Critics and audiences differ in their reviews of “Taken 2”, which opened in theaters nationwide on Friday. Critics panned the movie giving it what amounted to a 19 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer compared to the popular reviews of 76 percent.
In case you don’t know, “Taken 2” is the fast-paced, action-packed adventure sequel to “Taken,” released in 2008. It is directed by Olivier Megaton (“Taken” was directed by Pierre Morel) and stars Liam Neeson.
In Taken 2, the Brent family -- ex-CIA operative Bryan Mills (Neeson), ex-wife Lenore (Famke Jansen) and daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) – after a period of estrangement decide to vacation together in Istanbul, and wouldn’t you know it, the sex-traffickers who abducted Kim in “Taken” (she was rescued by her father who killed a lot of people in the process) as an act of revenge abduct Bryan and Lenore.
I must admit I was thinking of going to see this because: a.) I like Neeson, b.)
“Taken” was okay, c.) although I’m usually bored by chase and combat scenes the ones in “Taken” held my attention, and d.) I like movies that take place overseas since I can’t afford to travel.
On second thought, after reading some of the review snippets posted on Rotten Tomatoes, I think I’ll wait for the DVD.
Here are a few:
Dana Stevens of Slate writes: “So lazily put together that it relies on flashbacks from its predecessor for the majority of its character development.”
Jeffrey Anderson of Common Sense Media writes: “A good, solid, ‘B’ level entertainment.”
Mark La Salle of the San Francisco Chronicle writes: “As much as this picture is action driven, its greatest delights are grounded in personality, in the fun of having a protagonist who combines homespun values with velociraptor functionality.”
Velociraptor?
Arme C. writes: “Totally enjoyable, fun just like Taken 1.”
And lastly, Jason Buchanan of TV Guide’s Movie Guide writes: “…this movie should be Taken 2 the garbage.”
Join the Conversation