Good but with problems

Rating: 6/10 (22 February 2009)

I tried to like this film, and at times, I did. It has some great moments. Overall, it's a pretty good action picture, despite what I call the "Rambo" plot: one make takes on the world - and wins! It's certainly an exciting, edge-of-your-seat nail-biter. But...I have traveled to Paris with my sister and as soon as the girls went looking for cabs, I said to myself, "No. You don't just hop in a cab with a cute stranger. In fact, you should have reserved a shuttle and had it waiting for you." It kind of bugged me that the girl's mother or stepfather (himself a world traveler) hadn't thought of doing that. Combine that with her friend being a complete airhead, and they didn't stand a chance. I thought they'd at least make it to the 'party' the cute guy from the cab had invited them to before they got nabbed.
Enter Liam Neeson. Great actor, does a good job with the material he's given, and is very convincing. But after he found the bad guys in record time and had escaped being killed, run off the road, arrested, beaten up, or otherwise stopped for about the 4th or so time, I could no longer suspend disbelief at the incredible luck he had. Yes, we want him to win and the bad guys to pay, but come on. Virtually no setbacks from start to finish? No one's that lucky.
For what it was, it was a pretty good ride. But if you want to see an action movie with a whole lot more, I would recommend "Gran Torino."