Been there, done that

Rating: 4/10 (2 February 2009)

Taken doesn't claim to be anything more than it is - a kidnap thriller with a revenge-fueled father who has more than a few tricks up his sleeve. Maybe that's it's saving grace. If it had tried to suggest it was pushing any envelopes, then anyone who'd seen any 007 film or watched 24 would object.
Liam Neeson does do a fantastic job in the role of super-dad, and the first moments when the tension kicks in are memorable - if a little clichéd. The action is fairly solid, though no "wow" moment that sets it apart. Like the Bourne Identity the scenes are cut quickly, so it's often hard to tell who's hitting who and how hard. The plot is mildly engaging, but formulaic. Even the "resourcefulness" of Neeson's character is nothing more impressive than later seasons of 24.
All in all I felt a bit robbed coming out of it - it's a big pile of "so-so". Having said that, if you just want a mindless thriller for a first date and it doesn't matter if it's particularly memorable, you could go far worse.