"with no real emotional core, it was really difficult to connect with the characters  "

In Takers, Gordon (Idris Elba) leads a crew of armed robbers consisting of John (Paul Walker), Jake (Michael Ealy), Jesse (Chris Brown), and A.J (Hayden Christensen). I was excited to see the film, I'm not really a fan of "heist movies" but more a fan of the cast. Idris Elba and Paul Walker are terrific actors and were on top form on this occasion. Elba seems to have carved himself a wonderful career jumping from British television to Hollywood.

The audience is tossed into two different action sequences from the start with no explanation of why we are watching these scenes. It's like waking up in the middle of a fight then getting punched in the back of the head and the face simultaneously. After the disorientation, your head starts to clear up and things finally come into focus.

I enjoyed the action and the intricacy of the set pieces, however with no real emotional core, it was really difficult to connect with the characters, and apart from Gordon there wasn't a great deal of character development.

This seems to be regurgitation of other films of this genre, and while I did enjoy the style and action, it was too predictable, a couple of things will surprise you but how ever new and fresh it looks, deep down it's pretty much old hat. That being said the chase scene between the two cops (Matt Dillion and Jay Hernandez) and the youngest "Taker" (Chris Brown), is spectacular.

The thrilling scenes coupled with a pumping bass soundtrack keeps your attention. It isn't for everyone, the older audience will dismiss it as something they've seen before, but the younger audience will love it.