Taken (2009)

Director: Pierre Morel
Release Date: January 30, 2009
Genre: Action / Crime / Drama / Thriller
MPAA: Rated PG-13
20th Century Fox



The ORB's take: Before this film is over, you will want a sequel.

Movie Review:
This film was actually released in 2008 in France about a year before, but didn't get released in the USA until 2009. I am very glad this got released, and is well-deserving of theaters. Taken reminds us what a great action / thriller is suppose to be. Liam Neeson (Bryan) is a former secret service agent/spy that retired to spend time with his daughter (Kim) in California. The plot begins when his ex-wife convinces him to let their teenage daughter go on a trip with her best friend to Paris without any adult supervision because they need his parental consent to go. After reluctantly allowing her to go, he tells her she must call and check in with him multiple times when arrives in Paris. When he can’t get in touch with her after her plane lands, he calls relentlessly until she finally answers. When they are talking on the phone she sees her best friend in the other room get abducted by people who broke into the house they are staying in. This is when Bryan shifts into secret service mode and he tells his daughter she is about to be taken, stay calm, get under the bed, leave the phone, and shout out everything you see about them when they grab you. The kidnapper picks up the phone she left on the ground and Bryan tells him that if he doesn’t let her go he will use the skills that he has acquired over his career to find him and kill him. After that the action is non-stop and a great thrill ride. The acting in this movie is very bearable for an action flick and is very worth paying for to see on the big screen. A movie that you don't have to think while your watching it; you just get to sit back and enjoy the a great movie.

What to Watch For: The unexpected, and wanting everyone involved to get what they deserve.

You Might If You Like These:
Ransom
Live Free or Die Hard
Wanted

Official Taken Site
IMDB