Good, but not great.

Rating: 7/10 (20 October 2012)

When initially hearing that there was going to be a sequel for Taken, I was immediately sparked with interest and ultimate hope that this movie would fall nothing short of great. The first movie was encompassed with fantastic action scenes, a swiftly paced structure coupled with an intriguing story line leaving viewers perpetually glued to the TV screen. Despite some irritating characters, Liam neeson's persona overshadowed the others, with his remarkable ability to draw the audience in with a cool edgy, smart spy and professionalism he'd likably envelop throughout the film. The movie also had the ability to elevate us into the realm of gangsters, mobs and hit-man within the gruesome and morbid business of sex trafficking. The sheer reality of this gritty world evoked a sense of realism, which served to elevate anger for the villains of the film, teaming with Liam as he embarked on a brutal crusade, slaughtering all those whom would step in his path. This formula complimented the film greatly, the notion of a loved one being taken, evoked emotional, and personally issues, and it worked, however replicating this into a sequel may be difficult.
Through analyzing both films, it is inevitable to concur that they both mirror similar formulaic traits and themes. This idea can be easily parralled with the 'Hangover' franchise, as the producers believed repeat offending could spring success, which it did. Therefore would it be safe to say how both films demonstrate evoke deep emotional complexities from love ones being taken, the persona's futile quest to cultivate through their enemies (predominately the whole motif of the film) in order to retrieve what had been taken from them, a successful formula? The answer is yes, as within 'The hangover' audiences will continuously indulge their original interest to exert effort 'Cash' into a previous film they'd already seen. It is evident this is the case with taken 2.
Deespite my cynical evaluations of taken, i will suggest how i perceived the sequel to be pure cinematic enjoyment, but nothing more. The point Iam trying to articulate here is, If you immensely enjoyed the sheer brilliance of the first one, then you will thoroughly enjoy the second, although not equally. Your emotional response will be heightened as an attempt to humanize the mother did served to provide likability and evoke an evident care factor in her capture.Still remarkably serves to magnify elements presented in the first film, though this formula does work, it cannot live up to the original story, perpetual tension, excitement and elevation of raw realism and action of the first film. I'd say if your a fan, you might-en regret seeing this, if not, it wouldn't be the end of the world to give this one a miss.
Ultimately I will reward it 7 out of 10.