Taken 2 is a 2012 English-language French action thriller film directed by Olivier Megaton
Taken 2 is a 2012 English-language French action thriller film directed by Olivier Megaton

which stars Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Leland Orser, Jon Gries, D.B. Sweeney,
which stars Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Leland Orser, Jon Gries, D.B. Sweeney,

Luke Grimes, and Rade Šerbedžija. It is the sequel to the 2008 film Taken and was
Luke Grimes, and Rade Šerbedžija. It is the sequel to the 2008 film Taken and was

released on 3 October 2012. Despite receiving negative reviews by critics, Taken 2 was a
released on 3 October 2012. Despite receiving negative reviews by critics, Taken 2 was a

box office success, and earned more than its predecessor. It is the second film in the
box office success, and earned more than its predecessor. It is the second film in the

Taken film series.
Taken film series.

Plot The funerals of the Albanian mobsters killed
Plot The funerals of the Albanian mobsters killed

by Bryan Mills in the prior film are held in Tropojë, Albania. Murad, the mob boss
by Bryan Mills in the prior film are held in Tropojë, Albania. Murad, the mob boss

and father of Marko, whom Bryan had killed by electrocution, vows to capture Bryan, bring
and father of Marko, whom Bryan had killed by electrocution, vows to capture Bryan, bring

him to the graves, and avenge their loved ones. Murad's men track down the corrupt French
him to the graves, and avenge their loved ones. Murad's men track down the corrupt French

Intelligence officer from the first film, Jean-Claude Pitrel, and torture him to try
Intelligence officer from the first film, Jean-Claude Pitrel, and torture him to try

to learn Bryan's location. Afterwards, they end up bribing an official for the information.
to learn Bryan's location. Afterwards, they end up bribing an official for the information.

Bryan's daughter Kim and her mother Lenore, who is currently having marital problems,
Bryan's daughter Kim and her mother Lenore, who is currently having marital problems,

surprise Bryan by joining him in Istanbul, Turkey, where he has just finished a three-day
surprise Bryan by joining him in Istanbul, Turkey, where he has just finished a three-day

security job. The next day, Lenore and Bryan go out for lunch while Kim hangs out by the
security job. The next day, Lenore and Bryan go out for lunch while Kim hangs out by the

pool. Bryan realizes they are being followed. After a chase, the men capture Lenore, forcing
pool. Bryan realizes they are being followed. After a chase, the men capture Lenore, forcing

Bryan to surrender, but before he does, he calls Kim and warns her to get to safety and
Bryan to surrender, but before he does, he calls Kim and warns her to get to safety and

wait for further instructions. Kim goes on the run to get to her father's room. Upon
wait for further instructions. Kim goes on the run to get to her father's room. Upon

removing her flip-flops, Kim ends up getting on the window ledge and entering the room
removing her flip-flops, Kim ends up getting on the window ledge and entering the room

through the window. Her would-be abductors shoot another hotel guest and two security
through the window. Her would-be abductors shoot another hotel guest and two security

guards, but fail to find her as she hides in the closet as instructed and they are forced
guards, but fail to find her as she hides in the closet as instructed and they are forced

to flee when the alarm is sounded. Bryan wakes with his hands tied to a pole
to flee when the alarm is sounded. Bryan wakes with his hands tied to a pole

in a basement of an old house. Using a tiny phone that he had hidden in his sock, Bryan
in a basement of an old house. Using a tiny phone that he had hidden in his sock, Bryan

calls Kim, instructing her to go to the American Embassy and tell them what happened, but she
calls Kim, instructing her to go to the American Embassy and tell them what happened, but she

begs for a chance to help him and Lenore. Under Bryan's guidance, she opens his suitcase,
begs for a chance to help him and Lenore. Under Bryan's guidance, she opens his suitcase,

containing weapons, and throws a grenade onto a deserted rooftop parking lot. By timing
containing weapons, and throws a grenade onto a deserted rooftop parking lot. By timing

the sounds of the explosions, Bryan is able to successfully triangulate his location.
the sounds of the explosions, Bryan is able to successfully triangulate his location.

