Review of Taken (2008) by Casey R — 24 Dec 2013

Taken is exactly what it is. Let's not kid ourselves, if you want a thinking man's action drama (or really anything above a simple action/revenge movie) then you're in the wrong place. But if you want to see Liam Neeson lay waste through the human trafficking underworld of Paris, well then look no further. When I finally saw this movie, I knew what to expect. I was not disappointed. There's a line from Iron Man 3 that completely sums up Taken: "There's no politics here, it's just good old fashioned revenge.".

Ex government operative Bryan Mills has retired in attempt to rekindle a relationship with his daughter, Kim. He is divorced, but on reasonably good terms with both his ex-wife and his daughter. After her 17th birthday, Kim decides that she wants to go to Paris. Though he is initially cautious, Bryan does eventually agree to let her go. And guess what ... Bryan's original concerns become realities. Kim is taken by an Albanian human trafficking ring. Obviously, everyone knows where the story goes from there. Bryan Mills is not a man to be taken lightly.

Movies like this never get as popular as Taken has become. It's a simple summer action movie. Most of the time, these movies are enjoyed, but quickly forgotten. Taken (somehow) has gained a rather large cult following. The story definitely deserves credit in some areas. Its set up is quite excellent. We're introduced to a character we instantly invest in, and we're given a situation that clearly plays into our hero's strengths. From there it becomes more of a straight action movie. But the set up deserves props for actually gripping the audience. I guess this basic story of a father out for revenge has struck a chord with audiences. Also, Liam Neeson.

It's as simple as this, Liam Neeson is a cool actor given a role that is perfect for him. That's why Taken is such a success. If it had been anyone else in this role, like Colin Farrell, Mark Ruffalo, or even someone like Jason Statham, I highly doubt this movie would have been very popular at all. But it all works because of ... Liam Neeson! He is truly epic as Bryan Mills. The performance is quickly becoming iconic, as is his classic telephone threat. Both physically and emotionally, Neeson nails it.

The supporting cast members all do a fine job of filling their slots. Maggie Grace does an excellent job playing Kim. Sadly, she completely disappears after the action starts though. She does look a bit old for the part; I think she was around 25 at the time, playing a 17 year old. The scene where she is "taken" is very well acted. Also, Famke Janssen of X-Men fame is decent as Lenore, Bryan's ex-wife. Though I was struck by how rote the character felt.

The action functions well thanks to a genuine element of surprise. Once the Albanians take Kim, all bets are off. Bryan shows no mercy, something rarely seen in action movie protagonists. He has no problem killing ... and the body count in this movie is exceptionally high. Still, the action is entertaining, well shot, and well choreographed. We, the audience, want to see Bryan annihilate the scum that kidnapped his daughter. There is payoff after payoff in that regard. The closest parallel I can draw to this movie is 24. Swap out Bryan Mills for Jack Bauer, and you have yourself a 24 movie. You don't even have to change the name of the daughter.

Taken: A cult classic? Check. A thrilling action/revenge movie? Check. Liam Neeson at his action movie finest? Check. An overall entertaining and fun movie? Check. A smart story? Nope. Character development? Nope. Clever twist and turns in the story? Nope. Bryan Mills will find you, and he will kill you. That's the movie. It's clearly heavier on action payoffs than plot. But I just can't not like Taken.

"You don't remember me? We spoke on the phone...I told you I would find you." 6.5/10.