Taken (2009) Liam Neeson DVD (standard definition)
Written: Aug 11 '09 (Updated Aug 14 '09)
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Product Rating:
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| Bang For The Buck |
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Pros: A very watchable and impressive Liam Neeson as an action hero.
Cons: I didn't get to see the Eiffel Tower or I blinked and missed it?
The Bottom Line: I give "Taken" a very good solid 4 out of 5 rating. Impressive for a film with only a $45m budget. Caution to viewers under age 13.
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| walkerpkw's Full Review: Taken |
After watching the trailer plus not being a big Liam Neeson fan I originally decided to wait until Taken was available on cable. However just recently while browsing the "T" section of our neighborhood video store a huge movie buff noticed me reaching for the DVD Taken and gave it a big "thumbs up" recommendation. "This isn't just a spy thriller flick, there's plenty of action". Even with the enormous death toll and trail of destruction Liam's character inflicted in Paris France, the film earned a gratuitous PG-13. I'm just guessing here but it would have to be due to the fact there's no sex, drug use or extreme violence. Instead of sex we get to see an actual Albanian sex slave ring operation. Instead of drugs there are drug induced kidnapped victims. There's no extreme violence or projectile blood splatter but a lot of gunfire? The amount of fake blood used to film Taken is negligible. In fact it's the complete opposite of a Quentin Tarantino blood bath film where the special effects team in Taken utilized a small single packet of ketchup from a fast food restaurant.
Unlike the boring emotionless Qui-Gon Jinn character Liam Neeson played in Star Wars Liam surprised me in this latest role as Bryan Mills. Not only did I feel Liam was well fitted as an ex C.I.A. agent, he actually has a few laughs and smiles a time or two.
The film starts off rather boorishly with Bryan Mills looking for a thoughtful gift for his only daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) for her lavish 17th birthday party. He arrives at his ex-wife's home Lenore (Famke Janssen) wanting to hand the present to his daughter personally but is quickly stopped by Lenore. He's allowed only to hand over the gift (karaoke machine) to his daughter then kisses her goodbye only to see her run off and be upstaged with a horse gifted by her new rich step father. That's right, not a pony, but a full sized Mr. Ed!
The pace thankfully picks up when a few of his ex CIA buddies drop by his home for a barbeque with "beer in hand". Although retired, and for "old time sakes" Bryan reluctantly accepts a onetime 4 hour job offer from one of his buddies as a security guard for a high profile Diva. During this venture is where we get our first look at Bryan‘s "skills". Soon after, the main plot finally kicks in with the phone call from his daughter in Paris. While having the "why didn't you call me" dad verses concerned father discussion, Kim then notices strangers in the house. Dad is horrified as he listens while his daughter is about to suffer the same fate as her abducted girl friend. From this point on it's practically a nonstop thrill ride.
This wasn't "on the edge of your seat" action but as soon as Bryon hangs up the phone have the popcorn ready. Unlike the boring emotionless Qui-Gon Jinn character he played in Star Wars Liam Neeson surprised me in this latest role as Bryan Mills. Not only was Liam well fitted as an ex C.I.A. agent in Taken, I look forward to seeing him in similar roles. Only a few things bothered me which really weren't all that distracting but noticeable. Unless director Pierre Morel was intentionally trying to make Kim act like a spoiled naive pre-teen 12 year old, Kim's 17 year old giddiness was rather unusual to me.
I personally view Liam Neeson as a very fine actor and this role suited him quite well. However about halfway through Taken I'm envisioning the possibility Steven Seagal could have originally been offered the part. The two actors are about the same age, Liam 57 and Steven 58. I also noticed Liam's character took on a rather "James Bond" like invincibility. For example having 2-3 automatic weapons each firing 125 rounds at you simultaneously from 20 ft away without getting hit is rather amazing. There are a few good chase scenes but nothing spectacular. My top 2 would be from Steve McQueen in "Bullitt" and William Petersen in "To live and die in L.A."
Directed by: Pierre Morel - Written by: Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen - Director of photography: Michel Abramowicz
Released by 20th Century Fox. Running time: 1 hour 34 minutes. The particular DVD version I rented did not have extra bonus material. A few trailers in the beginning which can be skipped by pressing the (main menu) button on your remote.
WITH: Liam Neeson (Bryan Mills), Maggie Grace (Kim), Leland Orser (Sam), Jon Gries (Casey), David Warshofsky (Bernie), Katie Cassidy (Amanda), Holly Valance (Sheerah), Xander Berkeley (Stuart) and Famke Janssen (Lenore).
I give "Taken" a very good solid 4 out of 5 rating. Impressive for a film with only a $45m budget. Caution to viewers under age 13.
Recommended:
Yes
Movie Mood: Action Movie
Viewing Method: Other
Film Completeness: Looked complete to me.
Worst Part of this Film: Nothing
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walkerpkw
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