While he is tied up, the Albanian mobsters bring in a struggling Lenore. One takes a
While he is tied up, the Albanian mobsters bring in a struggling Lenore. One takes a

knife and makes a small cut to her throat before hanging her upside down by chains.
knife and makes a small cut to her throat before hanging her upside down by chains.

They tell Bryan he has to watch her bleed out and die before he dies. When the mobsters
They tell Bryan he has to watch her bleed out and die before he dies. When the mobsters

leave Bryan is able to undo his chains, take Lenore down, and call Kim to detonate two
leave Bryan is able to undo his chains, take Lenore down, and call Kim to detonate two

more grenades so he can determine his location. The grenade detonations enable Bryan to guide
more grenades so he can determine his location. The grenade detonations enable Bryan to guide

Kim close enough to see steam he sends up a chimney to mark his precise location. Kim
Kim close enough to see steam he sends up a chimney to mark his precise location. Kim

tosses the gun down the chimney. Bryan uses it to kill the Albanians in the building,
tosses the gun down the chimney. Bryan uses it to kill the Albanians in the building,

then saves Kim from her rooftop pursuer. Lenore, however, is taken away by her captors. They
then saves Kim from her rooftop pursuer. Lenore, however, is taken away by her captors. They

steal a taxi and follow the captors. Leaving Kim in the taxi, when Bryan returns to retrieve
steal a taxi and follow the captors. Leaving Kim in the taxi, when Bryan returns to retrieve

Lenore, he spots the gang taking her to a van. He shoots at the van but fails to save
Lenore, he spots the gang taking her to a van. He shoots at the van but fails to save

her. He returns to the taxi and both Kim and Bryan head to the Embassy as Kim drives the
her. He returns to the taxi and both Kim and Bryan head to the Embassy as Kim drives the

taxi. A chase and shootout with the police and Murad's henchmen then takes place, ending
taxi. A chase and shootout with the police and Murad's henchmen then takes place, ending

when Kim and Bryan cross a railroad track; the henchmen being killed after their vehicle
when Kim and Bryan cross a railroad track; the henchmen being killed after their vehicle

is hit by a train. Leaving Kim at the US Embassy, Bryan retraces
is hit by a train. Leaving Kim at the US Embassy, Bryan retraces

the route to Murad's safe house he memorized during his abduction. After killing the rest
the route to Murad's safe house he memorized during his abduction. After killing the rest

of the mobsters and rescuing Lenore, he confronts Murad, who confirms Bryan's guess that his
of the mobsters and rescuing Lenore, he confronts Murad, who confirms Bryan's guess that his

two remaining sons will seek revenge in turn if Bryan kills him. Bryan offers to let Murad
two remaining sons will seek revenge in turn if Bryan kills him. Bryan offers to let Murad

live if he gives his word to end his vendetta. When Murad nods his head, Bryan drops his
live if he gives his word to end his vendetta. When Murad nods his head, Bryan drops his

gun and starts to walk away. Murad seizes the gun and tries to shoot Bryan, only to
gun and starts to walk away. Murad seizes the gun and tries to shoot Bryan, only to

discover that Bryan has removed the cartridge from the pistol's chamber. His actions proved
discover that Bryan has removed the cartridge from the pistol's chamber. His actions proved

his untrustworthiness and he is impaled on a towel hook by Bryan. Bryan then picks up
his untrustworthiness and he is impaled on a towel hook by Bryan. Bryan then picks up

Lenore and leaves. Three weeks later, the Mills family is at
Lenore and leaves. Three weeks later, the Mills family is at

a diner back home on the Los Angeles coast and having milkshakes to celebrate Kim passing
a diner back home on the Los Angeles coast and having milkshakes to celebrate Kim passing

her driving test. They are joined, much to Bryan's surprise, by Kim's boyfriend Jamie.
her driving test. They are joined, much to Bryan's surprise, by Kim's boyfriend Jamie.

Kim jokingly asks her father not to shoot "this one."
Kim jokingly asks her father not to shoot "this one."

