Take Down (1979)

Yawn. Poorly Filmed Snooze Fest.

Surprisingly incoherent and boring

Strong and Moving!

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

TAKE DOWN is one of those formulaic films where there is no question at any time where the film is going to go. It follows the direction of so many "struggling underdog" films from the past, without some of the mean- spiritedness that that appears in more recent films of its ilk. I first saw this film in 1978 or 1979 at a drive-in as the double bill to the fantastic original version of "Freaky Friday". TAKE DOWN is a sweet little film with some mild humor and extremely mild violence, so it's absolutely fine for family viewing. It's messages of camaraderie, supporting each other, and striving for improvement, no matter what one's social stature may be, are admirable traits. Edward Herman, always a fine actor, brings the same awkward lightness to his character that he would also display in Disney's "The North Avenue Irregulars" about a year later. In fact, it's almost like his wrestling coach from this film moved on to be a Priest in the latter film. Kathleen Lloyd, as Herman's ever supportive wife, displays the same sensitive solid performance she always does, making one wonder why this woman never had a more successful career.The story, basically a wrestling team version of "The Little Engine That Could" tries it's best to add side stories about poverty, pregnancy, and early death to make it appear a bit more fleshed out, but some of that, to a modern audience, may bring laughter or eye rolling. But when the film was released, it all made for a sweet, fun time. For those less jaded, and for those who yearn for the days when sweet films could still be aimed at adults,(something that disapeared in 1980 just after the release of the sweet film "Xanadu") TAKE DOWN will hit the spot. Too bad the film came out on Unicorn Video and then promptly disappeared. Doubtful it will ever see the light of DVD or Bluray. The director, Lamas and Lloyd are all still alive- can you imagine a nice commentary track by the three on this forgotten film?You will find nothing new in TAKE DOWN, but it's like and old dress with a new hem or frill: very familiar and comfortable, with a few small changes.

I haven't seen this movie since it aired on HBO in 1979-1980. It must have aired 100 times that month, since HBO was young, and we just got it at my home in Pittsburgh, PA. Wrestling is not a big sport everywhere, but it was in Pittsburgh, so this was a movie I had really wanted to see, as I was a cheerleader, and thought it would be fun to watch. It was a beautiful story, of love, and awkwardness, overcoming difficult home life circumstances, triumph, teamwork, and growth. Lorenzo Lamas, was young and handsome, and his relationship with the coach and English teacher was touching and very realistic. Lorenzo also sang the theme song for this movie...an acoustic guitar performance that I remember touched me. Years later, as a young adult, I got to speak to him on the radio about this film as well as his other early work in Grease, Secrets of Midland Heights, and then of course Falcon Crest. He was surprised I knew of this film and he was very proud of this. He couldn't remember the words to the song, but sang me the Star Spangled Banner instead. Great Memories!

Vincent Roberts shines as Bobby Cooper, Maureen McCormick's brother. He shows a sense of shyness, sensitivity, and vulnarability when he finds out that he is sick. He decides to quit the wrestling team just before they must wrestle their arch-rivals Rockville. He makes a touching speech to Nick (Lorenzo Lamas) when Nick gives up on the team. Bobby would give anything to go back and he can't. It is a touching and somewhat sad tribute to this actor whose career was cut short. His death at the age of 21 has saddened me very much.

This is Lamas'( Falcon Crest, Renegade) first big role in a movie. He gives us his most sensitive performance. He even pens a song for the movie which he performs. You also see Maureen McCormick acting her most Marcia Bradyist and an early performance by Stephen Furst(St Elsewhere, Babylon5). It is the story of a down and out town. The people have been down so long they don't even try to get up. Just before graduation a small group of kids decide they want one win before a life of defeat and they give it everything. Their great hope is Nick(Lamas) who has enough problems of his own( a drunken father who he covers for at work so often that he will probably not graduate). Can one 18 year old boy with the world against him find the courage in himself to succeed against all odds?