Movie Review: "Takers"

Seen on: August 10, 2010

The players: Director: John Luessenhop, Writers: John Luessenhop, Peter Allen, Cast: Idris Elba, Chris Brown, T.I., Paul Walker, Hayden Christensen, Matt Dillon

Facts of interest: None.

The plot: A gang of bank robbers try to pull of a major heist. Meanwhile, two cops try to track them down and arrest them for good.

Our thoughts: It sure took a while for John Luessenhop’s “Takers” to find its way to theaters, but now it’s finally here and that means it’s time to decide whether the wait was actually worth it. Let me put it this way: even though “Takers” is by no means a memorable movie experience, it boasts a cool visual style and enough fast-paced action to keep cinemagoers entertained for an hour and a half.

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First 'Fast Five' ('Fast and Furious 5') set photos

Justin Lin has started filming "Fast Five," the fifth installment in the popular "Fast & Furious" series, and actor Tyrese Gibson has posted some set photos from the shoot on his Twitter page. See above/below.

The film, also starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson and Charisma Carpenter, is set for release June 10, 2011. Oh, and "Fast Five" follows Diesel and Walker as fugitives pursued by cops.

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Universal confirms fifth 'Fast & Furious'

Vin Diesel already hinted at it via Facebook back in January: Universal is definitely moving forward with a fifth "Fast & Furious" flick, and the way it looks, we will see it on the big screen next year already.

Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, director Justin Lin and producer Neal H. Moritz will all return for the fifth installment in the series, which is tentatively titled "Fast Five." Chris Morgan ("Wanted") is writing the script.

The story? Well, according to Variety, "Fast Five" follows Diesel and Walker as fugitives pursued by ruthless cops. I think I've heard that one before, in one way or another. Shooting will begin later this year.

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Movie Review: “Fast & Furious”

Seen on: April 3, 2009

The players: Director: Justin Lin, Writer: Chris Morgan, Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, John Ortiz, Gal Gadot

Facts of interest: Lin also directed "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift."

The plot: Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) reteam to infiltrate the operations of a ruthless drug lord.

Our quick thoughts: Vin Diesel and Paul Walker re-team on the big screen in Justin Lin’s “Fast & Furious,” and while this fourth installment in the popular series is not exactly as much fun as the first film, it certainly does deliver a handful of vibrant, over-the-top sequences that will undoubtedly entertain die-hard fans and admirers of pimped rides.

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'Fast & Furious' web reviews

Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster re-team in Justin Lin's latest "Fast & Furious" sequel, in which lead characters Dominic Toretto and Brian O'Conner infiltrate the operation of a ruthless heroin importer. Here's what the Web's critics have to say:

• Ron Henriques at LatinoReview: "That's really what this franchise is all about, visual thrills. Whether it be fast cars or girls making out, if that's your pleasure 'Fast & Furious' certainly delivers."

• RopeOfSilicon's Brad Brevet: "This film is in no way a masterpiece, but it sure was a lot of fun."

• Joblo's JimmyO: "If you are a fan, I think there is absolutely some good fun to be had. Don’t expect to care too much about the plot or anything else for that matter."

• Josh Tyler at Cinema Blend: "I’d rather spend a night in the slammer than sit through this again."

• Collider's Matt Goldberg: "But even for us laypeople who just like fast cars and big wrecks (without the grim reminders of car accident deaths), the film doesn't offer much."

This week's new movie releases - April 3, 2009

This week, we're only looking at two wide releases: Greg Mottola's comedy "Adventureland" with Jesse Eisenberg, Ryan Reynolds, Kristen Stewart and Bill Hader, and Justin Lin's "Fast & Furious," starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster:

FAST & FURIOUS

Synopsis: When a crime brings them back to L.A., fugitive ex-con Dom Toretto reignites his feud with agent Brian O'Conner. But as they are forced to confront a shared enemy, Dom and Brian must give in to an uncertain new trust if they hope to outmanuever him. And from convoy heists to precision tunnel crawls across international lines, two men will find the best way to get revenge: push the limits of what's possible behind the wheel.