Cast Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills
Cast Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills

Maggie Grace as Kim Mills Famke Janssen as Lenore "Lennie" Mills
Maggie Grace as Kim Mills Famke Janssen as Lenore "Lennie" Mills

Rade Šerbedžija as Murad Krasniqi Leland Orser as Sam
Rade Šerbedžija as Murad Krasniqi Leland Orser as Sam

Jon Gries as Casey D.B. Sweeney as Bernie
Jon Gries as Casey D.B. Sweeney as Bernie

Luke Grimes as Jamie Olivier Rabourdin as Jean-Claude Pitrel
Luke Grimes as Jamie Olivier Rabourdin as Jean-Claude Pitrel

Kevork Malikyan as Inspector Durmaz Luenell as Kim's driving instructor
Kevork Malikyan as Inspector Durmaz Luenell as Kim's driving instructor

Alain Figlarz as Suko Production
Alain Figlarz as Suko Production

Filming took place throughout early 2012; Neeson and Grace shot their scenes in January
Filming took place throughout early 2012; Neeson and Grace shot their scenes in January

in Los Angeles. The Istanbul scenes were shot in November 2011. Some scenes were filmed
in Los Angeles. The Istanbul scenes were shot in November 2011. Some scenes were filmed

in the new film studios of the Cité du Cinéma founded by Luc Besson in Saint-Denis in France
in the new film studios of the Cité du Cinéma founded by Luc Besson in Saint-Denis in France

for 1 week. Release
for 1 week. Release

Taken 2 was screened on 7 September 2012 at the 38th Deauville American Film Festival.
Taken 2 was screened on 7 September 2012 at the 38th Deauville American Film Festival.

It was theatrically released in more than 25 international markets, including North
It was theatrically released in more than 25 international markets, including North

America, on 5 October 2012. Box office
America, on 5 October 2012. Box office

For its opening day in the United States and Canada, the film topped the box office and
For its opening day in the United States and Canada, the film topped the box office and

earned $18.4 million, $1.5 million of which came from midnight showings. In its opening
earned $18.4 million, $1.5 million of which came from midnight showings. In its opening

weekend, Taken 2 grossed $49.5 million in North America, debuting in the No. 1 spot,
weekend, Taken 2 grossed $49.5 million in North America, debuting in the No. 1 spot,

setting a new record for the highest-ever October opening in North America of a film
setting a new record for the highest-ever October opening in North America of a film

rated PG-13, and earned about $55 million in other markets. During its second weekend
rated PG-13, and earned about $55 million in other markets. During its second weekend

at the North American box office, the film dropped 55.8% from its first weekend and grossed
at the North American box office, the film dropped 55.8% from its first weekend and grossed

$21.9 million while holding onto the No. 1 spot. The film grossed a total of $3,385,094
$21.9 million while holding onto the No. 1 spot. The film grossed a total of $3,385,094

in the Philippines by its fifth week. Taken 2 grossed $139,854,287 in North America
in the Philippines by its fifth week. Taken 2 grossed $139,854,287 in North America

and $236,287,019 internationally, which brings the film's worldwide total to $376,141,306.
and $236,287,019 internationally, which brings the film's worldwide total to $376,141,306.

Home media Taken 2 was released on DVD and Blu-ray, on
Home media Taken 2 was released on DVD and Blu-ray, on

15 January 2013. The Blu-ray version was released with both the theatrical and unrated extended
15 January 2013. The Blu-ray version was released with both the theatrical and unrated extended

edition. Reception
edition. Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes the film currently has a score of 21% based on reviews from 156 critics
On Rotten Tomatoes the film currently has a score of 21% based on reviews from 156 critics

and reports an audience rating average of 4.2 out of 10, with the reported consensus:
and reports an audience rating average of 4.2 out of 10, with the reported consensus:

"Taken 2 is largely bereft of the kinetic thrills—and surprises—that made the original
"Taken 2 is largely bereft of the kinetic thrills—and surprises—that made the original

a hit." At Metacritic, which assigns a weighted average score out of 100 to reviews from mainstream
a hit." At Metacritic, which assigns a weighted average score out of 100 to reviews from mainstream

critics, the film received an average score of 45 based on 35 reviews, indicating "mixed
critics, the film received an average score of 45 based on 35 reviews, indicating "mixed

or average reviews". Roger Ebert, of the Chicago Sun-Times, gave
or average reviews". Roger Ebert, of the Chicago Sun-Times, gave

the film 3 stars out of 4, writing, "Taken 2 is slick, professional action" and concluding,
the film 3 stars out of 4, writing, "Taken 2 is slick, professional action" and concluding,

