Take Me Out (2018) User Reviews

Powerful Film with a Strong Message

[bohemianpirate-871-383487 · 8/10 · 3 February 2019]

Take Me Out is a powerful film with a strong message. I certainly related to the issue of trying to live up to a more successful sibling and I connected with the main character, Nicholas, for that reason. There's much more that he and this family go through. I was moved in the end because it's made with enormous heart, has an extremely talented cast (Darwin Smith, Sonya Barnes, and Idrees Degas are noteworthy!!!) directed with expertise by Joe Shanks. More people need to see this film. Definitely recommend!

A story of lofty expectations

[alexanderhanno · 8/10 · 18 February 2019]

Take Me Out is an urban family drama that fans of modern melodrama will surely enjoy. From start to finish, this film is filled with conflict; from a verbally abusive and cheating father, to a son's struggle with lofty expectations, to a mother's plight to choose between what is right and what makes her feel whole. Darwin Smith leads the cast as an empathetic son at the center of it all who flashes moments of nuanced, visual comedy to alleviate some of the thick tension. With a large cast and a host of family problems, there's a character in here for everyone to relate to.

A good story hat needs to be told

[johnapplebee-95947 · 8/10 · 29 December 2018]

This story is about a family who had it all but because the husband and father had alterior motives it messed up his family. But they were strong enough to bounce back. See how

Once You See It, Follow Your Path

[TheAll-SeeingI · 9/10 · 29 December 2018]

Don't be fooled by the baseball-centric title and marketing imagery: You don't have to know the difference between balls and strikes to find one of life's most compelling themes at work at the core of "Take Me Out."

That's because Joe Shanks retells the age-old story of purpose; of finding one's path naturally, borne of one's own conclusions and desires, and free from the claustrophobic expectations of others (clumsily well-intentioned or otherwise). On Shanks' side in his tale-telling is a series of astute casting choices: Darwin Smith, Sonya Barnes, and Idrees Degas deliver the core acting, and they do it in a way that allows us to get out of the weeds of technical evaluation of the film so its themes can better play on our heads and our sense of self: Am I doing what I want to be doing, and did I make my own choices in getting here?

Inevitably, this is the question that plagues us now and may be the last we ask of ourselves on our respective death beds. Between now and then, filmic storytelling in exploration of this huge existential question will continue; some efforts will make the grade and others will slip, same as it ever was. Take Me Out meets the standard, and is the kind of brain food that inspires.

An inspiring tale about finding your path

[jblockbuster · 9/10 · 17 September 2019]

Take me out is a moving tale about the journey of a young man to find his place. We all can rely to our struggles to free ourselves from expectations to do what we want, and in that regard this film made me ask myself - a question everyone should ask themselves I believe once in a while - how about me? How about now? Do I chose my own path or am I following society, or family expectations? The film captured me from start to finish.

The cast, cinematography and score are great, a well directed and produced indie film.

One Terrific Film

[craigahrens · 9/10 · 12 September 2019]

I noticed all of the "5" and "4" ratings and thought.... why no 1's, 2's or 3's. I thought that sure is strange... until I watched this film. I thought this was going to be more of a sports movie. Wrong! It was a terrific story of finding your own way, your journey so to speak. Director Joe Shanks does a great job in directing this film. The actors are spot on (great job casting) and the story is wonderful. If you're in the mood of a good, fun film that will hold your interest throughout... this film is for you!

Moving amusing and engaging!

[Anmer93 · 9/10 · 6 September 2019]

A moving, amusing and engaging piece of independent cinema. Although it lacks the sheen on the big budget blockbusters, the story and characters are as strong as any of its studio competitors. The message is clear and excellently conveyed with strong performances a good script and a charming atmosphere.

This was well crafted saw it on Amazon

[tkonkle · 10/10 · 23 February 2020]

I didn't know what to expect but I was so so pleasantly surprised to find this well made, well acted (the director Joe Shanks played a role) and very heartfelt movie. I dislike throwing "urban drama" I am a white guy this is a human drama at its core about love, family the main character, Nicholas, struggles with his mother and father and with finding his purpose and place are universal struggles. Joe Shanks impresses with a command of direction and shot selection and very assured cinematography. The backdrop of baseball is a great familiar starting point for this story about expectations in life and disappointments. This is why indie films need a place to be seen here. It was personal, it got to me and it was quality. I dont know him but I hope he reads this and knows I am truly appreciative that he made the movie and shared it.

A penetrating look

[dtysonlam · 9/10 · 9 January 2019]

A penetrating look into a suburban black family and how the trials and tribulations are all the same. Was really impressed by the lead actor. At times, the art direction lacked a bit, but the quality of the acting and the depth of the dialogue and moments of silence really resonated with me.

Very captivating story

[kisiel-1 · 9/10 · 29 December 2018]

Excellent indie drama with a solid cast and quality film making. I highly recommend it!

Compelling Indie Sports and Family Drama

[JGReviews · 9/10 · 3 October 2019]

Take Me Out is an indie sports drama directed by Joe Shanks. The film is both a family drama and a coming of age story about Nicholas Dupree, who lives in the shadow of his athlete brother. The relationships within this family are complex and Nicholas struggles a bit to find his path. I enjoyed this indie film. It feels modern but with the familiar tone of many sports/family dramas that we've all loved over the years. I'm a big sports fan so that added to my enjoyment of this film, but at its core, Take Me Out is about Nicholas finding his way and navigating the relationships in his family as well. Check it out!

Sweet Indie About Youth and Growing up in Chicago

[dfranklin-41821 · 8/10 · 22 February 2020]

This was a small film, a character piece largely, but it had a lot of heart and made excellent use of available locales in the city of Chicago - if you're into indie or sports dramas, or have love for the Chi at all, this one is definitely worth a watch.

Home Run!

[payperfilm · 8/10 · 24 February 2020]

"Take Me Out" is a wonderful movie about betrayal and baseball. It centers around Nicholas Dupree, his overbearing father Farris played by Idrees Degas, his over achieving older brother Ricky played by Joe Shanks, and his supportive mother Carol played by Sonya Barnes. As Nicholas fails to live to his father's baseball aspirations, his father and brother let him down as well. His life thrown into turmoil . As he seeks to gather himself, the thing that gave so much grief brings him redemption. Baseball fans may be disappointed with the lack of actual baseball in the film but should be happy knowing the Dupree family. The acting, story, and direction are strong. The production values are good as well although there are times the film could have benefited from a higher budget with a noticeable lack of background actors to make some scenes more authentic. Take Me Out is a strong entry in the world of independent film and family drama. This film deserves an audience.

A refreshing twist on a classic story

[Phil_Chester · 25 January 2019]

A really engrossing tale of finding one's purpose and identity in life. Delivers a new twist on some classic tropes, which makes it refreshing as well as entertaining. Scored to some great RnB beats too. Certainly worth a watch.

Loved it!

[theparanormalcritic72 · 9/10 · 29 February 2020]

I first want to state that I love baseball and I'm a big Chicago Cubs fan. So of course a baseball movie intrigued me. But I wasn't expecting much from an Indy with unknown actors. Needless to say, what an amazing heart felt movie. I loved the performances, direction, storyline. Take me out is a hit!!!!

A Great Sports Indie Film

[vigilant56 · 8/10 · 22 January 2020]

Take Me Out is a coming of age story about how living in the shadow of a star athlete has its ups and downs especially for a sibling. The writer also shows us how a star athlete can affect the extended family and all the drama that comes with it. The fact that the family resides in a decent neighborhood flips the script on the stereotype. Two thumps up for me!