Saturday, February 14, 2009

Movie Review #1

Although I received some very good suggestions from the "crowd" of people that read my blog...I decided to choose one of my favorites...but still kind of random! So, with no further adieu, I give you..my first movie review...

This review may contain spoilers - I apologize...and am willing to take constructive criticism on how I can improve for future reviews! Thanks!

Release Date: January 30, 2009
Director: Pierre Morel
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Runtime: 91 Minutes
Actors: Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen, Maggie Grace, and more!

Think "The Bourne Identity" meets "Trade". Let me explain! Taken is an action-packed movie about Bryan (Liam Neeson) who, after retiring from the Secret Service, moves to California to be closer to his daughter Kim (Maggie Smith), who lives with her mother, Lenore (Famke Janssen) and wealthy stepfather. Now that you are settled into the foundation of the story!

You soon find out that Kim has planned a trip to Europe with her friend Amanda, but in order for her to go, Bryan has to sign papers to allow his minor daughter to travel out of the country. Mistake number 1! Bryan ex-military background comes in full force as he believes this is not a good idea and tries to convince them otherwise "they do not know the world, the way he does." Bryan is not successful though, and decides to let his daughter have her freedom!

The next thing you know, Kim & Amanda (who's ridiculously idiotic) are in France, heading to their hotel. They begin chatting with perfect strangers (Mistake number 2) and Amanda gives way too much information. Without giving the full story away, the men come to take the girls, which is the predominant scene of "they will take you." Now they have released the boiling fury of a overprotective and very well-trained father!

Action and chaos ensue, as the movie opens the door to a sex trafficking world that is all too realistic for one person to handle.

My feelings on this movie....amazing, awesome, spectacular...great! I mean Liam Neeson is wonderful and I was astonished at how well he was able to portray a charactor of such fury and wrath. I am used to the normal characters of scholarly attributes, wisdom, and leaders...not necessarily let's kick some butt (Jason Bourne Style). I also appreciated the fact that this movie took the chance of exposing in cinematic glory the reality of sex trafficking. I believe this is a huge problem in our world, and too many are afraid to bring awareness to it, because it's too risky to speak of.

Overall Rating: 5 Stars!

Great Performance, Excellent Action Sequences, and not too long that you get tired of it.

Have you seen it? Let me know your thoughts!

.destiny

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hey Destiny, thanks for 'following' my blog! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I just happened to see 'Taken' the other week. Wasn't planning on it, but a friend said it was great. I have to agree - no subplots, not deviation, just awesome.

Glad to make your acquaintance. See you around. God bless and happy blogging!