Report abuse
Submit my work
Share/bookmark
Email
Print
Tag as favorite
“I told you so” would be an understatement for Liam Neeson’s character, ex-CIA operative Bryan Mills, in the film “Taken.”
Mills retires from his job to spend more time with his 17-year-old daughter, Kim, who now lives with her mother and wealthy stepfather. Kim plans to travel to Paris and seeks her father’s permission, but he is worried about her safety. Kim’s disappointment and the anger of his ex-wife convince Mills to change his mind.
However, almost as soon as Kim arrives in Paris, she is kidnapped. Now Mills is faced with his worst fear, losing his daughter. He uses the skills he learned from his job to track down her captors.
“Taken” does not have much of a storyline (and what little plot it has is clichéd and predictable). Nor does the film feature original, developed characters; the audience is forced to put up with the seemingly superhuman Mills, his spiteful ex-wife, the naive, spoiled Kim, and the inept “bad guys.” Consequently, “Taken” relies on action and some suspense to engage its viewers. Perhaps the best scene of the movie is Kim’s kidnapping, in which the element of suspense is executed very well.
Unfortunately, the strengths of the film are negated by the ending, which I can only describe as terrible. There is a complete change in mood, and there is no transition for the change to make sense. The finale also leaves many loose ends and seems to question the audience’s intelligence with the amount of liberties it takes.
Bottom line, expect a mildly entertaining action flick with one-dimensional characters, a dull script, and a predictable plot.
This piece has also been published in Teen Ink's monthly print magazine.
joanofarc15I really liked this movie. Of course it wasn't realistic. But if you want an action movie, I think it fits the bill.
Sunshineyday
The movie was pretty good. you are right the guy seems like he's invincible but how realistic can we ask that an ACTION/drama be? I'd say it's worth watching, but not the BEST movie ever.
Like*Whoa!!!i thought you were a little to harsh on the movie also...i mean, it actually is kind of realistic because that kind of stuff really does happen. and i think thats the part that makes the movie so interesting, is that its liked, BASED on a million true stories of young women who, have been...taken, i respect your opinion, but i think you are really downplaying the good parts of the movie <3
emmolemmo said...
Aug. 11 at 9:58 pm:
Aug. 11 at 9:58 pm:
I completely agree with this review! The movie is based on contrived dialogue and action sequences, and although the acting is fine (not the best), there are far better ways to waste your time. So: thank you for finally showing that to people. May you write many more!
His-Bright-Green-Eyes...i want to see this. "If you take my daughter, i will find you, and i will kill you." That part just scares me. Lolz. I want to see it! absolutely wonderful review!
khmj45 said...
Aug. 11 at 1:31 pm:
Aug. 11 at 1:31 pm:
this movie was good! and very well written. i liked it.
hannah=(=I think this movie rocked! There was tons of action.
i saw this movie a while ago. It was ok and it kept me entertained but it wasn't all that realistic which made it funny. i mean seriously, whenever something blew up i couldn't help but lmao. Some of it was good but overall, I've seen much better action movies.
Valkyrie_123i love this movie so action packed i wonder if there is a book hmmmm.... i have to check into that but anyways awesome story!!! keep it up!!!
*peace*I really liked this movie. The only scary thing is, is that this kind of stuff (trafficing women) really does happen. Taken is not just an action film and because this kind of stuff actually happenes it made the movie really good.
This movie seems very interesting and I really want to go watch it. I can't wait to go and see it, and the reviews look great. (:
I respect all your opinions but still maintain my own. I was harsh on this movie because I believe it deserves it. The harshness was intended because Taken was unrealistic and did not have much cinematic value. Katiemiladie, it was definitely not a documentary; it was an action film.
I agree with katiemiladie, I thought you were a little too harsh. I know everyone has a different opinion, and I know we all have to agree to disagree, but I highly enjoyed the movie. Though watching it on your 22 inch television screen at home isn't as 'frightening' as viewing it on the triple garage-door-sized theater screen. All in all, I found the movie enjoyable, though as some of you said, it wasn't THE best movie ever.
That review was extremely harsh and blunt. i am not personal sure about the movie iv never even heard of it. But it doesn't sound all that bad but thats just me everyone is entitled to a opinion even if i don't agree with it.
Look, I wrote a review as well on Taken, similar to the one above. But, I think your closing line is too blunt and bottom line. More so than bieng a "mildly entertaing action flick with one dimentional characters, dull script, and predictable plot" it was actually a decent movie. If I had to counter your closing statment I would say this: Taken is more so a documentry about the dangers of travel between just two young girls, and the challenges and tragic circumstances they face. Of course, with ... (more »)
taken said...
Apr. 30 at 8:47 pm:
Apr. 30 at 8:47 pm:
taken sounds like a very good movie it would also be a very good book. thanks 4 listening tina rox
this movie was aok but the article maes it sound relli good
Join the Discussion
This article has 17 comments. Post your own!