Synopsis: In Istanbul, retired CIA operative Bryan Mills and his wife are taken hostage by the father of a kidnapper Mills killed while rescuing his daughter.

Release Date:  October 5, 2012

Thoughts: This sequel to the unlikely 2008 hit finds Neeson once again forced into action as his wife is kidnapped by the family of the men he wiped out in the first film.  The original Taken was a curious film that seemed to strike at the right moment – a vigilante justice tale that benefited from stylish direction and a fiercely committed performance by Neeson. Though a nice distraction, it was nothing special in the action canon.  However, considering the routine nature of many similar action titles Taken seemed to nestle itself well amongst its peers.  The sequel looks to be more of the same with big chase scenes and a melting pot of accents/nationalities in the cast.   If this one does well, I’d be worried for other family members that may get snatched in future installments.