Today’s quick review: Taken 2. Ever since saving his daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) from kidnappers in Paris, ex-CIA agent Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) has been gradually patching up his relationship with both her and his ex-wife Lenore (Famke Janssen). But Bryan’s actions come back to haunt him when Murad Krasniqi (Rade Sherbedgia), the vengeful father of one of the men he killed, ambushes Bryan and his family while on a trip to Istanbul.
Taken 2 is an action thriller starring Liam Neeson. Taken 2 deals with the consequences of Bryan Mills’ hunt for his daughter during the first film, pitting him against an enemy with a personal grudge who puts Bryan on the defensive. The movie does a good job of continuing the character arcs begun in Taken and varying up the formula just enough to feel novel. However, the sequel does lack some of Taken’s freshness and craftsmanship.
Taken 2 works fairly well as a thriller. This time around, Bryan and Kim share the load, working together to save Lenore from Murad’s men. The shift has mixed results, leading to some clever cooperation but diluting what had been the first film’s greatest strength: seeing Bryan on the warpath. Even so, there are plenty of chances to see Bryan in action, and the combination of chases, fights, and cunning make Taken 2 a decent watch.
The tradeoff is that Taken 2 is a little rougher than its predecessor. The personal side of the story requires a few clunky moves to get its pieces in place, with the result that the stakes feel lower than before. The action has plenty of thrills but doesn’t innovate on the stunts of the first film. And in spite of the film’s best efforts to build him up as a memorable villain, Murad Krasniqi is a flat character who never truly shines.
The end result is a workmanlike sequel that lacks the care of the original. Taken 2 will entertain action fans looking for a quick thriller, but those who were drawn mainly by Taken’s unique characteristics will be disappointed. For an action thriller with a similarly resourceful protagonist, try Jack Reacher or its sequel. For an action movie with more style and a greater emphasis on stunts, try the John Wick movies.
6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for serviceable action hurt by a few crucial rough edges.