The Take Out Move (2022) Film Review
Andrew Simonian’s The Take Out Move is a very silly movie. So silly, you will perhaps feel the need to stop for a while and wonder if the people behind the camera are serious about committing you to finish what will probably be an irrelevant experience. Let me tell you: Don’t stop. Keep on going.
The Take Out Move isn’t your typical comedy film, and you shouldn’t watch it under the standards of films that follow a formula. We have enough of those, and on the other side, we got ideas turned into films. Perhaps some of those ideas have already been the subject of short films (if only more films were done under that concept…). In the case of Simonian’s feature, he took the best of his previous work and attempted to make something better. For that he deserves a smile from the audience.
The story is pretty simple. A mysterious young man instructs two idiots to go to a girl’s house and take her out. When they both arrive, they realize it won’t be as easy without her suspecting much of it. They engage in endless fighting in all sorts of ways. Who will win? Nobody knows.
And that’s about it. The Take Out Move is a fun collection of physical comedy taken to the extreme (with the help of the director’s friends and family), and a storyline that’s neither worth remembering or compelling. You’re better off analyzing how some scenes were shot and smirking when the film’s editing points you towards it.
When Simonian tries to streamline his film into the typical path, he loses some control and The Take Out Move starts looking too much like others. Mixing this move with raunchy comedy isn’t as natural as it should be, but at least the film recovers itself with the help of great fight scenes and the physicality of two actors that are adamant to follow the film’s spirit to the very end. To call this admirable is an understatement.
You will remember other films. More specifically, you will remember scenes from those films. And it’s OK. You’re allowed to do this, and indie filmmaking should be more consistent when relying on the inspiration behind them. Simonian isn’t as direct when doing this, so it should be more personal than ever. For me, it was Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey and Wayne’s World 2. Which was it for you? The Kung Fu scene was just hilarious with the dubbing, the terrible special effects and grainy camera effects.
Made for a couple thousand dollars, The Take Out Move isn’t the kind of film that stays with you and lingers on your mind for days. It’s more of an experiment with lots of punchlines and repetitive scenes and great fights. The story isn’t that logical and you will have many questions if you think too much of it. This isn’t an experience for insightful reference, so don’t even try it. But try getting that “couch move” out of your mind. It won’t be easy, trust me.
Grab a beer, invite your friends and have fun with the Cali comedy made with love!
