Movie Review: Taken (2009)

Here is a movie that caught me completely off guard. I recall seeing trailers for it back in the summer of 2008 with what I thought was an intended September/October release. Then it inexplicably vanished from the release schedule only to pop up now on the last weekend of January. Not exactly a high profile release spot, pairing off with Super Bowl weekend, no less. Still, the trailer looked promising and featured Liam Neeson in a role that I do not recall him filling since the days of Darkman. What gave me a bit more hope was that Luc Besson is involved. Besson is an action guy I trust. His films may not always be great, but they are always entertaining.

As I sat there watching this tale of vengeance unfold, one other movie came to mind. That one movie was Rambo, not First Blood or Rambo III, but the fourth film in the series that hit screens about this time last year. At first glance these two movies do not seem to have anything in common other than genre, so I am sure you are wondering just what I could see in these two movies that could equate them on any level. The answer is simple — both films feature over the top action with bad guys being dispatched in scarily efficient manner by a lone warrior who is well-versed in the ways of dealing death. Both have a personal stake in the success of their chosen mission, which is not sanctioned or backed by any world government or military branch, secret or otherwise.

On top of that, they both use these completely unbelievable setups in the service of a real world issue. Do either of them serve to illuminate the seriousness of their respective issues? I do not know, but they could prove to be a way to introduce them to those who may not be familiar with them. Or, they could just be a means to an end for a film that is purely intended as exploitative entertainment. Is there anything wrong with that? I would say no. Both of them are immensely entertaining.

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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