Taken

Taken is a 2008 French action thriller film starring Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen, and Maggie Grace. It is based on a script by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen and was directed by Pierre Morel. Neeson plays a former Central Intelligence Agency operative who sets about tracking down his teenage daughter after she is kidnapped by slave traders while traveling in Europe.

Zaukul's Review
I had heard that this movie was good, light on plot but heavy on badassery, and I sure heard right. The movie wastes no time, quickly and efficiently establishing the characters and getting right to the action. What I appreciated most about the film was the excellent pacing. Scenes moved quickly, but it was always clear what was going on. You get to see every step of the process that Liam Neeson's character takes to find out where his daughter is.

Speaking of Liam Neeson, he was great. You could feel his determination, but also his fear of failure throughout the film. The action choreography was excellent, and while some of what he does seems superhuman, the choreography and pacing makes it feel realistic. Overall, a great action film, highly recommended.

Watched in July 2009 and rated 4.