We've Been "Taken 3" Times To See The Same Movie!

Taken 3 (2015)

Rated PG-13

Starring Liam Neeson, Forest Whitaker, Famke Jannsen, Maggie Grace, Dougray Scott

Directed by Olivier Megaton

The Story:

Bryan Mills (Neeson) is back, and he's brought his special skill set with him. It's a good thing too, because this time his ex-wife (Jannsen) is murdered and Bryan has been framed. He's out to prove that he's innocent, regardless of what the head detective (Whitaker) believes.

Okay, first, nobody was actually taken in this film, which leads to a bit of a misleading title!
;)

Seriously though, if you've enjoyed the first 2 installments, you'll find closure on the trilogy here.

At least, I hope it was a trilogy, and Taken 4 is not being discussed.

My guess is, like the Transporter, there is no reason why the series won't receive a reboot brand makeover in the future.

I'm sure there are many former operatives that have their relatives stolen all the time, where are there stories?

That said, this film offers little in the way of anything you haven't seen already, and if you can't guess who is framing Bryan by, oh, about the 10 minute mark of the film, then congratulations, you've apparently never seen a movie before in your life.

:)

The new wrinkle is the addition of Whitaker as the cop who is tracking down a fugitive.

Except, his demeanor refuses to channel Tommy Lee Jones and seems mostly indifferent throughout the film.

It's paint by numbers execution, but I've mostly enjoyed my stay with Neeson in this franchise.

I do believe it's time that he break the mold though and do a comedy or a romance, or anything other than handle a weapon or kill something in his next movie.

Final Grade: B-

Fairy Tales Can Come True... "Ever After: A Cinderella Story"

Once upon a time...

The Story:

The true story of Cinderella is recounted to the Brothers Grimm by a relative generations removed from the event.  In it Danielle (Drew Barrymore) loses her father just after he marries Rodmilla (Anjelica Huston) and she is now trapped with her 2 step sisters (Megan Dodds and Melanie Lynskey).  Slowly, Rodmilla is draining any bit of wealth that Danielle had left in her family.  Then one day a chance encounter with Prince Henry (Dougray Scott) puts the two on a course of mistaken identity and true love.  Perhaps with the sage advice of Leonard Da Vinci (Patrick Godfrey) this fairytale romance will have a happy ending?

This is a wonderful twist on the classic fairy tale by trying to present the "real story" that inspired the legend.  Directed and co-written by the underrated Andy Tennant (who also directed tomorrow's movie...how about that??!!) this movie is a literal charmer from start to finish.

The entire cast is perfectly suited to their roles, and Drew Barrymore shines as Danielle.  This is one of my three favorite roles for her, and yes, I can watch this movie anytime, anyplace.   I'll let you try and figure out the other two movies.  :)

The best part?  This is one of those movies that while I enjoy it, so too does my favorite date!  Those movies make the time together watching them even better.

It probably has a little to do with not having to hear what a stupid movie I picked for the next 90 minutes of my life... ;)

But yes, when I find a movie that she likes, and bonus points, it's one the kids can watch, and they like too, these are the movies that are pretty much perfect.

The whole family able to sit down and watch a movie together, those make for the best films in the library.  This isn't quite on the same level as The Princess Bride, but it's along those lines.

So here's my choice for the best adaptation of Cinderella ever made.

Final Grade: A

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Own it. Love it.  Watched at least once a year.  Enjoy it every time.