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Taken:

It lived up to its name and was no E.T.; I only wish I had reserved the time for something with more substance. It will play better when released as a Director’s Cut on DVD. The constant interruptions by commercials destroyed the artistic flow to a point where it was hard to stay engaged in the production. But it was a valiant effort.

The Cinematography, Visual Effects, Sound, and Makeup were what you would expect from anything with Steven Spielberg’s name connected to the production.

The casting by Heike Brandstatter, Allison Jones, Coreen Mayrs were well thought out and top of the line. Dakota Fanning, as “Ally Keys”, was a joy to watch her performance was outstanding. Anton Yelchin also did a sensitive job as the young Jacob Clarke. It was the sort of casting you would expect from Spielberg; he has a way of finding talented children.

Emily Bergl as “Lisa Clarke” put in a strong performance, but at times was a bit over the top; she didn’t give me a moment to try and identify with her. I have a feeling some of her best stuff is on the cutting room floor. James N. Kirk, as “Jesse Key” has a very nice film presence and also put in a strong performance, but someone should whisper in his ear from time to time; “More is less just let the camera do the work.”

The villains stole the mini-series and held it together. Joel Gretsch, as “Captain/Major Owen Crawford”, Heather Donahue, as the adult Mary Crawford, and Matt Frewer, as Dr. Chet Wakeman; were all delightfully wicked. I would purchase the DVD on the strength of their amoral presentation alone. The collective compulsion in this production brought to mind the obsession and villainy of Titus Andronicus. Taken

Bostonboy, review