Taken

Movie Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence

Reviewed by: KingFuMonkey

Bathroom/snack breaks: Best bet is to buy the DVD and use the pause button on your remote control. Aside from that, the car chase scene where the father tries to escape goes on a bit long.

Review: I don't know if it's because I love martial arts, but I really love brutal justice. I like to see bad guys eat the pavement. I love it more when they are are forced to eat seconds if they try to mouth off to the cook. I love it even more when the protagonist is doing it for a good reason. And what better reason is there than for rescuing your daughter?

This movie is a classic chase/action movie. There are plenty of thrills to be had here, and I was particularly on the edge of my seat as he began to close in on his daughter's location. Ah, but before I spill any more beans, let me tell you a little bit about the movie.

Bryan Mills, the main protagonist, is worthy of "father-of-the-year." He is played by Liam Neeson, who portrays a loving father, and then switches over to a calm and methodical killer; as he goes after a sex trafficking cartel who had kidnapped his daughter. Within a day, he on the streets of Paris, looking for clues. He explores the seedy underbelly of crime-ridden Europe, kicking butt and taking names along the way as he works his way through criminals, crooked cops, and corrupt politicians.

After watching this movie, I wanted to BE this guy. The action in the movie was so great, and the story so well paced, that there are hardly any breaks in action. Even then, in between action, there are tense moments as he repeatedly goes into the lion's den of organized crime to gather information. The only time I lost interest was during the car chase scene where he tries to escape. It wasn't bad, but it dragged on a bit longer than I would have liked. I'm going to give it: "That is one freakin' GREAT banana."

-KungFu Monkey