Taken

Rating: 6/10 (12 May 2008)

The name sounds familiarity. Yes, a famous TV series with the same name was there on Aliens, UFO etc. but this movie has nothing to do with the TV series or aliens.
The story is about a retired US spy Bryan (Liam Neeson) who is overprotective of his daughter Kim (Maggie Grace). Even after cautious NO from Bryan, Kim decides for a trip to Paris with her friend, where both are kidnapped by a European gang of girl traffickers. Before they are sold, Bryan has 72 hours to rescue them. What follows is a ruthless and clinical tracking by Bryan in the streets of Paris. In the end, Bryan is able to save his daughter back.
Liam Neeson, though a bit haggard with age, brings immense amount of life to this role of US spy. He is a pleasure to watch when he is at the job he knows and does best, taking risks and always a step ahead of his enemies. He is the heart and soul of this movie. Without him, the movie would not have been as good as it is now.
The cinematographer turned Director Pierre Morel, does a fine job with his second venture (this too like his first one Banieule 13 is shot in Paris). The story is linear and is told with clarity. The story builds up slowly but holds your interest till the very end. The action sequences are shot immensely well, and the fights of Liam Neeson reminded me of Steven Seagal's style of martial arts.
With Liam Neeson not getting injured till the very end, it was not necessary to show him getting injured during the last fight with a puny fellow. Anyways, it is a good action movie to watch.
(Stars 6.5 out of 10)