The Take

Elba's magnetic physical presence delivers so much without doing much of anything. But his fans deserve so much better than a couple of dumb quips and a little ultra-violence.

Most of The Take's moving parts feel like spinning cogs, devoid of fit or function.

Yes, it's uncomfortable watching a terror-themed tale in a city that so recently dealt with real terrorism. But if you can get past that, the movie sweeps you along with a brisk pace and even dashes of humor.

A strictly by-the-numbers political thriller that fails to capitalize on Idris Elba's formidable screen presence.

Unimaginative, retrograde pulp fit for the bargain bin.

Director James Watkins keeps things reasonably interesting, but his characters are not well drawn, which hinders the buddy dynamic between Mason and Briar.

[The movie] falls to bits pretty badly in the home-straight and the story tosses any credibility out the window. But, by that time, the film has earned enough goodwill that you'll be prepared to just sit back and enjoy it until the credits roll.

...a stirring premise that’s employed to watchable yet far-from-spectacular effect...

By all accounts, this by-the-numbers buddy-cop movie should have stayed hidden on the top shelf where it has been left for the past four years.

There's a strange realism to the action, with characters not quite able to conduct parkour movements in that effortless, superhuman manner of Bond or Bourne.