The Takedown Review: Charismatic Actors Do Heavy Lifting In French Actioner
The Takedown, the sequel to On The Other Side Of The Tracks reunites Omar Sy and Laurent Lafitte as the mismatched cop duo who are on a mission to take down some far-right fools. While this latest outing from director Louis Leterrier and screenwriter Stéphane Kazandjian is a sequel, there is no need to be acquainted with its predecessor because The Takedown stands on its own.
The writing succinctly introduces (or reintroduces) the leading duo to audiences, setting them up for a new adventure. This time Ousmane Diakité (Sy) and François Monge (Lafitte) are working on a case of a bloody crime involving a body that was cut in half. Their investigation leads them to a rural town run by an extremely racist and bigoted mayor and the film goes from there.
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The French Lethal Weapon (or France’s Bon Cop, Bad Cop) plays on the great chemistry between the leads. However, Omar Sy's innate charisma gives The Takedown the boost it needs. The French actor is no stranger to Hollywood fare, but he is at his absolute best when speaking in his native tongue, as there is a preciousness and brilliance to his performance. As he expertly plays every facet of his character’s persona in the film, Sy proves that movie stars exist beyond the confines of Hollywood. On the other hand, Lafitte is an ideal foil to Sy, playing an insufferable character on paper who is made somewhat charming through the actor's portrayal.
Lafitte’s Monge has an interesting presence as his character intentionally contrasts the film's villains. Monge is a white man who believes himself infallible and above reproach, but is not so egotistical as to neglect his humanity. He is still wildly ignorant, especially
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