It seems Matt Dillon has decided that ensemble crime films are his shtick now. After starring in the recent Armored (2009), he continues the trend with the upcoming Takers.
Once again, he’s got quite a few memorable names going along with him, but this time a lot more of them are either inexperienced rap stars or actors past the peak of their popularity. The rappers include Chris Brown and Tip “T. I.” Harris, but the past-their-popularity actors are a lot more interesting, since they include Paul Walker (Fast & Furious (2009)) and Hayden Christensen (Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge Of The Sith (2005)). Will people flock to the theaters to see these once popular stars, or is this film just a vehicle to highlight how far they’ve fallen?
Just like Armored (2009), I’m thinking this one won’t do huge business in theaters, but will probably pick up a little on DVD rentals once it’s available. After all, without huge names, most will probably just think this another in a long line of decent, but forgettable action films, and will save their money until they can watch it from the comfort of their own home.
Still, I’ve been wrong before (Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009) was a huge hit, for instance), so maybe Takers will introduce a new action star and/or revive some flagging careers. If so, good for them – but I’ll still probably wait for the DVD to check this one out.
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