Exciting action thriller with a deeper intelligence

Rating: 8/10 (30 November 2011)

I feel compelled to give this a review as it is simply majestic. First time writing a review on IMDb here, so just gonna slip in an introduction. I've always been an avid fan of intelligent films and shy away from the usual big screen summer movies that frankly, are so stupid it might just make you dumber after watching. Safe to say, I an a fan of indie films. I don't think I'm smart, or gifted in art in any way. I feel that I'm just a normal person that appreciates beautiful things so I appreciate a good music, or a good book, and most definitely a good film.
Taken is full of action, and is pretty straightforward. You touch his daughter, you're gonna die. Simple. But nobody says simplicity is a bad thing. Going along with the good storyline is awesome fight scenes and I can guarantee that with every punch Liam Neeson throws, your heart will jump with excitement. Is it wrong to be happy to see someone get hurt? Yes, it is wrong. But you'll get excited too nonetheless. I usually also dislike car chase scenes. Why do almost every action film has to have a car chase scene anyway? But in this film, the chase scene has a better justified purpose in my opinion, so I didn't mind.
I also enjoyed the beginning of the film, which might be slow for some people, but it is important as every second in this film is. It gives you a better understanding in Liam's character. The thing about this movie is, it's realistic down to every final bit and everything is believable. Of course the action scenes are not "realistic" per se, but its as realistic an action movie is gonna get.
I think I really like Taken because it explores the dark side of the world, where the wicked lives. I know the events in this film do happen(not the Liam Neeson being a hero part of course), and there are more horrible things out there. Human you see, are twisted b@stards and it's nice to see the good guy winning for a change. I like the themes it explores too, like how the bad guys are bad, but they're not "pure evil". As f*cked up a human may seem to be, they too have feelings other than "evil-ness". Nothing is "pure" anything as nothing is perfect. I would be more specific, but I'm trying to prevent spoilers as I want people wanting to know if its any good to read my review and be compelled to watch.
Which this many compliments, I'm baffled as to why I gave it an 8? Never had I given a film a 9 btw. Maybe I'm just waiting a movie that is "perfect" in my eyes. I'm really not a good writer. I have a hard time explaining myself on a daily basis. But this should be a bigger influence for you to watch Taken, because even a simple minded person like me can appreciate it's beauty.