Read Mixed User Reviews for Taken 3

4

StevieGJDJan 13, 2015

Sometimes reviews are a good indicator of a how good a movie is. This is one of those times. The first "Taken" was a very good action movie. The second was not as good, but it was still decent. Taken 3 is mediocre at best. Liam Neeson isSometimes reviews are a good indicator of a how good a movie is. This is one of those times. The first "Taken" was a very good action movie. The second was not as good, but it was still decent. Taken 3 is mediocre at best. Liam Neeson is fine as the man "with a specialized set of skills." Forrest Whitaker is good as the Inspector. They are not the problem, nor are the myriad supporting actors. The script is the problem. There are so many ridiculous events and twists going on in this movie that it boggles the mind. And could this be any cornier? Methinks not. Finally, the directing is just terrible. Where "Taken 3" takes its audience is on a pretty dumb ride.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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6

TVJerryJan 13, 2015

Liam Neeson is back on home soil and his family is once again in peril. To make matters worse, he gets framed and has to track down the villains, while eluding he police. This is very much a by-the-numbers action flick with a hero who'sLiam Neeson is back on home soil and his family is once again in peril. To make matters worse, he gets framed and has to track down the villains, while eluding he police. This is very much a by-the-numbers action flick with a hero who's impervious to bullets, falls and anything else that would hurt an ordinary person. The endless chases and fights are shot and edited with that slice-and-dice technique that makes it impossible to see what's really happening…just a blur of activity. In its favor, the pace is brisk.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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6

AGarcia732Jan 14, 2015

I was excited to hear that the Taken films would become a trilogy, because I had loved Taken (and had watched it so many times I could remember most of its iconic lines). The first Taken was dark, gritty, and very personal for BryanI was excited to hear that the Taken films would become a trilogy, because I had loved Taken (and had watched it so many times I could remember most of its iconic lines). The first Taken was dark, gritty, and very personal for Bryan Mills--his daughter was abducted and was soon going to be prostituted, he had little time to find her, and they were growing apart as she grew older. Taken 2 was not as good as the first one, but respectable in its own right. Taken really felt like standalone story, so Taken 2 detracted from that and kind of felt unnecessary. Nevertheless, I honestly don’t know why people complained so much about Taken 2. Taken 2 expanded well on the characters and furthered themes from Taken. Sure, Taken 2 might’ve seemingly pulled a “Hangover 2” move and became a rehashed version of it’s predecessor. But it had some interesting juxtaposition, as Bryan and Murad (father of Marko, who was tortured then killed by Mills in Taken) were both fathers seeking what they viewed as rightful vengeance for actions perpetrated against their offspring. Taken and especially Taken 2 also both had exotic scenery & locations in Europe (Paris in T1and Istanbul in T2), which really helped sell the films.

Taken 3 probably made a good choice when it decided to NOT have the film’s plot revolve around someone being “taken”. (How come they never use the word abducted or kidnapped?) However, being set in a typical American city (Los Angeles) and using a pretty generic story (innocent person framed for a crime, must find ones responsible) both didn’t set the odds in Taken 3’s favor. The whole “framed” trope is not a very effective plot device, because *SPOILERS* Stuart (Lenore’s husband) and Oleg Malankov (Stuart’s boss, of a sort) were both involved in Lenore’s murder, not as revenge against Bryan, but because of an unpaid debt between the two (and to get her life insurance money). Lenore was killed as punishment from Oleg Malankov against Stuart. Therefore, there is no real meaningful conflict between Malankov and Bryan, as Bryan was simply involved in the entire mess as a scapegoat (and Malankov is set as a villain far too late into the film). Even though Malankov is supposedly some sort of badass, he is a terrible shot and cannot get a single hit on Bryan. Bryan and Stuart's dynamic happens to be convoluted and unsatisfactory.

Taken 3 is honestly sub-par and mediocre, especially compared to it's predecessors. I don't even know why Forest Whitaker is in T3; he is such a stereotypical by-the-book cop. I think another actor (Denzel W, Idris E, Samuel L. J) might've been better suited for his role. Unlike Taken 1&2, little time is spent on further developing characters, as the film is very fast-paced. There is action, but it is not very tense or exciting. How are we even supposed to root for Mills to fully kick ass when he's sometimes going up against American cops and possibly endangering civilians? Not to be racist, but it was easy to cheer Mills on as he defeated hordes of evil foreigners. (You could tell from looks who was a bad guy! :P) In chase scenes, shaky camera work truly ruins the fun; they're very choppily and awkwardly edited as well. CGI and big stunt sequences look low budget; Taken 1&2 looked better! The whole film is a half-assed conclusion to the Taken films, with mediocre acting, an uninspired plot, cliche and stereotypical characters (smart person has chess piece & rubberband to fiddle with), "dues ex machina" moments, unimpressive and overdone action sequences, etc. I blame Olivier Megatone and the other crew members (screenwriter, camera crew) for the faults of what could've been a satisfying conclusion to the Taken trilogy.

