Taken

A Macho version of Not Without My Daughter. This movie reeks of classic tough French guys’ movies “one man against hundreds" with Belmondo or Delon (it reminds me most -maybe too much - of Cop’s Honor). But the reek is a bit stale. The uninteresting prolog (twenty-five minutes) and the epilog chip away at any positive impression you may have had. In reality this is good, but not outstanding; it begins to be so only after it moves to Paris. And there’s far too much talking, when the characters don’t have anything to say. If only they would take action instead. Another negative aspect is Maggie Grace, or rather her role. She is so unlikeable that I am surprised that anybody would think it worth letting loose such hell in the peaceful city on the Seine. But there are positive sides as well. I haven’t counted them, but one is worth mentioning. Liam Neeson. Who would have said that at 56 years old he would turn into such a tough guy. After today’s viewing I know that if there’s one person whose daughter would be inadvisable to kidnap, it’s Liam’s. Everybody else is just a band of brewed tea drinkers. If he had just a little more style, I would have nothing to fault him for. Morel almost too obviously relies on the fact that almost nobody makes movies like this nowadays, and so in the end the viewer forgives him for a lot. (07/24/2008)

Perhaps the best European action flick I know. What Pierre Morel does here is unmatched. Liam Neeson is flawless, the setting is as raw and authentic as it can be, and the action is so fast, raw, and dynamic that it takes your breath away. The atmosphere is wonderfully, with captivatingly cold characters, and one of the few action films where the “toughness” is truly tangible and completely believable (phone call, dens, party, auction, boat). A masterful gem of pure action and a future classic in a few years. (11/15/2008)

The slickness of "Bourne films" and the conciseness of "Seagal films" met under the direction of one of the most talented craftsmen in Besson's film stable, resulting in the type of uncompromising action flick that has been missing from movie theaters for a while. Yet the main driving force is not so much the solid action, but rather the pissed-off Liam Neeson, whose position as a god of vengeance and protector of his daughter's virginity suits him damn fine. He sends the Albanian scum under the ground using clever moves, or the makeshift energy consumer of French power stations, all without the blink of an eye or any particularly robust emotions. With a denser plot and even more emphasis on physical (by that I mean calmer editing) action, I would have given it 5 stars. (10/19/2008)

Revenge tastes sweet and people have always enjoyed the feeling of satisfaction that comes with carrying out an execution. Unfortunately, Judge Lynch has not been practicing for a long time, so the eager population has no choice but to watch a movie where the hero takes justice into his own hands. Typical of this kind of production is Charles Bronson's Death Wish series. Taken is a straightforward action movie, where the main character gradually massacres three criminal gangs at a high pace to rescue his underage daughter from their clutches. Isn't that nice? Maybe it would be if the screenplay wasn't like a typical Seagal movie, which differs only by casting an A-list actor in the lead role. Unfortunately, the fact is that an actor of Liam Neeson's caliber is wasted on such a film because he has nothing to do there. He is not suited for the role and his character acting has almost no room to shine because the dialogues are shallow and the plot is silly. Tension in similar action movies builds up when the hero faces a charismatic and capable opponent, but here the villains are incredibly easy targets. And even the only one the angry daddy encounters at the very end is dispatched too quickly. Then there is also a message aimed at the American market, which is crucial for the film's commercial success. Loving American parents, where the world of values has not yet been corroded and decayed like in the desolate decadent Europe, are portrayed as the opposite of a cynical French meat trader, gangs of criminal Albanians, or a self-indulgent Arab magnate. Overall impression: 45%. (08/20/2010)

I can't believe I overlooked such a treasure for 3 years! It's been a few hours since I watched the film, but my excitement hasn't waned. Liam as the unstoppable father absolutely blew away all the heroes I've known up to this point. I finally felt like action was worth something again, and for good reason. The kidnapping itself was an incredible experience. I'm amazed! 5 stars. (02/04/2012)