50
Neeson's tormented weariness lends an air of dignity to the film's pulpy, grubby nastiness, but as striking as he is in action-hero mode, the truth is that Taken doesn't need dignity.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
40
The New Yorker by Anthony Lane
You do wonder how this commanding actor (Neeson)--who carries so much more conviction than the plot--felt about delivering the line "I'll tear down the Eiffel Tower if I have to."
60
Neeson growls his way through the functional dialogue as an unstoppable killing machine in impressive, cold-eyed style.
63
ReelViews by James Berardinelli
If there are any "24" fans who have wondered what the TV series might be like if Liam Neeson replaced Kiefer Sutherland, Taken provides an opportunity to have that question answered.
58
Entertainment Weekly by Owen Gleiberman
Propulsively outandish thriller.
63
Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert
Taken shows Mills as a one-man rescue squad, a master of every skill, a laser-eyed, sharpshooting, pursuit-driving, pocket-picking, impersonating, knife-fighting, torturing, karate-fighting killing machine who can cleverly turn over a petrol tank with one pass in his car and strategically ignite it with another.
42
Taken's subject matter is too serious for an escapist chop-socky movie, and the sleazy, exploitative tone undercuts the thrills.
25
Taken? You bet.
A classic thriller that leaves you at the edge of your seat throughout the film. Liam Neeson's creates a character different from the spies and special agents we have seen before. His unique charm and cleverness carries the whole movie as you can't take your eyes off of him in action.