If my father were alive and watching the movie that I recently watched, he would say “Kid stuff..” If my father were alive, he would liken the lead protagonist to the late Filipino action star FPJ who never seem to get shot while killing all his enemies.

I know this because those were the exact same thoughts in my head as I watched the movie “Taken”. For someone who grew up watching primetime English television shows or old FPJ movies with her father, I know.

The movie Taken was pure Hollywood. Ergo, unrealistic, pro American. He creates a mess in France and managed to leave the country scot-free. I read somewhere that it went number one in the box office on the week that it premiered in the US. I think I know why. Two words.

Liam Neeson.

I am not too keen on watching violent, noisy action movies. Those movies were the kind I loved to watch maybe ten years ago. But not in recent years. I agreed with Mr C when he suggested the movie because I am one of those silent fans of the great actor that is Liam Neeson. I agreed to watch the movie because, well if Mr C can stand two hours of “He’s Not Just That Into You”, I thought I’d return the favour. But let me dare say that my chick movie is a whole lot more realistic than Taken! Don’t you think?!

But see, I am a fan of this Oscar winning actor. He is known as a dramatic actor so seeing him portray a role that carries a gun and kills anyone that gets in the way was worth my time and money. (unless there he has other movie where he did carry a gun…that i didnt watch) But I guess that is why it was a hit.

And he was a convincing retired government secret agent. He is commanding, menacing and ala-FPJ invincible. And of course that voice.. that deep sounding voice makes him scarier. And his relentless devotion to his daughter—he nailed that character. His acting skills came through for him.

And after saying all these, the movie’s realism (or the lack thereof) is something I am choosing to ignore.