Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Taken (2008)

What it's about?

The thrill seek of a former government spy with specialized skills that has 96 hours to save his daughter from being forced into the underground trafficking world of young American women in Europe.

Who is in it?

Liam Neeson - Bryan Mills

Maggie Grace - Kim

Leland Orsor - Sam

Jon Gries - Casey

Olivier Rabourdin - Jean-Claude

Favorite Scene

While speaking to her father, Bryan, on the phone from Europe, Kim witnesses the break-in of a couple of men who scuffle with her friend and eventually take her. Her father orders her what to do as she waits in fright under the bed for her to be taken.

Favorite Quote

"Okay, stay calm. They are now going to take you."

Review

Taken is a film that has very little depth to it, written for the suspense and action junkie. Despite being filled with chase scenes, big stunts, and numerous fighting action, Taken sells itself on sheer adrenaline.

The characters are rushed in terms of development, and "Bryan" seems very one-dimensional despite early scenes used to make him seem like a normal everyday-joe kind of guy. Also, Taken left several holes in the plot as it progressed. Characters that he comes across in his quest are not followed up on or are phased out leaving the viewer with question marks. Not to mention Bryan's MacGuyver-like ability to always have what he needs for the current moment without any explanation of where it came from.

All in all, Taken seems all the bit too rushed. It strikingly resembles a modern Steven Seagal movie, which is up to you to interpret. However, for the 93 minute playing time it has, the action, suspense, and thrill creates enough interest to surpass the lack of depth and plot holes that comes with it. Not a bad watch, but, certainly not anything to alert the masses about.

Grade: 2/5
Labels:

Recently Read

Would You Rather: Questions 121-130

This edition of "Would You Rather" is credited to the NBA Would You Rather NBA Account on Instagram ( See Here ). Adding to the fun, this edition (and possibly future ones) are all NBA basketball questions.  121. Who would you rather have on your favorite NBA team - Giannis Antetokounpo or James Harden?  Seeing how I'm a lifelong suffering Knicks fan, the thought of any of these guys in blue and orange is hard to believe. With that said, I'm taking the Greek Freak for this reason - I enjoy watching him play a bit more. Nothing against Harden who is amazing as well, but at times, the ball sticks and that isn't always fun. Plus, I feel like we haven't yet seen a finished Giannis. 122. Would you rather have Giannis Antetokounpo with no driving ability or James Harden with no Three-Point shooting ability?  This is definitely a weird and unique one, but I'll take Harden. Giannis without his strength doesn't offer much. However, if Harden's d...
Read more

Yankees Postseason 2026, ALDS vs. Rays

This is easily the most anticipated series (and most expected?) for the New York Yankees. The two best teams during the regular season were expected to clash to determine American League prominence.  And yes, I agree that this upcoming series says a lot about the broken playoff structure in MLB. Allow me to step onto my soapbox for a mere moment... Up we go... I've never been a fan of the expansion to six teams per league. I understand that it keeps more markets in the playoff picture come September, and it is more revenue for all (likely, the biggest reason for the expansion). Still, all it did was create a scenario where division winners were at a disadvantage, and what we're getting here is the two best teams in the league facing off in a five-game series.  Ultimately, the Tampa Bay Rays, the top seed in the American League, are given the second-best record in their first-round, in a best-of-five?  None of this makes sense.  Stepping off now... Nonetheless, fellow...
Read more

Yankees Postseason 2026, Wild Card vs. Boston Red Sox

And we're back with another one of these read-along series. It wasn't too long ago that I found myself writing every other night as my Knicks marched their way to an NBA Championship.  Man, that still feels so good to indulge in.  But here we are on a similar journey for the Yankees.  Call me crazy, but I'm just not buying that the World Series is confirmed for anyone. Baseball has been weird all year, and part of said weirdness has been the parity, or dreadfulness - however you want to look at it - around MLB. In my opinion, the Yankees' pitching depth gives them a legit chance.  And with a lockout looming, 2027 might not present another chance. Why you gotta go there, man? I'm just saying... --- Game 1 Yankees d. Red Sox, 9-0 (Yankees lead Series, 1-0) Cam Schlittler is amazing. I sat on my sofa last year in Game 3 of the Wild Card between these two very rivaled teams and it felt like that dude was the best pitcher in the world. For the moment and game, it just fe...
Read more