The Takeover

Entertaining little Dutch thriller which doesn't outlast it's welcome. Holly Mae Brood plays Mel, a computer hacker who annoys the wrong people. She's framed for a murder she didn't commit and the only person who can help her is Buddy (Frank Lammers). It's all about facial recognition and what can happen when the technology gets in the wrong hands. Mel and her boyfriend Thomas (Geza Weisz) have to get the information that will prove her innocence to the police. She's chased by the murderous Rogers (Lawrence Sheldon) but gets away before the police capture him. It all ends in a runaway driverless bus and Mel and Thomas save the day before the bus crashes. Enjoyable little film, been done before but likeable all the same.

I've tried so hard lately to find good movies on Netflix or Hulu and most stuff I've seen is just crap, especially nearly all action movies. For The Takeover I thought the plot and story were good, the pace was good, and it stayed interesting from beginning to end. The acting was fine and did not distract. This was an entertaining movie with a great central actress.

The criticisms I'm skimming through are uninteresting to me. I don't care about the authenticity of "the hacking scenes." I was expecting something cringe-worthy but it never came.

It's not winning any Oscars but I found this interesting and entertaining for what it is. As long as you don't come in expecting Mad Max Fury Road you can have a nice 85 minutes. I liked it.

No pun intended - also numbers not taking over ... I think. But my impossible to follow train of thoughts aside, the movie is quite easy to follow. Actually so easy that some got bored (I see you and I totally understand) - this is not really a movie that will have many surprises for most viewers.

If you like thrillers though you may not care too much. European thrillers - now there are way better ones than this one. Still there are some interesting choices in story and characters development. Cliches are being thrown at us, but that is something to be expected. As is the ending and many other things here ... again, do suspend your disbelief and go with the flow ... if you can.

I always find it amusing, when US "critics" write about "realism" in a European production, whereas approx. 75 per cent of Hollywood productions are everything BUT realistic. This goes also time and again and often enough for poor acting and directing.

The pace in this flick from the Netherlands ist OK, the acting maybe average, direction is OK, the storyline could be worse, agreed.

And, so? It's not a Hollywood-blockbuster (whatever THAT is supposed to be) and we do not have the humongous budgets over here to pull a flick like TOP GUN MAVERICK.

Nuthin' personal though, so chill.

Greetings from good 'ole Europe.

The Take Over (2022) presents a riveting techno-thriller centered around an ethical hacker who finds herself framed for murder after uncovering a privacy scandal. As she becomes a target of both law enforcement and the criminals blackmailing her, the hacker must navigate a treacherous landscape, evading the authorities while striving to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The plot weaves a compelling tale of suspense, intrigue, and high-stakes cat-and-mouse games, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats throughout. The protagonist's portrayal, brought to life by the talented lead actress, captures the character's resilience and determination as she grapples with the daunting challenges thrust upon her. The supporting cast delivers strong performances, adding depth and tension to the narrative as the protagonist races against time to clear her name and confront the shadowy forces working against her.

Visually striking, The Take Over captivates with its portrayal of the hacker's digital world, seamlessly blending sleek cinematography with a pulsating musical score that heightens the film's tension and urgency.

Director Simon Kinberg adeptly crafts a narrative that delves into the ethical dilemmas inherent in the digital age, skillfully combining elements of suspense, action, and psychological thriller. The film's well-paced storytelling and seamless editing maintain an electrifying momentum, ensuring that viewers are fully immersed in the protagonist's harrowing journey.

In conclusion, The Take Over is a captivating exploration of technology, power, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. With its compelling characters, intense thrills, and a plot teeming with unexpected twists, The Take Over is a must-see for fans of gripping, high-tech thrillers.