The first trailer for the latest film from one of our favorite new(er) directors has landed and from the looks of things, David Ayer is returning to his Training Day and End of Watch roots in terms of subject matter, locale, and tone. The flick stars Shia LaBeouf as the titular character, The Tax Collector, someone who ensures things are paid in a timely manner.
LaBeouf is joined by Narcos: Mexico star Bobby Soto as enforcers for a crime boss who goes by the magical moniker of Wizard. As we learn from the teaser, this dynamic duo is charged with gathering their boss’ percentage of all local gangs’ earnings. We’re talking Los Angeles and to say that everyone in those gangs is happy about this arrangement is naïve. Yet, when our Tax Collectors show up, things have gotten too real.
The crux of our drama arrives in the form of Soto’s family being kidnapped. Told you not everyone is thrilled about Wizard’s role in the crime syndicate that is LA.
LaBeouf’s character goes by the name of Creeper, while Soto scores a bit more of a “normal” title with David. Needless to say, if someone knocks at the door and says it’s “Creeper,” I’m thinking running is the next thought one produces!
In the press notes it relays some fascinating facts from the Ayer script, most notably that there are 43 different street gangs that are made up of souls who would die for their collective brotherhood. So, Creeper and David’s work is a continual uphill battle, but this … this has gotten personal. Don’t touch a man’s family! Then again, when has the drug cartels and those who do business with them ever been ethical?
The Tax Collector also stars George Lopez (whose everywhere lately, what with his brand new (and hilarious) Netflix stand-up special. Lopez is joined by Cinthya Carmona in the supporting acting duties department.
After 2019’s stellar work from LaBeouf, we’d watch anything he worked on. If you’ve missed his semi-autobiographical Honey Boy or the endearing The Peanut Butter Falcon, rectify that immediately! Ayer previously enjoyed the actor’s talents in his World War II tank flick, Fury.
It’s nice to see Ayer returning to his gritty roots after he worked on Suicide Squad and Bright.
Look for The Tax Collector to come calling on VOD and select theaters (if they’re open) on August 7.