Summary: Taken is an action-packed film filled with plot devices that are similar, yet still, feel fresh. Read more about our take on the blockbuster that put Liam Neeson back on the map. Now streaming this weekend on Amazon Prime.
Every once in a while, you just want to strap into an action movie. If that’s the case, Taken is a tried and true choice. Directed by Pierre Morel, Taken stars Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Leland Orser, Jon Gries, and David Warshofsky, Taken was a banger when it was released, and surprisingly, unlike many box office goliaths during their prime, this one has aged well.
Plot synopsis for Taken, streaming this weekend on Prime
Taken follows Bryan Mills (played by Liam Neeson), a former government operative, as he tries to reconnect with his daughter (Maggie Grace), who lives with her mother and step-father. However, both of their lives are disrupted as Kim and her friend are abducted by sex traffickers from Paris and, in four days, will be auctioned off. Bryan must use his black ops skills to rescue his daughter before the auction, or she’s gone forever.
What works
Great action sequences
The movie features some of the best action sequences from Liam Neeson of his career. And while the actor is now known for his Double Dragon style flicks, Taken was the one that made him a household name.
His character, Bryan, uses skills he acquired as a government operative to take down endless adversaries in a foreign country and rescue his daughter in some the most clever ways, which makes for incredibly well-choreographed action scenes and gotcha-moments.
Good production value
Produced by Luc Besson, the movie has some great set pieces as well. Taken takes place in Paris (mostly), so as expected, there are some incredible backdrops that Neeson has to punch and kick his way through. The journey to France puts Neeson in hostile territory, with no assets or resources, just his wit and situational awareness.
And while the plot may seem familiar, it is almost unnoticeable as Neeson makes lightwork of some of the lowest and morally bankrupt criminals on the streets of Daisy.
If you set in the right expectations, you might be surprised with Taken. It is not a deep movie, nor will it make you reflect on anything except your child’s whereabouts, but it is an enjoyable film nonetheless, filled with action and an excellent performance by Neeson.
What doesn’t work in Taken
No surprises
While Taken is an entertaining movie, it follows a familiar script. Take away the extraordinary performances and it is still a run of the mill chase movie; expect a linear plot that checks familiar boxes.
But that isn’t necessarily a bad thing with Taken.
PG-13 rating
The movie does take risks, and tries to be edgy, but it can only do so much with the restrictions and constraints that come with a PG-13 rating. There are some pieces that just could have been filmed better with an R rating, there’s no way around it.
Conclusion
While the Taken isn’t anything new, it is surprisingly still very entertaining. If you are looking for a classic action movie that requires almost no reflection, it doesn’t get any better than this.
Our recommendation: Do give it a stream, available now on Prime.
Taken was released globally on February 27, 2008.
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