Depressing state of affairs

Rating: 1/10 (10 March 2014)

Released in 1956, Around the World in Eighty Days might be a dated epic, sort of like the old dance hall ain't what she used to be . . .
But I viewed the film--all 183 minutes--last weekend on TCM, and it remained a grand spectacle, a charming three-hour adventure for a rainy weekend morning in Seattle. It's a light film starring the peerless David Niven, co-starring Mexican legend Cantinflas and featuring cameos by many of the Hollywood's biggest stars. The movie won five Academy Awards including Best Picture, and has charmed millions over the last 57 years. Victor Young's catchy and beautiful score resonated with audiences literally around the world.
What if anything does all this have to do with Taken? Nothing, except Taken has a 7.9 rating on IMDb while Around the World in Eighty Days has a 6.8!
The problems with Taken have been stated plainly by several other reviewers--enormous plot holes, jingoism, stereotypes, unnecessary violence, amateurish script--I get a headache even recalling it all.
Comparing the two movies is, of course, apples and oranges. But the point remains: who wants to live in a world where Taken gets 7.9 stars and Around the World in Eighty Days gets 6.8?