More of the Same

Rating: 7/10 (5 October 2012)

I am going to start out by saying that Taken 2 was not as good as Taken, but the film did manage to tie the two together. Not only that but they left it open for yet another sequel. Not sure that is a good idea. There was plenty of action and the basic premise remained the same as the first. The film did demonstrate how small the streets are in Istanbul. Some of the driving scenes were utterly ridiculous and so unbelievable that they left me shaking my head. The fight scenes were well choreographed but by the time you get to the end of the film, they just started getting way too long. As identified in the trailer, once again someone is kidnapped. My question is why? If this film is about revenge, why not just shoot them; but that's just me. I have to say that Liam Neesom (Bryan Mills) is in pretty good shape to take on the physicality of this role. His character is as stoic as ever, however there are moments that you get to see the more tender side of him. I was not used to seeing Famka Janssen (Lenore) in such a vulnerable role. There was a voice in my head yelling, "get up already.. You're the Phoenix for goodness sake". I think that she played the role the way it was meant to be played but I am not sure she was the right choice. Maggie Grace (Kim) as Bryan's daughter had the responsibility of delivering some of the pivotal moments in the film. They were just so outlandish that it once again had me shaking my head. Rade Serbedzija (Murad Krasniqi) was the kingpin of a multitude of bad guys. It was difficult to believe that you could run around and do as much damage as he did and not warrant the authorities crashing down on your head. All in all the film did keep my attention, it's just that it was a regurgitation of the first film, so I would expect that if there is another it will be more of the same. I really like Liam as an actor, but I hope that he can put this franchise to rest. I would like to see him branch out a little more like he did in Nell. Is it worth the price of a ticket? I'm not so sure, so I'm leaving it in your hands. I give this film an amber light.