Take Cover review – Scott Adkins hitman thriller makes Fast & Furious look like Gilbert and Sullivan

In a recent interview about his latest film, “Take Cover,” Scott Adkins discusses his role as a veteran hitman whose choice to ta

In a recent interview about his latest film, “Take Cover,” Scott Adkins discusses his role as a veteran hitman whose choice to take “one last job” leads to unforeseen outcomes. In one particularly intense scene, a mercenary reveals his contempt for snipers, raising the tension levels significantly. “I fucking hate snipers,” he expresses in frustration after cornering Adkins’ character, Sam. This moment captures the film’s tone, which blends gritty humor with a buddy dynamic reminiscent of classic action films, yet with a more rugged flair.

Directed by Nick McKinless, a well-respected stuntman, “Take Cover” immerses audiences in Sam’s world, where he operates under a clandestine agency involved in government-sanctioned assassinations. When a mission goes awry, resulting in an innocent bystander getting hurt, Sam decides to walk away. However, he soon learns that in the world of action films, the cardinal rule is to never take that last mission. Things appear to take a turn for the better when their handler, Tamara, played by Alice Eve, provides them with accommodations at a luxury hotel, only for their situation to spiral into chaos following a sudden shot from a nearby skyscraper.

As Adkins transitions from a lighter comedic tone to a more serious one, this performance hints at an evolution in his career, possibly paving the way for him to become an action icon similar to Chuck Norris. While Adkins clearly possesses talent, “Take Cover” seems to struggle under the burden of clichés, offering limited opportunities for him to truly showcase his skills. Both McKinless and screenwriter Joshua James attempt to explore a range of themes, from humorous banter to the darker aspects of governmental authority, but many of these elements fail to strike a chord.

Additionally, “Take Cover” lacks the sophistication needed to make the most of its high-stakes premise. For example, the depiction of an elite sniper giving away their location with a lens flash feels implausible, and the characters’ decisions regarding cover raise questions considering the level of firepower at play. With a predictable twist and a set of generic fight scenes, the film doesn’t fully test the limits of Adkins’ abilities. For viewers in search of a more engaging sniper narrative, they might find “Night of the Hunted” to be a more rewarding experience.

“Take Cover” is set to be available on digital platforms starting October 14.