Don’t even think of messing with him. Well, not him, but his character, Bryan Mills, a retired CIA agent who’s daughter is being kidnapped by some bad guys dealing in the sex trade.

The movie is extremely awesome to the core. I don’t say this often for a lot of movies. This one ranks among the top movies. And I’m saying this pretty close after watching Quantum of Solace, which I find very cool.

I don’t know why its not being shown in Singapore cinemas. But its a great miss if they don’t show it here. I’ve got nothing but praises for this film. One thing people MIGHT complain is the rather slow start. But I find it ok. If you come in to an action film which jumpstarts with all action and no buildup, you know the story’s gonna be averageish.

Liam Neeson in Taken. Very spy-movie poster.

And this movie is a great example that shows that shaky camwork does NOT make an action sequence more … action-packed. It’s stupid. Shaky cam done on purpose thinking the audience will feel like they’re a part of the action, is stupid. Luc Besson is a director who’s got things right when it comes to action. I think he did The Professional and La Femme Nikita. Both great French action films. Great.

Anyway, first you get to watch the solid build up of characters, introducing Bryan Mills as a retired agent and his failed marriage and his attempts to get closer to his teenage daughter. Then his daughter gets kidnapped and you see a whole new side to him which kicks so much ass so painfully that bad guys having intentions of going into the sex trade is gonna feel it.

Speaking about ass kicking, the fight scenes were exceptionally well shot and fully immersive. And its not one of those Steven Seagal style shits. His methods were really brutal. Or at least, it looks damn hard core.

The story is simple yet powerful. And then Holly Valance is in it. Man, this review’s all over the place. The movie is a fine piece of work and I’m still in awe at how damn cool he is. Oh and I think the Bogaman is the one who told me about this movie. Finally watched it dude, it’s bloody awesome.

He takes no shit from no one. Seriously. Watch the movie!

update: I forgot about Bogaman’s review on his site. So I actually watched the movie forgetting who recommended me. That was my unbiased review. Read his here. And yeah, I’d agree with Taken ranking right up there with THE DARK KNIGHT. Yeah. That GOOD.

Tags: holly valance, movie review, taken