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Taken 2
2012 91 min France, Turkey, United States of America PG-13 16+
★5.6
Action, Crime, Thriller
Director: Olivier Megaton
Trailers
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Description
In Istanbul, retired CIA operative Bryan Mills and his wife are taken hostage by the father of a kidnapper Mills killed while rescuing his daughter.
Budget:
$45M
US Gross:
$139.85M
Worldwide:
$376.1M
Starring
Liam Neeson
Actor
Famke Janssen
Actor
Maggie Grace
Actor
Awards
Saturn Awards 2013
— Best Action/Adventure Film
Key opinion
Taken 2 is generally perceived as a competent but inferior successor to the original film, relying heavily on a familiar formula. While audiences appreciate Liam Neeson's committed performance and the exotic Istanbul setting, the film is frequently criticized for its illogical plot, diminished stakes, and lackluster direction.
| Acting | Liam Neeson remains a commanding screen presence whose physical performance is the film's most consistent highlight. | |
| Production | The Istanbul setting is captured with cinematic flair, providing a visually engaging backdrop for the action. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is riddled with implausibilities, ranging from contrived action scenarios to frustratingly irrational character decisions. | |
| Pacing | Opinions on the pacing are divided: some viewers appreciate the deliberate buildup in the first act, while others find the film slow, repetitive, or dull compared to its predecessor. | |
| Direction | The quality of the direction is debated; critics point to Olivier Megaton's inability to elevate the material or create distinct visual style, while some fans feel the action sequences are well-executed. |