"Taken" just does not do enough to separate itself from the pack.

Rating: 6/10 (15 February 2009)

Taken. While there's a select few moments that will earn a couple points, "Taken" just does not do enough to separate itself from the pack.
Bryan Millis is a CIA man; kind of. He's "retired." He regrets missing his daughter grow up; rather he was fulfilling his past obligations and duties of working for his country. Now that he's "retired," cooking steaks and drinking beers with his buddies, the biggest goal in his life is to re-establish and re-connect with his recently turned 17 year old daughter.
When Bryan agrees with his ex-wife and makes a torturous decision to allow his daughter and her friend to travel across the globe alone, to "check out the museums in Paris," when she arrives, if you did not already know by the title, she's taken. Kidnapped. Pulled into the underground world of trafficking women; slavery and prostitution.
This is where it turns into your typical story of - guy get's pi**ed off, uses all the tricks in the book, and proceeds to take out incalculable amounts of protected and powerful people... by himself. He can do anything, even obtain a full medical kit in just a cut of a scene. Then everything he was after is saved, he's the hero, and everyone forgets how he was the "***hole" just an hour and a half ago.
As the writing behind the project showed a select few believable occurrences and original concepts (the torture method, the cab driver, and the result of Peter), they were foreshadowed by lines of weak dialog and cliché filled action and characters. Unnecessary flashbacks, which where implemented to create added suspense in the audience did the complete opposite; re-showing us action that just occurred does nothing but dim the suspense by showcasing more detail. And, it's a way for the director and post-production crew to attempt the overplayed flashback, filled with bright lights and quick cuts that remind of pop music videos - developed for those in the crowd with attention disorders.
But, kudos to the director, Pierre Morel, for showcasing a variety of hand-held action and fight sequences that were presented nearly perfect. It was the highlight of direction and cinematography in this film, but really, the only plus.
The sound - below average. Throwing in over-the-top sound effects to compliment and better showcase the action just doesn't work. Yes, Liam Nesson is a bad a**, but the sound of his punches should not replicate and make me think "Hulk SMASH!" This movie is one of the better flicks you'll see during these months of the year. It's, for the most part, enjoyable. If your an action buff, like to see a one guy kick a**, and don't want to spend a lot of time asking logical questions - you will like it. If your a kidnapper, this will make you re-think and perhaps show you to better prepare for who you capture.
SKIP IT/ WAIT FOR THE RENTAL: C-