When Taken burst onto the scene in 2008, it redefined Liam Neeson’s career, transforming him from a respected dramatic actor into an unlikely action hero. The film’s high-octane action, emotional stakes, and Neeson’s iconic “particular set of skills” monologue made it a global sensation. Naturally, a sequel was inevitable. Released in 2012, Taken 2 aimed to recapture the magic of its predecessor but fell short in some areas while still delivering a solid dose of entertainment.
The Plot: Revenge in Istanbul
Taken 2 picks up shortly after the events of the first film. Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson), the retired CIA operative with a knack for rescuing his family, is now working as a private security contractor in Istanbul. He invites his ex-wife Lenore (Famke Janssen) and daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) to join him for a brief vacation. However, their family reunion takes a dark turn when Murad Krasniqi (Rade Sherbedgia), the father of one of the human traffickers Bryan killed in the first film, seeks revenge.
This time, it’s not just Kim who’s in danger—Bryan and Lenore are kidnapped, leaving Kim to play a pivotal role in their rescue. The film flips the script from the original, with Bryan relying on Kim’s resourcefulness to help him escape and save Lenore. The plot is a mix of high-stakes action and family drama, though it leans heavily on familiar tropes and lacks the freshness of the first installment16.
Action and Suspense: A Mixed Bag
While Taken 2 retains the fast-paced action that fans loved in the original, it doesn’t quite reach the same level of intensity. The fight scenes are well-choreographed, and Neeson’s physicality remains impressive for an actor in his 60s. However, the film’s PG-13 rating (compared to the first film’s R-rated director’s cut) results in a noticeable toning down of the violence, which some fans found disappointing8.
One standout sequence involves Bryan using his wits to escape captivity. Blindfolded and chained, he guides Kim through a series of steps to locate his position using sound and a map. This clever twist adds a layer of suspense and showcases Bryan’s intelligence, even if the execution stretches believability39.
Character Dynamics: Family First
At its core, Taken 2 is a story about family. Bryan’s unwavering dedication to protecting his loved ones remains the emotional anchor of the film. Maggie Grace’s Kim gets more screen time and agency this time around, transitioning from a damsel in distress to an active participant in the rescue mission. Her growth as a character is one of the sequel’s strengths16.
Famke Janssen’s Lenore, however, is underutilized. While she serves as a catalyst for the plot, her character lacks depth and often falls into the damsel-in-distress archetype. This is a missed opportunity, as her dynamic with Bryan could have been explored further27.
The Villain: A Familiar Face
Rade Sherbedgia’s Murad Krasniqi is a serviceable villain, driven by a desire for vengeance. However, he lacks the menacing presence of the antagonists from the first film. His motivations are clear, but the character feels underdeveloped, reducing the stakes of the conflict69.
Direction and Tone: A Step Down
Directed by Olivier Megaton, Taken 2 struggles to match the tension and grit of Pierre Morel’s original. Megaton’s frenetic editing style often detracts from the action, making some scenes feel disjointed. Additionally, the film’s tone wavers between serious and unintentionally comedic, which can be jarring for viewers58.
Reception and Legacy
Taken 2 received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. While it performed well at the box office, many felt it lacked the originality and emotional depth of the first film. The sequel’s reliance on formulaic action and predictable plot points made it feel like a cash grab rather than a worthy continuation of the story410.
Despite its flaws, Taken 2 remains an entertaining watch for fans of the franchise. It may not reach the heights of its predecessor, but it offers enough thrills and emotional moments to keep viewers engaged.
Conclusion: A Solid but Unremarkable Sequel
Taken 2 is a classic example of a sequel that plays it safe. While it delivers on action and maintains the core themes of family and resilience, it falls short of recapturing the magic of the original. For fans of Liam Neeson and the Taken series, it’s worth a watch, but don’t expect it to leave the same lasting impression as the first film.
As Bryan Mills might say, “Good luck” to anyone hoping for a sequel that truly lives up to the original.
What are your thoughts on Taken 2? Do you think it lived up to the first film, or did it fall short? Share your opinions in the comments below!
