Taken (2008)

Written by Robert Mark Kamen & Luc Besson Directed by Pierre Morel The spy thriller genre has arguably changed over the years more than any other genre of film. In existence since the beginning of film, these obviously change over time with improved technology and tactics, and this film is a good representation of the progression that has been made. It's not your typical spy movie, the spy aspect actually has little to do with the central plot, but anyone unfamiliar with Spy Games would be hard pressed to understand what type of film this is. When Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) reluctantly lets his daughter go on a trip with only her cousin, he is wary to do so, but he does, realizing he can't protect his daughter forever. But it turns out Bryan was right, the world is far too dangerous for his daughter, for soon both her and her cousin are kidnapped while Bryan is on the phone with his daughter. Using his skills as a former spy, he tells the kidnappers he will find them, and he will kill each one of them. And so he does. This isn't a surprise film, what makes it interesting is the fresh approach they've taken to an old genre. Neeson is the last person most people would consider an action hero, but being the dedicated actor he is, Neeson easily steps up to the challenge and masters the role. Then it is up to Besson and Kamen's fanatastic script, they have easily become the "go to" guys for modern action scripts. Bryan sets off around the world to track down his daughter and her cousin, sparing no one in the process, even his old spy buddies that his actions could blow back on. He is an unstoppable machine, killing everyone who stands in his way, as he goes further into the labyrinth of forced slavery of women. This could have just been typical action fodder, but instead it keeps a brain, a theme, and a central story that is easy to follow. Somehow, that has become a difficult task in Hollywood, which is why this, a foreign action film, is one of the first in a while that wasn't based on a comic book to do even remotely well. Definitely worth checking out for its realistic action, awesome performances, and creative overall twist on an old concept. 8.7/10