Another Avenging Rampage

As much as I like Liam Neeson as an actor, the "Taken" series is mediocre with each subsequent installment lamer. This is no "Bourne" franchise based on Ludlum's books.
I wish Mr. Neeson was a bit more selective about his work.

Liam does what he does,acts. If the film isn't what we'd like, then pillory the production crew, from the cheap backers who failed to tweak the basic script penned by Besson to the choice of director. They decided to make a far cheaper sequel,cashing in on the previous installments. I assume an honest interview with Liam would reveal how rushed and sloppy the shooting was. Watching it, I had several jarring moments where the film went away and i saw actors moving around a set, poorly lit. The absurd aspect comes later when the frugal producers opine on why their version of Taken is making so little money...

He's a good actor and has the right to cash in occasionally. I thought "A Walk Among the Tombstones" was excellent, by the way. Despite the ridiculous plots in the "Taken" franchise, Mr. Neeson is much more believable as an action hero than most other actors. And if he's "old," I must have one foot in the grave.

The waterboarding was problematic, especially given our recent history. Other than that, the movie was a pretty good combination of human interest story and exciting action sequences (but too much violence for me-thought that is part of this franchise). The jagged camera work gave it a kind of frisson that, I think, was meant to throw you off balance. Mr. Neeson does enhance most of the movies he is in. He certainly gave the Star Wars Saga a new level of gravitas and interest beyond a boy’s adventure story. I have never understood why they killed his character off after one picture. Too bad. As to why some comments get published and others don’t, I suspect it is up to the individual movie reviewer whether they want anyone to give a different opinion. But, I could be wrong.

No one's ever gone broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public.

I'm sure it'll rake in multiple millions.

Liam Neeson used to be a quality actor. But, I guess he's fallen victim to the big-money, sequel trap that gets so many actors. It seems the more films like "Taken 3" they make, the farther they get from ever being offered films that truly match their talent. Oh well, he's getting old anyway and maybe it's time he move aside, like it seems Tom Cruise has finally done. No one is interested in the old guys anymore...

No one over 18 will be admitted without a doctor's note, eh? I find it sad when a fine actor takes such parts, clearly just for money.

There are very few actors today whom I would refer to as a "man".
I would call most of them "guys". When I was a kid, Marlon Brando, Paul Newman, Gregory Peck, Gary Cooper were all before my time but they were definitely men. Men who could make me swoon. Today so many male actors just don't have that heft or maturity. The moment Mr. Neeson appears on the screen I feel I am in the presence of a real man. This is his appeal. The fact that he is also a terrific actor ( I saw him in Anna Christie) is just a bonus. I'd love to see him in a good drama. But if one is not available seeing him in Taken will suffice.

Haven't seen it yet; I liked the trailer. Lighten up, this is not high drama, but Mr. Neesom always presents a sympathetic character,one of a "good" guy beating up on bad guys. It's becoming too much the other way around in real life. I also want to see him in "A Walk Among the Tombstones" adapted from a Lawrence Block novel.

Better than the NYTimes review. The Russians make easily hated bad guys, but their high tech protective gear is scary. With so many terrorists running about world wide, maybe some of the good guys can learn something from Liam's hi tech savy with minimum equipment. A good 3+ popcorn movie.

Haven’t (and likely won’t) see this movie. I like some of Liam Neeson’s prior movies and roles, but in the first two Taken movies I wasn’t impressed with him cast as an action hero (or spy or covert operative or whatever he is). I was just not convinced I was watching an elite spy/operative – I seem to recall his movement being somewhat stilted and lethargic, and he always seemed to stick out like a sore thumb in a crowd. I’m not an expert, but these would seem to be an impediment in the realm of elite spycraft. By comparison/contrast, Matt Damon as Jason Bourne was much more convincing in this kind of role imo, he brought that fast-twitch/edgy energy to the role.

It's the only movie opening wide this weekend so, needless to say, it will emerge as "the #1 Movie in America!!" As Mr. Neeson might say to prospective ticket-buyers "You're going to be taken."

Can someone explain to me why we're free to comment on movies some weeks and not others? I truly don't get it.