By Alan Samuel
Do yourself a favour and forget what critics say about anything. Instead ask a friend for advice on a book, a travel destination – or a movie. Smart people should discard stupid reviews given by self-serving elitist politically correct small-minded so-called film critics and decide for themselves the likability of Taken 3. Action fans will warmly embrace this thriller from 20th Century Fox now thrilling audiences at Cineplex Odeon theatres around the world.
Family man Bryan Mills again gets an opportunity to put his particular set of skills to good use. Back in action as a reluctant hero in the wrong place at the wrong time is Liam Neeson (Schindler’s List) in a theme vaguely reminiscent of Bruce Willis’ likeable John Mclane from the original Die Hard). Left alone in Los Angeles and for all practical purposes hung out to dry over the death of a friend our aging vigilante (?) must do what he can to solve the puzzle. Mystery and suspense abound in this 109 minute drama that pits Mr. Mills against a persistent police detective and a criminal or two (or a 100) in up this exciting escapist/revenge yarn.
Co-writer Luc Besson ( The Transporter) has breathed new life into the franchise. Solid action, new threats and a better story with more plot twists make Taken 3 better than Taken 2 but not quite on a par with the original masterful Taken .
Still Neeson is great to watch and listen to and ensures Taken 3 provides first class action fare for excitement junkees. So have some popcorn fun and take in this flick.
