Review: Taken

Taken

OPENING: 01/30/2009

STUDIO: Fox

TRAILER: Trailer

ACCOMPLICES: Official Site

The Charge
They took his daughter. He’ll take their lives.

Opening Statement
To be perfectly honest, there are many reasons I should disapprove of Taken. The film doesn’t have an original idea over the course of its entire running time, employing that time-worn, “Give me back my [insert family member]!” plot device Harrison Ford has turned into an art form. There are elements that make very little sense, from a logical perspective. The film suffers from a severe case of xenophobia, collecting a batch of creepy Frenchmen, evil Alabanians, and nasty Arabs for our all-American ex-CIA hero to beat up. In fact, our hero’s actions often veer from heroic to repugnant, as he resorts to the unwarranted torture and shooting innocent bystanders (Jack Bauer would love this guy). Despite these seemingly insurmountable problems, Taken works for one reason, and one reason alone: Liam Neeson.

Facts of the Case
Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) is a retired ex-CIA agent. He set aside his career, in an attempt to try and re-connect with his teenage daughter Kimmie (Maggie Grace). Bryan’s relationship with his ex-wife (Famke Janssen) is rather tenuous, but he’s doing the best he can for the sake of his daughter. Unfortunately, he’s not going to be able to see his daughter for the entire summer. Kimmie is going away to Paris to follow U2′s European concert tour. Shortly after she arrives, tragedy strikes. Kimmie and her best friend are kidnapped by an organization that specializes in selling women into slavery. Bryan is crushed by this news, but determines not to let his grief get the better of him. He is going to leverage all his skills and international connections to get his daughter back. Punches will be thrown, guns will be fired, bones will be broken, heads will be smashed, cars will be chased, and things will blow up. Will Bryan’s revenge-fueled rescue mission succeed?

The Evidence
Neeson is a very fine actor who adds value and credibility to any film, and that could not be more true than with Taken. Sure, he’s been effective playing wise mentor types in films like Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Kingdom of Heaven, and Batman Begins. However, when Neeson is thrown into the middle of a high-octane revenge thriller that should probably be starring Jason Statham or Clive Owen, he’s nothing short of electrifying.

Neeson finds a way to elevate the mundane elements of this rather routine story. The obligatory opening scenes of sweetness seem particularly convincing, simply because he brings a deep sincerity that makes us believe he truly cares about his daughter. Then comes the moment in which his daughter is kidnapped. You can see some of this in the theatrical trailer. He happens to be talking to his daughter on the phone when she is taken, and Neeson’s reaction is quite compelling. It’s a tortured blend of fatherly despair and built-in focus that’s rather improbable but nonetheless fascinating.

As an action hero, Neeson brings something to the table. He makes the character’s extraordinary intelligence and quick thinking seem a good deal more credible than such things might if another actor were handling the role. Even more surprisingly, Neeson demonstrates a surprising raw physical prowess. He’s much less stately and refined in this role than he has played other cinematic warriors. Bryan Mills is a sleeves-rolled-up, red state hero determined to do everything necessary to stop those no-good foreigners from hurting his daughter. Yes, his actions are repulsive, but the wounded anger in Neeson’s eyes makes it all work. He never lets you forget this intense love for his child is fueling every single action, no matter how horrific they may get.

Neeson is pretty much in every scene, and the supporting cast doesn’t have a lot to do. Maggie Grace is sweet and likable as his daughter, but she’s absent for the majority of the film’s running time. Famke Janssen is absolutely wasted in a nothing role as Neeson’s ex-wife. Most of the international folks are only onhand to sneer and receive beatings.

Without him, Taken is an ugly train wreck. With Neeson in command, it’s an effective thriller that turns rampant rage into righteous revenge.


Closing Statement
There are certainly plenty of movies in theatres right now that are far more deserving of your time and attention, but if you’re looking for a lean, effective little adrenaline boost, Taken will do the trick. It’s a guilty pleasure, but a pleasure nonetheless.

The Verdict
7/10

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