"The cast is uniformly capable and dead serious, and if you're buying what [co-writer and producer]
"The cast is uniformly capable and dead serious, and if you're buying what [co-writer and producer]

Luc Besson is selling, he's not short-changing you." Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times
Luc Besson is selling, he's not short-changing you." Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times

gave the film a positive review, writing, "At a beefy 6-foot-4, Liam Neeson certainly
gave the film a positive review, writing, "At a beefy 6-foot-4, Liam Neeson certainly

looks physically imposing, but it was the notion of casting someone who can actually
looks physically imposing, but it was the notion of casting someone who can actually

act in an action hero role that was the counter-intuitive concept that made both films—Taken 2 is
act in an action hero role that was the counter-intuitive concept that made both films—Taken 2 is

more a remake than a sequel—so successful." Bernard Besserglik of The Hollywood Reporter
more a remake than a sequel—so successful." Bernard Besserglik of The Hollywood Reporter

gave the film a positive review after its screening at Deauville, concluding, "There's
gave the film a positive review after its screening at Deauville, concluding, "There's

a touch of vigilante advocacy in the movie that will displease some, with Liam Neeson
a touch of vigilante advocacy in the movie that will displease some, with Liam Neeson

as a more gentlemanly version of the Charles Bronson of the Death Wish series, but clearly
as a more gentlemanly version of the Charles Bronson of the Death Wish series, but clearly

there's still a market for such fantasies. Moviegoers who liked Taken and want more of
there's still a market for such fantasies. Moviegoers who liked Taken and want more of

the same will get precisely that." John Anderson of The Wall Street Journal gave
the same will get precisely that." John Anderson of The Wall Street Journal gave

the film a negative review, writing that there is a "blind adherence to formula evident in
the film a negative review, writing that there is a "blind adherence to formula evident in

most of Taken 2. As they might say in the advertising department, it's an adrenaline-fuelled
most of Taken 2. As they might say in the advertising department, it's an adrenaline-fuelled

thrill ride. But it could have been much more." Lisa Schwarzbaum of Entertainment Weekly gave
thrill ride. But it could have been much more." Lisa Schwarzbaum of Entertainment Weekly gave

the film a C grade, writing, "You know what happens in Taken 2, don't you? The same thing
the film a C grade, writing, "You know what happens in Taken 2, don't you? The same thing

that happened four years ago in Taken, but different." and that Taken 2 "is simultaneously
that happened four years ago in Taken, but different." and that Taken 2 "is simultaneously

silly, nasty, a lazy festival of stereotypes, and a cleverly made piece of merchandise—i.e.,
silly, nasty, a lazy festival of stereotypes, and a cleverly made piece of merchandise—i.e.,

it's the devil we know." Neil Genzlinger of The New York Times gave the film a negative
it's the devil we know." Neil Genzlinger of The New York Times gave the film a negative

review, writing that much of Taken 2 "seems like a nonstop car and foot chase, with Albanian
review, writing that much of Taken 2 "seems like a nonstop car and foot chase, with Albanian

after Albanian falling victim to Bryan's remarkable aim and hand-fighting skills. Foreigners bad,
after Albanian falling victim to Bryan's remarkable aim and hand-fighting skills. Foreigners bad,

Americans good, box office busy." Keith Phipps of The A.V. Club gave the film
Americans good, box office busy." Keith Phipps of The A.V. Club gave the film

a C grade, writing, "What begins as a family outing, with a hint of rekindled romance between
a C grade, writing, "What begins as a family outing, with a hint of rekindled romance between

the parents, devolves into kidnapping, torture, high-speed chases, and other misadventures
the parents, devolves into kidnapping, torture, high-speed chases, and other misadventures

probably not smiled upon by the Turkish Board of Tourism. None of it is particularly novel
probably not smiled upon by the Turkish Board of Tourism. None of it is particularly novel

