A Solid Sequel

Rating: 8/10 (6 November 2012)

Every now and then an engaging and well made film comes along that is either misunderstood or falls victim of a general negative trait in reviews that do not make it justice.
I had read some negative opinions before going to see the film, so I wasn't expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised.
Not sure why people did not like it. The first 'Taken' was not 'perfect' or 'best in its genre', but it was fun, and Liam's character was interesting, well acted and recognizable, so these are the exact traits 'Taken 2' builds upon.
The story kept me interested and the solutions, devices, information seemed believable and were quite engaging. On several occasions I was at the edge of my seat, so the story-telling technique was good.
What I did not like was the acting of Rade Serbedzija. Don't get me wrong: I like the guy, but I believe he has been continually given the wrong parts. He is simply not menacing enough to play the bad guy. For some reason any time a Russian, Turkish, Serbian, etc. mobster character is scripted, they turn to him to play it and he simply cannot cope with it. It is easy to see that Rade is good natured and has an agreeable character in real life, and this aura of 'goodness' carries on to the movies.
At any rate – watch the movie and make up your own mind.