Time: 90 Minutes
Age Rating: R16 – drug use, violence, sexual references
Cast:
Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills
Maggie Grace as Kimberly “Kim” Mills
Famke Janssen as Lenore “Lenny” Mills-St John
Leland Orser as Sam Gilroy
Jon Gries as Mark Casey
David Warshofsky as Bernie Harris
Holly Valance as Sheerah
Katie Cassidy as Amanda
Director: Pierre Morel

Taken is something of an iconic action movie from the 2000s, which started off the action career for Liam Neeson. It’s not anything special, but was enjoyable enough for what it was.

Essentially, Taken is a predictable and cliche action movie about a skilled retired agent who is searching for his kidnapped daughter. Still, it is effective for what it is. There is a simple set up in the first act, and then when the daughter is kidnapped, the movie just takes off for the remaining hour. It’s paced pretty fast, with not much time for character building or growth, and just doesn’t let up till it’s over.

Liam Neeson gives a very strong performance as Bryan Mills. He’s been in many action movies since this, but none of those have managed to top his work here. He is believable, has this effective presence, and sells both his line deliveries and his action scenes. 

Pierre Morel’s direction is quite effective, it’s a shame that he didn’t direct all 3 Taken movies. The action is quite effective and, in your face, feeling somewhat grounded while allowing for moments of silliness. The use of quick cuts and shaky cam at least does make the action feel real and not like it’s trying to cover up poor stunt work. Speaking of which, Neeson’s fighting and action is at his best here, and the film really does help make him feel like he actually does have a particular set of skills.

Taken is a cliche, but nonetheless entertaining and effective action thriller, elevated by solid direction and a great Liam Neeson.