or exciting." Scott Bowles of USA Today gave the film 2 1/2 stars out of 4, writing, "The
or exciting." Scott Bowles of USA Today gave the film 2 1/2 stars out of 4, writing, "The

first half of Taken 2 is a serviceable action flick, but the second half descends into cliches"
first half of Taken 2 is a serviceable action flick, but the second half descends into cliches"

and "[a]t times, Taken 2 even steps from the shadows of the original with some terrifying
and "[a]t times, Taken 2 even steps from the shadows of the original with some terrifying

imagery and an improved relationship between father and daughter. Alas, the movie can't
imagery and an improved relationship between father and daughter. Alas, the movie can't

help but descend into a pat part two, bereft of much suspense or tension." Peter Bradshaw
help but descend into a pat part two, bereft of much suspense or tension." Peter Bradshaw

of The Guardian gave the film 2 stars out of 5, concluding, "In the first movie, from
of The Guardian gave the film 2 stars out of 5, concluding, "In the first movie, from

the tailend of the Bush era, Liam was not shy about using Jack Bauerish torture techniques,
the tailend of the Bush era, Liam was not shy about using Jack Bauerish torture techniques,

wiring up evil-doers to the mains and zapping them with righteous volts. None of that now.
wiring up evil-doers to the mains and zapping them with righteous volts. None of that now.

That was a 15; this is a 12A, a bit tamer, just as ridiculous, but the premise is looking
That was a 15; this is a 12A, a bit tamer, just as ridiculous, but the premise is looking

pretty tired." Joe Neumaier of the Daily News also gave the
pretty tired." Joe Neumaier of the Daily News also gave the

film 2 stars out of 5, writing, "Taken 2 has a plot that could have been written by a GPS
film 2 stars out of 5, writing, "Taken 2 has a plot that could have been written by a GPS

program, and contains all the technical charm that conjures up. Yet somehow, Liam Neeson
program, and contains all the technical charm that conjures up. Yet somehow, Liam Neeson

growls through this just-acceptable action sequel with his dignity intact, his wallet
growls through this just-acceptable action sequel with his dignity intact, his wallet

bigger and his movie family oblivious to all that occurred in 2009's Taken." Neil Smith
bigger and his movie family oblivious to all that occurred in 2009's Taken." Neil Smith

of Total Film also gave the film 2 stars out of 5, concluding, "'What are you going to
of Total Film also gave the film 2 stars out of 5, concluding, "'What are you going to

do?' wails Maggie. 'What I do best!' growls Liam. Yet while it's fun to watch him take
do?' wails Maggie. 'What I do best!' growls Liam. Yet while it's fun to watch him take

out the Eurotrash, we've seen him do it better." Ann Hornaday of The Washington Post gave the
out the Eurotrash, we've seen him do it better." Ann Hornaday of The Washington Post gave the

film 1 stars out of 4, writing, "You can't blame Liam Neeson, or the Taken producers,
film 1 stars out of 4, writing, "You can't blame Liam Neeson, or the Taken producers,

for trying to catch lightning in a bottle again. What you can blame them for is Taken
for trying to catch lightning in a bottle again. What you can blame them for is Taken

2, a sequel every bit as clumsy, ham-handed, outlandish and laughable as the original was
2, a sequel every bit as clumsy, ham-handed, outlandish and laughable as the original was

sleek, tough and efficient." Audiences polled by the market research firm
sleek, tough and efficient." Audiences polled by the market research firm

CinemaScore gave the film a B+ grade on average. Sequel
CinemaScore gave the film a B+ grade on average. Sequel

The sequel to the film is in production in Los Angeles.
The sequel to the film is in production in Los Angeles.

See also References
See also References

External links Official website
External links Official website

Taken 2 at the Internet Movie Database Taken 2 at AllMovie
Taken 2 at the Internet Movie Database Taken 2 at AllMovie

Taken 2 at Rotten Tomatoes Taken 2 at Metacritic
Taken 2 at Rotten Tomatoes Taken 2 at Metacritic

Taken 2 at Box Office Mojo Taken 2 at The Numbers
Taken 2 at Box Office Mojo Taken 2 at The Numbers

Taken 3 Website
Taken 3 Website