Mills is still the doting dad trying to connect with his oft-bratty daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) and his flirtatious ex-wife Lenny (Famke Janssen) is still trying to sort out her feelings for her kick-ass ex.
In the opening, we learn that there are problems on the home
front, as Kim faces a domestic crisis that leaves her shaken throughout the
entire runtime. Things only get worse for her when Lenny is murdered and her
dad, the man with those certain set of skills, is wrongly accused. It takes a
while to get to this point, which is an aspect that’s a tad confusing given it
was disclosed in the trailer.
Where “Taken 3” could’ve turned into a ham-fisted version of “The Fugitive”, it manages to be original enough to differentiate itself. The main reason being Bryan Mills is a far more interesting character to watch. After two previous films, viewers are familiar with his plight and rooting for him comes easy.
Where “Taken 3” could’ve turned into a ham-fisted version of “The Fugitive”, it manages to be original enough to differentiate itself. The main reason being Bryan Mills is a far more interesting character to watch. After two previous films, viewers are familiar with his plight and rooting for him comes easy.
Despite the letdown that was “Taken 2”, the franchise
rallies back with a fine (supposed) finish. Critics and fans alike seemed to
lose sight of how incredible the first movie was and one less than stellar
sequel wasn’t enough to shake the resolve of this fan. It has been perplexing
to witness how readily some people had written off the franchise after one
underwhelming sequel.
The “Star Wars” franchise makes two terrible prequels and their fans are still jazzed to see another installment. There have only been three “Taken” movies, #1 outstanding, #2 average and #3 satisfying. Unlike the aforementioned, pop culture hasn’t exactly been inundated with these movies so what was with the hasty backlash over one not-so-great sequel? It’s very unclear.
The “Star Wars” franchise makes two terrible prequels and their fans are still jazzed to see another installment. There have only been three “Taken” movies, #1 outstanding, #2 average and #3 satisfying. Unlike the aforementioned, pop culture hasn’t exactly been inundated with these movies so what was with the hasty backlash over one not-so-great sequel? It’s very unclear.
By the time “3” has rolled around, expectations have been
put in the proper perspective. After delivering a knockout the first time
around, it was understandable the follow-up would falter in reaching the same standard.
While “Taken 3” doesn’t equal the first,
it comes much closer than its predecessor. There are some great twists and
turns, father/daughter moments, car chases and a sufficient number of fight
sequences sprinkled throughout to keep things interesting.
The key to the entire franchise has been Neeson, who in his 60's has found his career calling as the silver screen heavyweight. He’s an actor’s actor and an action star rolled into one; a captivating screen persona who is simply fun to watch. In the current age of conflicted anti-heroes and rogue part-time villains, Neeson offers an old school tough guy who never loses sight of his priorities.
The biggest hurdle for the film rests in recasting a role
that had previously been so peripheral; it immediately becomes circumspect when
it’s not. Then again, it's almost too obvious. Along with stepdad Stuart’s Dougray Scott makeover, one other change
is with the character of Kim.
Maggie Grace’s role has long been the trickiest of the franchise. She went from being a whiny victim in the first to an over the top heroine in the second and now she’s closer to the original. By making her growth so vast in the middle film, taking a few steps back was necessary however, this felt almost too regressed.
Maggie Grace’s role has long been the trickiest of the franchise. She went from being a whiny victim in the first to an over the top heroine in the second and now she’s closer to the original. By making her growth so vast in the middle film, taking a few steps back was necessary however, this felt almost too regressed.
Weaving in the first movie, Mills’ poker buddies are brought
in to help their fugitive pal and their inclusion flows into the narrative
naturally. Tying the three installments
together is something “Taken 3” does very well and though it builds slowly, the
payoff is worthwhile. The angle of bringing in Forest Whitaker’s determined detective breathes
new life into the story, offering a police dynamic that should’ve been
introduced in the second movie.
“Taken 3” is fun, engrossing and chock full of Neeson
doing Neeson. It’s a sequel that capitalizes on its established assets, closing the
chapter on some stories and opening the door for new ones. Will audiences end
up getting “Taken” again? After watching “3”, I wouldn’t mind it. Rating: 7.5/10
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