Taken
2008
***
Director: Pierre Morel
Cast: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Xander Berkeley, Katie Cassidy, Leland Orser, Olivier Rabourdin, Holly Valance, Jon Gries
"Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they're not after you", is the philosophy of a former CIA agent who reluctantly lets his 17-year-old daughter travel to perilous Europe. Before she has even unpacked her suitcase, the daughter is abducted by Albanian human traffickers and the father must track her down before it's too late. Pierre Morel's Euro-action film is morally bankrupt and astoundingly xenophobic, but way more gripping and enjoyable than it deserves to be. The hero is a combination of Jason Bourne and Jack Bauer, and he doesn't bat an eyelash as he kills about a three dozen bad guys. The violence is brutal and quick, but Liam Neeson's charismatic presence helps you understand the father's fury and desperation. Followed by two sequels.
