Stephen King Endorses Overlooked Action Film Despite Low Rotten Tomatoes Rating

Stephen King has a taste for entertainment that often surprises many. Beyond his well-known love for horror, the author enjoys shows and films that some might dismiss. For instance, he has admitted to enjoying "Prison Break" due to its exaggerated and outlandish moments. Similarly, King appreciates high-energy action movies, even those that critics have largely ignored.

One such film is "Takers", a 2010 thriller featuring Idris Elba, Paul Walker, and Chris Brown. Despite its notable cast, the movie holds only a 28% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The plot follows a crew of professional thieves attempting to rob a highly secured armored vehicle, leading to conflicts with law enforcement and rival criminals.

Directed by John Luessenhop, "Takers" does not reinvent the heist genre, yet King found its story and action sequences compelling. In a 2010 column for Entertainment Weekly, he remarked, "This satisfyingly complex cops-and-robbers film features excellent performances from Matt Dillon, Idris Elba, and surprisingly Hayden Christensen. The climax stretches believability, but the characters feel genuine, and the armored-car heist is the most thrilling action scene Ive seen this year."

While King appreciated the characters and spectacle, critics have been far less impressed. Few consider "Takers" among the best action movies, although it may deserve more credit than its negative reviews suggest. On Rotten Tomatoes, audiences gave it a 62% rating, significantly higher than the critics score, reflecting a notable gap between professional reviewers and general viewers.

Critics argue that while the film delivers exciting action, its script and character development are unoriginal and underwhelming. This contrast highlights the difference between Kings enthusiasm and the critical consensus. Nevertheless, for many viewers, "Takers" remains an entertaining heist movie that, while not exceptional, still satisfies its genres expectations.

Author: Sophia Brooks