JOHN Leguizamo knocks it out of the park as an armored car driver in “The Take,” which is quite a bit better than you’d expect from a low-budget thriller that’s getting a token theatrical release a month ahead of its DVD debut.
Leguizamo’s character nearly dies of gunshot wounds he suffers during a heist, but emerges as the chief suspect in what looks a lot like an inside job to the authorities. Struggling with brain injuries and mood swings, Leguizamo seeks to clear himself by hunting down the actual chief culprit (Tyrese Gibson).
Debuting director Brad Furman is equally skilled at staging an extended chase sequence in a very gritty Los Angeles and depicting Leguizamo’s family life. With nuanced performances by Rosie Perez as Leguizamo’s wife and Bobby Cannavale as a sympathetic FBI agent – as well as Leguizamo’s most impressive screen work to date – Furman is a director to watch.
Running time: 95 minutes. Rated R (violence, profanity). At the Broadway and 62nd Street.