Taken

Steven Seagal, Jason Bourne, Jack Bauer. At least two of those names show up in pretty much every review of this film and it’s not a misguided comparison at all. Liam Neeson is your typical Bauer-like father that travels to save his daughter in a Bourne fashion, beating up his enemies à la Seagal. The script isn’t bursting with originality, the only thing that can surprise the viewer is what kind of coincidence will be used next for the hero to go a step further – but nobody watches action films because of the plot. The relentless and incorrect liquidation of Albanians and other subversive beings was a lot of fun, therefore, 4*. (10/24/2008)

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)

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)

Ultra-badass Liam Neeson in an action deluge from Luc Besson’s production team. Basically it’s all designed to let the ever wonderful Neeson teach the evil kidnappers a damn good lesson. The six-inch nails stuck into the knee of one of the kidnappers speaks volumes (in fact I remember picking up a nail like that at a building supplies fair and thinking about how much it would hurt if I jabbed somebody in the leg with it...). Pierre Morel’s second name is action and after District 13, this is another success in his rocketing career. (10/15/2008)

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)