Considering the basic plot behind Taken has been recycled at least a thousand times since the 1985 Schwarzenegger film Commando, it is a pleasant surprise that Pierre Morel's film entertains its audience as well as it does. The film is completely enthralling and quite simply an incredibly enjoyable movie-going experience.

As mentioned, the idea of a man in a race against time, attempting to exacting revenge on the sons-of-bitches that kidnapped his daughter with the intention of drugging her and selling her to the highest bidder… (whew) is not exactly an original concept, but this is the first time I've seen the spine of a story crafted around said idea, yet still being grounded, at least primarily, in reality. There are no ridiculous action sequences, and there is a certain amount of depth to the characters, in particular Neeson's role as the father desperately searching for his daughter. Neeson imbues his character with an ample amount of both intensity and a surprising amount of sympathy. It's a show of great balance on his part, as he manages to keep the audience concerned with his plight, despite the torture he inflicts on others.

While there are no “Ridiculous Action Sequences”, befitting of a Luc Besson production, there is still an ample amount of violence on display… Enough so, that I am surprised at the film's American PG-13 rating. While there is no graphic violence or gore on display, the film has a high enough body count and a surprising directorial intensity, that I was expecting a more mature rating. There's even a brilliant torture sequence… I just don't understand the MPAA sometimes. Then again, Gunner Palace received a PG-13 rating also, despite 42 occurrences of the word ‘Fuck'. There seems to be no solid rationale, does there? Footloose was Rated R in its original release… Go figure. What a ridiculous system.

Okay… It seems I went of on a small tangent. Back to the subject at hand… Taken is Pierre Morel's second film, after 2004's Banlieue 13 or B13, released in North America as District 13. District 13 was an action film that delivered a few spectacular action set pieces, yet the story was a little less than profound. It didn't help that the action sequences weren't as prevalent as one would want. The film was above average, however, based solely on the quality of the action. Taken approaches its material from the opposite standpoint. The action, which is very simple, yet very satisfying, exists to push the story further. Morel's B13 used its very simple story to propel itself from action sequence to action sequence. Taken benefits, as a whole, from both its story, and its action; they compliment each other and push each other forward at an unrelenting pace.

If there were one thing I could point out as being the films most significant detrimental factor, it would be the lack of originality in the film's central premise. This however is not a valid complaint, as this film needs to be taken strictly on its own terms. Yes, there are striking similarities, in particular to Commando, and even more recent films such as Hostel, yet Taken is completely different in tone, and really can't draw any credible comparisons to either one of those films. It's certainly not a perfect film, but it is well directed, acted, and has a believable and sympathetic lead in Neeson. The film's simple centric plot mirrors its protagonist's drive and dedication to his purpose… Get his daughter back at all costs, and make anyone involved pay the price. If it sounds like your ‘cup of tea'… It most certainly is.