[Review] The Tax Collector(2020) {5.5/10}

Written and Directed by David Ayer, Starring Shia LeBeouf (Creeper), Bobby Soto (David Cuevas), Cinthya Carmona(Alexis Cuevas), George Lope(Uncle Louis) and Jose Conejo Martin, The Tax Collector follows David and his friend Creeper(Shia LeBeouf), working for Uncle Louis and for a mysterious figure called 'Wizard'. They are the "The Tax Collectors" in South Los Angeles i.e. They make sure the protection money is paid. David(Bobby Soto) is a loving father and husband to Alexis and he occasionally shows kindness.

Unfortunately a new evil Crime Boss(Jose Conejo Martin) suddenly appears on the scene, looking to take over. Conejo asks David to join his gang and work for him to which David declines and then finds out that his own family is threatened. In the end, he has no choice but to head for a showdown. The film touches upon many variables dealing with Culture, Family, Social Norms, Fierce Tribal Loyalities and Street Politics.

Despite it's vivid L.A backdrop and dedicated performances, this crime drama fails to succeed. It lacks character development. A lot of backstory is missing which could have helped in development of the characters and their story arcs. At one point you will feel like a lot of stuff didn't made into the final cut of the movie. Shia Lebouf's Creeper does not have a much to do other than act psychotic and intimidating. His character does not do anything that proves his psychotic behaviour.

The performers who seem to be trying tend to be stifled. They end up slavishly serving the story rather than emerging as the character that are potraying. David Ayer's "The Tax Collector" is just a generic showdown between Good and Evil with little to no character development.

The Tax Collector is now available on VOD and Streaming.