Liam Neeson returns to the big screen in
Taken, an action thriller from producer/writer Luc Besson. Although not highly original, it is frantic and exciting enough to entertain those in the mood for an old fashioned revenge film.
Taken is as straightforward a revenge story as you will ever find. Liam Neeson plays Bryan Mills, a devoted father who has recently retired after many years of service as a spy. The years of secrecy and covert operations destroyed his marriage and he finds himself being the bodyguard of a Britney Spears clone, played by Holly Vallance. While his daughter is on holiday in France she is kidnapped by members of the Albanian mafia and the hunt begins. Quicker than you can say
Bourne Supremacy, Neeson is on a plane and on a mission to rescue his daughter and seek revenge on the culprits.
The film feels like a cross between the Bourne films and an episode of
24. Everything from the frenetic hand-to-hand combat scenes to the father/daughter relationship seems to be borrowed from better films. It all works - just - thanks to Neeson, who is looking a little older but is still a commanding presence. He is not your typical action hero so when he gets into a fight there is an element of danger that makes it exciting to watch.
Taken was produced by the underrated French director Luc Besson (
The Professional, The Fifth Element), who appears to have taken a break from directing to focus on producing B-grade action films including
The Transporter and
Unleashed. It's a shame, because the film needed Besson's visual style and talent to make the experience a little more memorable.
With
Taken you have over 90 minutes of Neeson beating people up amidst beautiful French scenery. It is fast, frantic, and exciting but feels like you have seen it all before. It still doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the movie though, thanks to Neeson's interesting hero.
- Review by Sebastian CordobaTaken is released in cinemas on August 14.You can check out the trailer here on TheVine.