Taken 2 - Where sequels go to die

Rating: 5/10 (12 October 2012)

Ever since I saw the trailer, I couldn't wait for the film to release. Just the idea of Liam Neeson kicking some bad-guy-butt a second time around in his signature 'I will find you... and I will kill you' style was a sellout in itself.
Having done the routine IMDb+RottenTomatoes reviewing before the film, I will admit that I was a bit circumspect about it being even half as good as the first one. And boy, was I right. And boy, was the film NOT!
With a plot as weak as this one, with dialogues to match, the film seemed to me like a meek, halfhearted effort on the writer's part to milk the proverbial cash cow. Barring a couple of adrenaline pumping chase scenes and the odd well directed ruse scene, the film just did't pack any major punches. At the end of the day, there is only so much entertainment that Liam Neeson and his baritone-driven ultimatums can provide.
I predict that 75% of the film's total audience will be fans of the first installment. And of these 75%, 70% will be left wanting. And nodding their heads in disapproval. The remaining 30% are probably just blinded by their love for Liam Neeson.