The Take

Director James Watkins (The Woman in Black) has shown himself to be a master of suspense, but with this action movie he presses the pedal firmly to the metal. Taking the role of maverick hero is Idris Elba, who plays an agent involved in a CIA surveillance operation in Paris. His unit is pursuing pickpocket Richard Madden, who has stolen a bag containing an explosive device intended for the French Nationalist Party HQ. After the bomb goes off, the explosion is pinned on Islamic extremists. However, after joining forces, Elba and Madden discover that all is not quite as it seems. Having the Americans played by Brits gives the film a phoney feel, as does making them the good guys irrespective of their interference in French affairs. The buddy dynamic also never gets going, but the film certainly delivers on the thrills front, with Elba making a charismatic lead.