However, despite everything I said earlier, I cannot deny that some younger (funny cause I am pretty young) and more carefree part of me enjoyed watching Bryan Mills have one last adventure (if indeed this is the last Taken film). I have some fond movie memories of Liam Neeson, and I enjoy most of his films (like Non-Stop in 2014). If you're not as cynical or critical as most movie critics eventually become, you may very well enjoy Taken 3.

Score: 6.9

I have reviewed 38 other movies, including the 2014 films: The Interview, Exodus: Gods and Kings, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, Dracula Untold, The Maze Runner, Nightcrawler, The Equalizer, The Expendables 3, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Giver, Sharknado 2, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Transformers: Age of Extinction, Edge of Tomorrow, X-Men Days of Future Past, Godzilla, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Divergent, Transcendence, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, and more.

I review TV shows, such as: The Flash, Arrow (Season 3), Gotham, The Last Ship, Sleepy Hollow, Marvel's Agents of SHIELD (Season 1 and 2), The 100, I Wanna Marry Harry, Crisis, Gang Related, and more. I also have reviewed the mobile Android games Minecraft Pocket Edition, Clash of Clans, and Five Night's at Freddy's.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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6

condythugJan 21, 2015

This is an average movie if u compare it to the highly action packed Taken 1 but if u just sit back and take it more reflectively, then it is an OK movie. its nothing great but tried to connect the dots from the previous movies in the seriesThis is an average movie if u compare it to the highly action packed Taken 1 but if u just sit back and take it more reflectively, then it is an OK movie. its nothing great but tried to connect the dots from the previous movies in the series and "end" the saga. the action is moderate; there's a lot more drama and sad scenes than one expects from a Taken movie but this is probably due to the "ending" of the series.

if u are a fan of the previous Taken movies, then it is worth a watch just to see how it all "ends" but be prepared for less action than the previous ones. if u are new to the trilogy then maybe u should catch it on dvd/rental as it is not so great on its own.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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4

GinaKJan 11, 2015

Taken 3 is pure escapist fare for people who want to forget the boorish relatives they had to spend the holidays with and the awful weather outside. Liam Neeson and Forrest Whitaker did not disappoint, although they had to deal with a prettyTaken 3 is pure escapist fare for people who want to forget the boorish relatives they had to spend the holidays with and the awful weather outside. Liam Neeson and Forrest Whitaker did not disappoint, although they had to deal with a pretty incompetent director and a maudlin script chock full of unrealistic heroics and unwarranted fidelity. When you are watching a car chase and you have no idea who is in which car, it is annoying, but if you want to escape a world much worse and more boring than your everyday one, you will enjoy your 108 minutes of Taken 3. I did.… Expand

6 of 7 users found this helpful61

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4

MarcDoyleJan 13, 2015

Advice to studios: Avoid showing a trailer for a movie with the same lead actor, which makes you want to watch that movie MUCH more than the one you're there to watch. Run All Night looks pretty fantastic, but Taken 3 was just slightly belowAdvice to studios: Avoid showing a trailer for a movie with the same lead actor, which makes you want to watch that movie MUCH more than the one you're there to watch. Run All Night looks pretty fantastic, but Taken 3 was just slightly below average. I'll see Neeson (as Bronson) movies till the cows come home, but this one is certainly nothing special.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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4

flametail23Jan 11, 2015

There should have only been one of these, the first one was great, the second was **** and the third one was slightly better than the second one. The action in this movie is terrible and the movie is just boring and stupid.
4/10

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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4

BshopJan 16, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Story made no sense, and the entire movie hinges on the action within the first 30min. Why would he run and take down cops if he were innocent ?! No sense.
Anyway, for the movie's sake (if you look over this part) it was full of action and even a few car chases!
His friends make an appearance (reminded me of the A-team at times), but in the end, it's Liam Nesson kicking it.
In summary, wait for rental or VOD. I should have waited. Not that great. I'd say Taken2 might have been better honestly, but the daughter is still just as clueless in this one.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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5

