The concluding chapter of the beloved Taken trilogy features Liam Neeson returning as the legendary Bryan Mills. The former CIA operative finds himself wrongly accused of murdering his ex-wife Lenore (Famke Janssen) and becomes a fugitive, battling law enforcement whilst pursuing her abductors.
During his quest, Bryan exposes a sinister conspiracy: Lenore’s death was orchestrated by her husband Stuart (Dougray Scott) and criminal kingpin Oleg (Sam Spruell) as part of a $12 million insurance fraud. His pursuit takes him across Los Angeles as he fights to prove his innocence and avenge his former wife.
Critics were less than impressed, viewing the action as cheesy and an underwhelming conclusion to the series. One reviewer observed: “The movie spends more time on silly and predictable plot twists than relishing the minor joy of watching this actor kick butt.”
Another remarked: “We don’t go to the Taken movies to see great art, we go to have a good time at the movies. Unfortunately, this time around, that pleasure has been “taken” from us.”
A third critic was blunt, stating: “Please don’t bother with Taken 3. There’s nothing redeemable about it.”
Despite critical disdain, cinema-goers embraced it, generating substantial revenue that propelled the film to top spot in multiple territories.
Devotees of the series were equally enthusiastic, with one fan declaring on Rotten Tomatoes: “Personally, I felt like this was the best out of [the] Taken trilogy. It was the most fun.”
Another viewer enthused: “Don’t listen to the critics! ! This film is suspenseful and action packed! Action packed till the end. Always wondered how he was going to get out of it. Much was in some ways predictable, it was the details that made it exciting. Ending was sweet.”
A further review stated: “Taken 3 could easily have been a standalone film. It doesn’t follow the original DNA of the first two films, but honestly that’s what makes it fresh. It’s miles better than the sequel, and comparable to the original.”
Now, audiences can form their own verdict thanks to an ITV re-run.
You can watch Taken 3 this Saturday at 10pm at ITV4.