First thoughts: I enjoyed "The Fast and the Furious," but I wasn't at all impressed by "2 Fast 2 Furious." I haven't even seen "Tokyo Drift." Anyway, the return of the original cast does souns appealing, and I am really interested to see whether Walker and Diesel can steer this franchise back into the right direction.

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Two new 'Fast & Furious' TV spots now online

Two brand-new television spots for Justin Lin's upcoming "Fast & Furious" surfaced online today, and you can check them out after the jump.

As you can see, these spots feature a bit of new footage as well. When a crime brings them back to L.A., fugitive ex-con Dom Toretto (Diesel) reignites his feud with agent Brian O'Conner (Walker).

But as they are forced to confront a shared enemy, Dom and Brian must give in to an uncertain new trust if they hope to outmanuever him.

And from convoy heists to precision tunnel crawls across international lines, two men will find the best way to get revenge: push the limits of what's possible behind the wheel.

Fasten your seat belts, folks. "Fast & Furious" will roll into theaters April 3, 2009.

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Explosive new 'Fast & Furious' trailer hits!

Tough guys, chases, explosions, pimped cars and a screaming Michelle Rodriguez... that's what you get in the new trailer for "Fast & Furious."

Vin Diesel and Paul Walker return as Dominic Toretto and Brian O'Conner, who team up to infiltrate the operation of a ruthless heroin importer.

As you can see in the preview after the jump, they both seem to be in great shape. I'm not particularly a fan of the sequels to the first flick, but what I've seen of this one so far looks rather cool.

Yeah, I admit it: this trailer kicks butt. "Fast & Furious" is directed by Justin Lin, and Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster and Sung Kang are also back in action.

Look for the film in theaters everywhere April 3, 2009.

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Six more go ‘Bone Deep’

Screen Gems’ crime thriller “Bone Deep” just started shooting, and the cast is still growing. According to Variety, Michael Ealy, Steve Harris, Jay Hernandez, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Zoe Saldana and Johnathon Schaech are the latest to jump on board.

Written by John Luessenhop, Gabriel Casseus, Avery Duff and Peter Allen, the plot enters on a gang of criminals who plan a tricky heist at a money depot. Paul Walker, Hayden Christensen, Matt Dillon, Idris Elba, Chris Brown and rapper T.I. (Clifford Joseph Harris Jr.) co-star.

Walker plays the head of the robbers, while Christensen jumps into the role of a young detective. Dillion stars as the detective who interrupts the criminals' plan.

Ealy‘s acting credits include “Barbershop” and its sequel, “Barbershop 2: Back in Business.” He will next be seen in Spike Lee’s WWII drama “Mircale at St. Anna.” Harris appeared in “Diary of a Mad Black Woman.” His next project is “Quarantine.”

As for Hernandez, he is known for his role in “Hostel” and "Hostel: Part II.” His upcoming projects include “Lakeview Terrace” and “Quarantine.” Saldana last starred in “Vantage Point,” while Schaech recently appeared in “Prom Night.” Jean-Baptiste will next star in “City of Ember.”

Walker, Christensen go 'Bone Deep'

Paul Walker and Hayden Christensen are the latest to join the cast of John Lussenhop’s upcoming thriller “Bone Deep,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

In the Screen Gems project, a gang of criminals plan a tricky heist at a money depot. Matt Dillon, Idris Elba, Chris Brown and rapper T.I. (Clifford Joseph Harris Jr.) are already on board. 

Walker plays the head of the robbers, while Christensen jumps into the role of a young detective. Dillion stars as the detective who interrupts the criminals' plan.

Christensen most recently starred in "Jumper." He will next be seen in "New York, I Love You." As for Walker, he will next star alongside Vin Diesel in Justin Lin's upcoming action sequel "Fast & Furious."