Taken 3 (4/21/2015)

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and for brief strong language.

Starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen and Forest Whitaker

Directed by Olivier Megaton (Taken 2, Colombiana and Transporter 3)

The man with those certain set of skills returns for another film…unfortunately.

Liam Neeson returns as ex-covert operative Bryan Mills, whose reconciliation with his ex-wife is tragically cut short when she is brutally murdered. Consumed with rage, and framed for the crime, he goes on the run to evade the relentless pursuit of the CIA, FBI and the police. For one last time, Mills must use his “particular set of skills,” to track down the real killers, exact his unique brand of justice, and protect the only thing that matters to him now – his daughter.

When I think of the Taken films, I think about Liam Neeson delivering that iconic speech and surprising me with an amazing performance as an action hero after his daughter is kidnapped. I also try to forget about the second film – you know when his wife…not his daughter is kidnapped. But they had to make a third film and the only thing that gets “taken” was my money.

Liam Neeson is ok. Sure he takes and delivers quiet a few beatings, but the performance feels empty. Maggie Grace continues to be more annoying than nails on a chalkboard. But I have to say, Forest Whitaker is a real disappointment. He is one cliché after another including a gimmick that makes no sense. Just watch for the rubber band.

Director Olivier Megaton seems to struggle to keep the franchise fresh. The fight sequences have been done before and there certainly isn’t an iconic speech that made the franchise great. There is also a heavy instrumental score that often drowns out the dialogue.

There is so much of this film that I did not enjoy and so for that reason I’d say “Skip it.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is no sex or nudity in this PG-13 field but there is plenty of action in the language is pretty rough as well.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. What is some of the advice Bryan has given to his family in the three Taken films?


2. What do you think of his advice?

Read 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.


3. What advice does Paul give us?


4. What are your thoughts on this advice?


5. What does verse 13 look like in your life?


6. What does “do everything in love” look like in your life?