Greetings readers and again, welcome to Year 2 of OneFilmFan.com and 2015! As one would expect of me, there HAD to be the FIRST new film of the year to start things off, and of course, I do NOT want to disappoint. SO….how about I share with you my review OF the newest movie I’ve seen to begin this next 12 months! I therefore bring to you….”Taken 3″.
SEE THE TRAILER HERE
After bringing us additional action films such as “Transporter 3“, “Columbiana“, and “Taken 2“, director Oliver Megaton returns to the franchise and, after getting an initial presentment of troubles to come, takes us back into the quieter life of Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) who has since been enjoying a break from the rigors of previous “adventures” to once again live a normal life while also aiming to surprise his daughter, Kim (Maggie Grace), on her birthday with a very humorous gift, as well as meeting Kim’s boyfriend Jimmy (Jonny Weston). Also in this mix is a call with, and then unexpected visit by, Mills’ ex-wife, Lenore (Famke Janssen) who seems less than convincing in her love for new husband Stuart St. John (Dougray Scott) than missing Bryan. After making an initial choice to keep distance, Bryan first receives a visit by Stuart, then a text from Lenore later asking Bryan to meet her. Upon returning to his apartment, Bryan discovers a tragic scene, and is almost arrested by L.A. police, but in typical fashion, gets away and the hunt is on for those responsible. As he reaches out to his former compatriots in the CIA, Sam (Leland Orser), Bernie (David Warshofsky), and Casey (Jon Gries) to help him sort things out, we are made privy to certain other details regarding Stuart, as things are NOT what they appear. Associated with this revealed debt is an ex-KGB and Spetsnaz soldier, Oleg Malankov (Sam Spruell), who has his sights set on getting what’s owed to him no matter what it takes or who he has to hurt. The final piece in the puzzle comes in the form of FBI Agent Franck Dotzler (Forest Whitaker) whose initial belief in Bryan’s guilt drives the two to several close encounters. Through all of this occurring, Kim is holding her own secret, and while her father is not aware of what it is, it doesn’t change her newfound feelings of anger towards Stuart and the unconditional love for her father, who once again has to assure her he WILL protect her and bring the situation with Stuart to a close. From this point on, Mills simply gets to do what he does best, while still being pursued by the police, CIA, and FBI with Dotzler in the lead. The truths are brought to light, alliances change, secrets come out, and Mills hurtles everyone toward the inevitable conclusion we would come to expect. Any further details would give away spoilers, so I enter the new year sticking to my guns that I will NOT divulge those to readers.
I was SO impressed with the first “Taken” when it came out back in 2008, as I most definitely never expected Liam Neeson to become a modern day action star. The frenetic pacing and Neeson’s towering presence made the character of Bryan Mills a true and, frankly, BELIEVABLE, action hero…protecting his family with that “particular set of skills” that make him a nightmare for those who do him wrong. And I would say without hesitation this film carries on the traditions of the first two unflinchingly well. Neeson brings that potent mix of both quiet family man and full on former CIA agent in action so smoothly to Mills’ character, and add that deep resounding voice to it all…you’ve REALLY got that person you DON’T mess with! And this guys takes his licks, it’s not like he’s a superhero….but rather a man driven to do whatever it takes to safeguard the lives of those closest to him, and exact some serious punishment on those who did them any harm. I found it nice to see Scottish actor Dougray Scott back on the big screen, yet again playing one of those people who you just LOVE to hate, as he did SO well in 2000’s “Mission: Impossible 2“. Maggie Grace is adept at continuing to make Kim Mills the previously established mix of being both broken and afraid, yet determined and forceful when push comes to shove, the latter aided by the assuring voice of her father. The overall pacing of the movie matched the others well enough, with some quieter moments INITIALLY giving us some semblance of normalcy. The fight sequences and gun fights are entertaining without question. You just WAIT for Mills to explode and wade into the fray. And of course, much of these aspects play off of the writing duo of action vets Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen. Visually the film, like the others, maintains that somewhat raw, “real” feel, which is what makes watching the story unfold so effective. The action is accompanied by an appropriate soundtrack orchestrated by composer Nathaniel Mechaly as well, and it sweeps you along with it, enhancing both the subtle and NOT so subtle moments in the film. The ending is enough to, I feel, wrap the story and leave further life in the world of Bryan Mills to conjecture, but Neeson stated on January 12th he would do a “Taken 4” if the situation presented itself. So, we will have to wait and see if this film is the last ride for Bryan Mills, or if the future holds yet MORE bad guys that are silly enough to cross his path. These are just plain FUN films to watch and escape with.
As always, this is all for YOUR consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
