Taken

[Gump]

I really needed a movie like this. No complex plot, no clever twists, no surprise endings------just a clear cut, kick butt, action movie. Very refreshing!

This movie is not long (93 minutes) and the first 20 or 30 are spent on introducing the players and character development. The rest is pure adrenaline in the form of fights, car chases, and shoot-outs.

I was initially skeptical of Liam Neeson in this type of movie, but his dignified professionalism actually brought a level of realism to his role that enhanced the believability of the plot.

If you like action movies definitely check it out!

Grade: Strong B+ :T

[David Meek]

The extended cut Blu-Ray's on order. Waiting, waiting, waiting.... :Z

[George Bellefontaine]

I picked this BD up Saturday but haven't watched it as yet. As far as Neeson in this type of role, I pretty much feel comfortable that he can pull it off. I haven't heard anything bad about this film so far, so it is looking a lot like a winner and I'm glad it will be in my collection.

[impala454]

Looking forward to reading your review George. Was tempted to pick this up at Fry's when I was there this weekend but figured I'd wait for the reviews.

[Alloroc]

My little post a few months back....

http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=33031

[George Bellefontaine]

I forgot that post, Vincent. It just came out on Blu-ray in North America, so you can see there was quite a span between release dates.

[George Bellefontaine]

Looking forward to reading your review George. Was tempted to pick this up at Fry's when I was there this weekend but figured I'd wait for the reviews.

Read Vincent's post, Chuck. What he wrote is similar to all the comments I have read so far. But I will certianly post my comments once I get a chance to watch it.

[Alloroc]

Yeah, I remember that George! Makes a change from the norm!

Anyhow, You'll enjoy it!

[Bmac]

Not too bad...I thought it was really action packed. I once heard that an "Equalizer" movie was being made..... You remember the "Equalizer" the 80's television show. This could be that movie. This was a very Seagalesque movie, before the weight problem.

Grade: B

[Race Car Driver]

Watched it last night with the lady. Awesome movie! Very well done, not over the top, not boring, but down right kick ass!

2 thumbs up for Taken.

[H.Donald]

We really liked this movie...good,good action flick.

Taking a man's daughter...the bad guys deserved everything they got.

[George Bellefontaine]

Finally got around to watching this and agree with most of what's been said here. I did feel the editing may have been a little too tight, leaving a few loose strings, but overall an excellent film. Sure, the plot is predictable, but so are many other good films. What makes them a cut above the rest is usually direction or the cast. In the case of TAKEN, we have Liam Neeson, a classy actor who makes you believe in who he is portraying. I loved the fight scenes and that low end really made the walls rumble. Glad I bought it as this one will stand up to many repeat viewings.

[Alloroc]

Great you got to see this one, George. I have to say that my favourite scene was 'interogation' scene in the basement! Man, that was harsh! I reckon he'd give Jack Bauer a good run!

[George Bellefontaine]

Great you got to see this one, George. I have to say that my favourite scene was 'interogation' scene in the basement! Man, that was harsh! I reckon he'd give Jack Bauer a good run!

Harsh, indeed. My favorite scene is near the end when his daughter finally realizes just how great a father she has, and how much he truly loves her.

[wkhanna]

I watched this one last night.

IMHO, a total waste of my time. Terrible script. Even worse acting, other than Neeson, who’s character had zero depth, personality or intrigue. The roles of his ex-wife and her new husband were trite and irritatingly shallow.

Frankly, I found the violence used against the French bureaucrat’s wife morally disturbing an worthy of an X-rating for this, or any other film.


I rue the fact that I will have to spend another 30 seconds of my time mailing this back to Netflix. It has been ages since I have been this disappointed in any film.

[George Bellefontaine]

Oh, my, Bill, sorry to hear that.

[gimpy]

I bought this a couple of weeks ago and have watched it 3 or 4 times already , but I do agree with Bill on the roles of the ex-wife and her husband (although I know the show was not about them). I also thought that the initial scenes of the daughter were waaay silly/bad. Her actions and running around were for twelvish year olds. I grit my teeth during those scenes.

But, I like an action movie and good endings and will watch this one again (more than once).

[ShadowZA]

Watched this about 2 hours ago. I enjoyed Liam in the role as the father. Having a daughter myself, I could easily identify. I concur with George ... most moving to me was that final scene depicting the realizations between Dad & daughter.

[David Meek]

Having gotten my daughter "safely" :W into her twenties, I too can easily identify with Liam Neeson's fatherly demands and feelings towards his daughter wanting to go to Paris with a girlfriend. Not having been a retired Agency operative I can't say as to how I'd react to the situation as it evolved, but it did make for a heck of a kick-a$$ movie. :T FWIW, I've only watched the extended, un-rated version, and it will get more viewings when I'm in need of some testosterone and gunfights.

The audio on Blu-Ray was impressive especially with the gunshots carrying a realist weight. This makes for a more enjoyable movie IMO. I was watching something last week that had 9mm, 40s and 45s that all sounded like firecrackers - just pathetic. It took me right out of the moment. No worries about that happening in this film.

I do agree with Bill in that shooting the beaureaucrat's wife so cold-bloodedly didn't sit well, and also it seemed that it was almost too easy for him to follow the trail of clues right up to the rescue but those are about my only gripes.

[Chris D]

Just saw it on a plane trip. I liked it, gave it 4 stars out of 5. Some wooden acting/dialogue in the beginning, and good action throughout.