(12A) 106min

From its unsophisticated title onwards, Takers is a most basic heist movie. Frenetic action, headache-inducing score, minimal characterisation and a napkin-sized plot, if you’re looking for the new Heat then this certainly isn’t it. Still, if you’re after the cinematic equivalent of a sugar rush then this second film from director John Luessenhop (following Lockdown) might appeal.

The plot concerns a quintet of LA-based thieves (including The Wire’s Idris Elba, for once using his British accent, Paul Walker and Hayden Christensen), who scheme to take down an armoured car worth $25 million. Naturally, there’s a cop on their tail, in the shape of Matt Dillon’s seen-it-all detective. And – surprise, surprise – things don’t go according to plan.

In truth, the action sequences are well handled – in particular a thrilling on-foot chase through downtown LA. But it’s when Takers attempts to flesh out its characters or add dimensions to the story that it trips over itself – notably with the sub-plot involving Elba’s drug-addict sister (a terrible Marianne Jean-Baptiste). Flashy, loud and mildly obnoxious, if dollars were clichés, then this film would be cash-rich.

General release, Fri 1 Oct.