Take Down (1979)

One of the best films i have seen

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%

The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.

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!

I do not like sports movies. Let me repeat that: I DO NOT LIKE sports movies. Still, there are a handful of them I highly recommend and this is one of them. It's a well crafted, touching story with solid, thoroughly believable acting by Herrmann and indeed most of the cast. It captures the flavor of small town schools and sports very well, and almost everyone will understand and sympathize with the characters' personal struggles, particularly the two protagonists as one endures the travails of the young and the other the realization that what he thought he wanted and what really matters aren't necessarily the same.The cinematography captures the look and feel of a small town in rural America very well and the supporting cast gives a good portrayal of the kind of people you find in such towns and the kinds of kids you find in their schools--reliable, honest, subject to their own strongly held feelings, and absolutely focused on The Big Rival High School and the upcoming contest.I highly recommend this movie. It's a pity it's so seldom seen on satellite; it's well worth watching.

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.