Taken to a new level

Rating: 9/10 (8 October 2012)

It has been 4 years since Taken was released, and two days ago I had the honour of understanding the hype at last. Taken, is truly a movie you don't want to take lightly.
If you are a stickler for logic and plot consistency, and will not allow for fantastic action scenes and adrenaline rushes make up for this; you are best to steer well clear. Taken is just that; an adrenaline thrill ride.
I would have to say that the threat included in this film: which is written on the title's cover, is probably the most sincere and intimidating since the Paddy Considine throw in Dead Man's Shoes 2004. I almost cried for the future victims of his onslaught when Neeson's character, speaking with an unmistakable Irish growl, assures the traffickers that he will find them.
Taken is a linear film and does not really take chances with twists and mind games; it just goes for the jugular, much like Neeson's character.
I have to say, there were some scenes that taxed the moral psyche... a scene where Bryan Mills (Neeson) shoots a man in the back as he runs down a flight of stairs. I understand that the man was armed and would have killed Mills given the chance, but it just doesn't seem proper to shoot a man in the back on any given Sunday.
The director, Luc Besson, really knows how to make you side with a character in a film. You really want the guy to succeed every step of the way. Even in the face of impossible odds, you know that Mills will still get out of it alive and continue the hunt for his daughter; but you don't mind: you make provisions. The action, dialogue, emotion, and change of scenery are all enough to make you want to keep watching and ensure that is daughter is safe at the end of the day.
One important thing to mention too is that the film is wrapped up nicely to end it on just one movie, or has the added benefit of being a potential sequel because of the lingering resentments. We know now that there is a sequel, and I can't wait to watch it.