Unnecessary but fun

Rating: 6/10 (19 October 2012)

I had no interest in seeing the first Taken I thought it looked pretty generic but when I finally got around to seeing it on DVD I was pleasantly surprised. I thought the film was a blast. Smart, edgy and filled with a kinetic, fiery energy, emotionally engaging and highlighted by a slick, sexy kick ass performance from Liam Neeson in the lead. So when the trailers for Taken 2 first came out I was planning on seeing it even though they were really underwhelming. And than these horrible reviews started flooding in saying it was boring and stupid, nothing like the original and just a cash in on the first film. So I decided to skip it. But today i was feeling kinda off and needed some escapist entertainment so I went. And I'm happy I did. Although it does't hold a candle to the original it mostly works because of the first film. We know these characters and care about them. The film works best in it's smaller more intimate moments but there are some thrilling action sequences particularly a chase involving Neeson and his daughter played by Maggie Grace. This time around Neeson finds him and his family being hunted by the relatives of the people he killed in the first film while on vacation. The plot is a little shallow and the direction feels very unrefined and amateurish unlike the first films stylish, sophisticated but gritty execution. A lot of the film feels very hammy but I guess thats the point, it almost seems to be making fun of itself and it's absurdities. Still the proceedings are engaging enough to merit a solid recommendation. Although ultimately unnecessary it still makes for above average entertainment especially if you were a fan of the first film. One of my big complaints though and hopefully they will rectify it in the next film which I'm sure is coming out is can Maggie Grace please play her age no one is buying this young girl routine but kudos to her on her involvement on some of the action especially that breath taking rooftop chase.