I'm not sure where the actual filming took place but the setting is Southern California and at least some of the scenes were shot on location. In fact, after tragedy strikes early in the proceedings, Neeson seems largely unmoved by circumstances and, after a brief scene in which he composes himself, he moves straight back into action-Neeson mode. Sleepwalking might be an unfair way to characterize his performance but this certainly isn't an impassioned, powerhouse portrayal. Taken 3 is the worst of the trio and Neeson is at his least invested. He does these movies, one would suspect, for the paycheck. This is a man with an Oscar nomination and an impressive resume. He's no hulking Stallone, burdened by Rocky and Rambo. Neeson is no Schwarzenegger, flexing his biceps and struggling with the English language. An appeal of Liam Neeson in this series has always been that, unlike many of his action contemporaries, he is a respected and accomplished actor. It would be untrue to say I was disappointed by Taken 3. It also reminds us that, despite some recent evidence to the contrary ( The Raid 2, John Wick), the filmmaking industry hasn't entirely dispensed with mind-numbingly dumb action. To be fair, the movie isn't godawful or unwatchable it's just overlong, tiresome, and redundant. The end result is that Taken 3 might have boasted a retro feel if it wasn't for the spastic editing used to obscure transitions between Liam Neeson and his body double. That means lots of unnecessary action, fistfights, shootouts, car chases, and the occasional explosion.

The film, directed like its immediate predecessor by Luc Besson disciple Olivier Megaton (with Besson co-writing and producing), has all the earmarks of a 1980s thriller.

Even those desperate for a Liam Neeson action fix may be disappointed. Taken 3 is exactly what one might anticipate from an unnecessary sequel in a mediocre franchise.

Taken 3 full movie