NotoriousFraudJan 24, 2015

No where near as good as the first movie, but in my opinion it is better than the 2nd one which is really not saying much. The acting from the cast is good as to be expected from the likes of now action star Liam Neeson and Forest Whitaker,No where near as good as the first movie, but in my opinion it is better than the 2nd one which is really not saying much. The acting from the cast is good as to be expected from the likes of now action star Liam Neeson and Forest Whitaker, but their efforts would be better used if only Luc Besson would put effort into writing a less mediocre script. The directing from Olivier Megaton who also helmed Taken 2, leaves much to be desired with the constant shaky cam during the PG-13 approved fight scenes that hamper the experience instead injecting realism into the already far-fetched story.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

HfahmyJan 24, 2015

Absorbing traditional action movie about an ex-agent using his special talents to take revenge from his enemies. Seen years ago in Charles Bronc Death Wish series, and lately in The Equalizer of Denzel Washington. Nonetheless it is a movieAbsorbing traditional action movie about an ex-agent using his special talents to take revenge from his enemies. Seen years ago in Charles Bronc Death Wish series, and lately in The Equalizer of Denzel Washington. Nonetheless it is a movie that is never obsolete specially with an actor as charismatic as Liam Neeson (Bryan Mills). Bryan Mills is caught amidst a business settling between his ex-wife husband (Dougray Scott) and Russian arms dealers. His mission is to protect his daughter (Maggie Grace) and take revenge for his murdered wife (Famke Janssen). He did it skillfully under the admiration of police officer Forest Whitaker. No real scenario or acting, no interpretation of how done, just super human skills, even beyond police, that's it from the very beginning, no wonder Bryan Mills got them all at the cost of some scratches. The theatre was almost full for this favored theme and actor.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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4

manofthemoonJan 24, 2015

Lazy in every department as the studio stitches together every cliche and set piece from every other action film since the 80s. Taken 3 should be retitled The Fugitive 2, seeing as it steals the plot so often. Even Neeson looks tired of itLazy in every department as the studio stitches together every cliche and set piece from every other action film since the 80s. Taken 3 should be retitled The Fugitive 2, seeing as it steals the plot so often. Even Neeson looks tired of it all. An average action film for anybody who doesn't want to make any effort.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

michael1208Jan 10, 2015

While Fast and Furious franchise is successful in expanding into a larger scope and at the same time to maintain its original theme, it seems that Taken has been trying its best to follow the same path but ended up with incoherent directionWhile Fast and Furious franchise is successful in expanding into a larger scope and at the same time to maintain its original theme, it seems that Taken has been trying its best to follow the same path but ended up with incoherent direction and almost diverting entirely from its basic. It's always great to see Liam Neeson back in action, but this slightly skewed towards family violence drama than the action sequences of race against time in the first episode seems to be less exciting. It has some memorable score (A Stutter feat. Arnor Dan by Ólafur Arnalds), it still presents the same kind of lifeless actions with some unintentionally hilarious moments which shall manage to attract the attention of the crowd, otherwise it just changes the previous mediocre Taken 2 into Taken which the taken target this time is actually the audiences rather than the characters themselves.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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4

markscarlsFeb 28, 2015

I watched this after walking out of two other really terrible movies in a multiplex theater. Therefore, the movie did not have to be good to be an improvement.
It met my low expectations for a lightweight film with some good (totallyI watched this after walking out of two other really terrible movies in a multiplex theater. Therefore, the movie did not have to be good to be an improvement.
It met my low expectations for a lightweight film with some good (totally over-the-top) action sequences but an unbelievable plot.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

moviemitch96Feb 4, 2015

Definitely an improvement over the second film, which really isn't saying much, as it falls way short of the first. Just like the second film, it's mindless, dumb entertainment. However, the reason I liked this one a little better is becauseDefinitely an improvement over the second film, which really isn't saying much, as it falls way short of the first. Just like the second film, it's mindless, dumb entertainment. However, the reason I liked this one a little better is because the filmmakers decided to try something new rather than having someone get taken again (thank God!) Liam Neeson does what he does best in action films. Overall, I felt that it was a rather rushed but entertaining final film in this somewhat forgettable trilogy of films.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

geo333Nov 9, 2015

The third installment of the successful franchise prove one thing in that Liam Neeson is an action star; other than that this sequel isn't on par with the previous as it suffers from poor editing and story In the end, fans of the franchiseThe third installment of the successful franchise prove one thing in that Liam Neeson is an action star; other than that this sequel isn't on par with the previous as it suffers from poor editing and story In the end, fans of the franchise can get some good action scenes out of this one and nothing else.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

TyranianApr 14, 2019

Another entertaining dose of Taken action if you're a Neeson fan, fast paced and fairly smart.