Taken (2008)

Papamichael praises the film as a gritty, energetic thriller. She argues that its attempt to engage with sex trafficking is overwhelmed by the action and stereotyped villains.

The page identifies itself as a film review, but its review text is unavailable, so the critic’s verdict cannot be established. The available description calls it a lean action movie, but provides no critic-specific praise or complaint.

The critic finds the action film dumb but entertaining, with its relentless momentum carrying it along. Neeson’s cold-eyed, convincing performance as an unstoppable killer earns particular praise.

Gonzalez finds the film’s script and Neeson’s performance strong enough to compensate for its inconsistent style. He praises Neeson’s range and the script’s subtle insights, while wishing the film had more of District B13’s spatial inventiveness.

The review calls it reliably hard-headed entertainment, though less fun than The Transporter and burdened by dubious racial politics. It praises Liam Neeson’s convincing action-hero performance and the film’s energetic, brutal set-pieces.

Turan finds the film a brisk, violent action picture that is unintentionally silly at times. He singles out Liam Neeson’s committed performance as its saving strength.

The review’s verdict and specific praise or complaint cannot be verified from the blocked page. The accessible text contains no review details.

Jolin condemns the film as a venomous, xenophobic male-empowerment fantasy. He singles out its snarling hatred and brutal violence as substitutes for humour and adrenaline.

Bowles enthusiastically recommends the film as a slick, no-nonsense action movie. He especially praises Liam Neeson’s performance and the clear, impactful action.

The critic finds Taken an entertaining, politically incorrect action film that merits a stronger push and could launch a franchise. He praises its fast-paced depiction of human trafficking and Liam Neeson’s intelligent, relentless action hero, while noting that the ending and some late action strain credibility.

The review finds the film an effective, visceral action thriller despite its slow start and troubling portrayal of its villains. It especially praises Liam Neeson’s convincing, dignified performance and the parental anguish he brings to the role.

Kermode finds it a gripping, fast-moving thriller, though its implausibility and clichéd portrayal of Arabs weaken it. She praises the powerful early scenes and Liam Neeson’s performance as both loving father and trained killer.

The critic finds the film politically dated and its action repetitive, but still worthy of regard for its memorable central scene. They praise the suspenseful phone call and Neeson’s energetic performance, while criticizing the uninspired action and portrayal of foreign villains.

The review finds the film’s action occasionally effective but ultimately undermined by lazy, bigoted storytelling. It praises the fluid, realistic fights while criticizing their lack of originality and the film’s unexamined fear-based politics.