In some areas, an improvement on the first

Rating: 8/10 (6 October 2012)

I always love a sequel done right. No matter how good a movie is, there is always room for improvement, and as much as I loved the original Taken, it's no exception. In Taken 2, it was great to see everything that made the first so re-watchable was there, but there was more added suspense and character development.
While Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) is still working security as opposed to his government position as a "preventer," he has clearly made a name for himself in the business, having been hired for a three-day job in Istanbul. Unfortunately for Bryan, he just can't seem to catch a break when he goes overseas.
One of the fathers of the Albanian men who kidnapped Kim in the original inspires the fathers and brothers of the other kidnappers to enact revenge on Mills. He tracks Mills down, and discovers Mills' ex-wife and daughter, who came to visit Bryan after his job was over, are in driving distance. They set out to find the family, and are able to kidnap Bryan and his ex-wife Lenore.
But come on, we all know Bryan wouldn't lie down and die. He uses a concealed phone to call Kim and is able to enlist her to help in his mission to free himself and Lenore. We really get to see Kim shine in this movie, who we only saw for a minute or two at the very end of the first after she was dragged out from under the bed early on.
The worst thing the filmmakers could've done is a remake the first movie. Thankfully, this wasn't the case. We got to see Mills employ some of his "particular set of skills" that he didn't in the first movie, such as being able to follow where he goes with timing and audible reference points, despite being blindfolded in the back of a van filled with vengeful criminals in an unfamiliar area.
This sequel also forgoes repeating the bloodlust Mills goes on in favor of more suspense filled scenes. These were not cheap thrills in the slightest, but rather solid, armrest clenching scenes. And don't worry, there were still plenty of bullets flying from the gun shot by Mills for all those wanting to see Liam Neeson with a firearm in hand again. While it lacks the originality the first had, there's a nice balance of suspense and gun-blazing action. It was great to see the new take the filmmakers had on the story, and to see several of the characters return with even more consideration to their developments.
Like most of you probably are, I was hesitant going in to the movie due to the massively negative reviews. However, I implore you to look past those reviews, and give Taken 2 a chance, especially if you enjoyed the original (which also had a classified "rotten" rating on RottenTomatoes.com). I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and I think those who are looking for more of what they saw in the original, but not necessarily the same movie in a different location, will be more than satisfied.