Taken 2

It seems like it’s going to be the best thing ever, right? Neeson back into arguably his most awesome character, in Istanbul, the go-to place for action films (James Bond anyone?). But sadly it is not. Or at least, from a proper perspective, its not. Chances are you’ve watched Taken. It is one of the best action films – most developed and mature – and a fantastic (if strange choice) lead actor.

The Albanian’s families, whose trafficking darlings were brutally killed by a brooding ex-marine, kidnap him. The beginning mimics the first rather well, if slightly too obvious, telling the short story of the divorced couple and the awkwardness that comes with sharing a teenager between three parents. Then the three of them: Neeson’s protective father, A slightly less pathetic Kim (Maggie Grace) and Famke Janssen, take a trip to Istanbul. Mother and Father are captured, and Kim has to save them.

The Plot is practically the same basic plotline as the first, just interchanging characters. But what really makes up the important part of the film is of course the action. In the original its fast paced and exciting, in this it feels boring. This is mainly due to the one thing that action sequences really shouldn’t leave out: sound. Taken 2 does a master class of showing how much worse action can be without the music to our ears.  It’s not exactly the sound effects that are missing. I heard the same shout that is in Batman, Star Wars and nearly every film on the planet.  Its more just backing sound. The sequences feel like a vacuum of interest. The scary thing is I’m not too sure why this is though.

However, the most lamentable thing about Taken 2 is the fact that despite palling in the sight of the original, it stands up well against other action films. Its not that all action films are terrible, it’s just that there are a tonne of them, and many are complete rubbish. Despite its flaws, it’s a decent action film. If you’re bored, watch it. If you really want to, rewatch taken 1. You’ll enjoy it more.

** (out of 5) Decent action film drivel with a hint of excellence. This film is very much on either spectrum – you’ll either love it or hate it, or just don’t care. Neeson plays it cool though.