Taken is the kind of action flick that makes going to the movies worthwhile

Rating: 8/10 (5 March 2009)

I really didn't know what to expect going to see Taken. Was it a drama or suspense thriller? Was it a pseudo action flick along the same vein as Mel Gibson's Ransom? I was pleasantly surprised that there was nothing pseudo about this film. Taken is a stone cold action flick with a captivating story that actually has some meat behind it but a straight forward kick-butt action hero kicking butt and taking names to get back his daughter. Comparisons to the Bourne films are not unfounded. The film goes from the U.S. through the seedy underbelly of Europe. The film has a serious enough message about human trafficking but still has this mainstream story about a father searching for his daughter and as he says in one of my favorite lines he "has a certain set of skills that makes" him "a nightmare for people like you." The story manages to develop the main character and what he can do without actually ever showing him in his prime. Instead they introduce him through a bodyguard job and other small hints that he is a killer, and very good at what he does. Unlike other action films or heroes they don't try to introduce us by giving us a big back story. The film focuses on the task at end and is non stop action.
I've never been a huge fan of Liam Neeson, he's okay but never really impressed me. That all changed watching him lead this film. Liam Neeson is incredible as the father who will stop at nothing to save his daughter. He's brooding and powerful and is just flawless at the combat and the action scenes. He does a great job. Maggie Grace plays Neeson's daughter who is taken by traffickers. She certainly appears younger than what she is but she doesn't a decent enough job. Her and Neeson have good chemistry as father and daughter. Famke Janssen takes a huge back seat role as Grace's mother and Neeson's estranged wife. She barely has any lines and hardly shares screen time. While the rest of the cast are just barely supporting none of them really stand out. I mean they all do a fine job but Neeson really shines and heads this film up so well that no one stands out above him and no one stands against him.
Although a brilliant cinematographer and having worked on many great action films french director Pierre Morel hasn't had a lot of directing experience but it is clear that he has had some great mentors likely including Luc Besson who is a brilliant director writer and film maker. Regardless Morel has a flare and style all his own and really handled the film well. Taken is a rare gem in action films because I don't think anyone sees it coming. It's an action thrill ride with heart and will entertain even the staunchest of critics. 8.5/10