The Tax Collector (2020) Movie Review: Gritty Crime Drama with Intense Performances
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Introduction
“The Tax Collector,” directed by David Ayer and released in 2020, is a gritty crime drama that dives deep into the violent underworld of Los Angeles. Starring Bobby Soto and Shia LaBeouf, the film explores themes of loyalty, family, and power, encapsulating the raw and brutal realities of gang life.
Plot Summary
The story centers around David Cuevas (Bobby Soto) and his partner Creeper (Shia LaBeouf), who work as “tax collectors” for a local crime lord named Wizard. Their job is to collect a cut of the profits from various gangs operating in the city. David leads a double life, balancing his violent work with his responsibilities as a devoted family man. Creeper, on the other hand, is a ruthless enforcer with a penchant for violence.
The plot thickens when a rival crime boss named Conejo (Jose Conejo Martin) returns to Los Angeles, threatening to disrupt the balance of power. As tensions escalate, David finds his family in grave danger and must navigate a treacherous path to protect them. The film builds towards a climactic showdown, exploring the depths of loyalty and the cost of survival in the criminal underworld.
Performance and Direction
Bobby Soto delivers a strong performance as David Cuevas, portraying a man torn between his brutal profession and his love for his family. Shia LaBeouf stands out as Creeper, fully immersing himself in the role of a hardened enforcer. His intense and committed performance adds a significant edge to the film.
David Ayer, known for his work on “Training Day” and “End of Watch,” brings his signature style to “The Tax Collector.” His direction effectively captures the gritty and unforgiving nature of gang life in Los Angeles. The screenplay, also written by Ayer, offers a mix of action and character-driven drama, though some critics feel that the story lacks depth and originality.
Critical Reception
“The Tax Collector” received mixed to negative reviews from critics, with some praising the performances and action sequences while others criticized the film for its familiar tropes and lack of narrative depth.
Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a score of 19% based on 79 reviews, with an average rating of 3.9/10. The consensus reads: “A taxing and unrewarding watch, The Tax Collector fails to collect on any of its potential payoff.”
Metacritic scores the film at 22 out of 100, indicating “generally unfavorable reviews.”
Despite the critical reception, “The Tax Collector” has found an audience appreciative of its intense action and raw portrayal of gang life.
Streaming Availability
For viewers in the United States, “The Tax Collector” is available on several streaming platforms. You can stream it on:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Hulu
Additionally, the film is available for rental or purchase on:
- Apple iTunes
- Google Play Movies
- Vudu
Final Thoughts
“The Tax Collector” offers a gritty look into the violent world of Los Angeles gangs, anchored by strong performances from Bobby Soto and Shia LaBeouf. While the film’s story may not break new ground, its intense action sequences and raw portrayal of gang life provide an engaging experience for fans of the genre.
For those who appreciate crime dramas with a dark and unflinching look at the underworld, “The Tax Collector” is worth a watch. David Ayer’s direction and the committed performances elevate the film, making it a notable entry in the crime drama genre.
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