cast, the cast of Takers is filled with young Hollywood All-Stars.

Zoe Saldana, is the only female of relevance in the film. She plays the love interest of Michael Ealy. Clifford “TIP” Harris, plays the tumultuous hothead. I was somewhat dissappointed by his charachter. Not because he didn’t do a good job fullfilling the role, but because it was so predictable that he’d be cast for that role. I’d like to see him stretch and do something not so stereotypical of a rapper/actor.

Matt Dillon & Paul Walker play the perfect cop and robber respectively.

One of the most outstanding performances in the entire film is completed by R&B sensation, Chris Brown. Brown who has faced harsh criticism and very few breaks since his February 2008 altercation with Rihanna, proves that he is definitely a force to be reckoned with. I suspect that we will see many more films from the young crooner.

Not surprising to fans and supporters, the film has surpassed the predicted box-office numbers grossing over $21 million, and is presently in a battle for the #1 spot for opening weekend. Final box-office results are due out Monday morning, but I’m more than certain that TAKERS will take #1!

This is my first movie review. Overall, I give the film 4 out of 5 stars…  (4.5 for Idris & those boxer briefs! My, my, my GOD IS GOOD) Go see this movie!