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-

The Sequel Nobody Demanded: "Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2"

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (2015)

Rated PG

Starring Kevin James, Raini Rodriguez, Neal McDonough

Directed by Andy Fickman

The Story:

Years since his Black Friday heroics, Paul Blart (James) never imagined his life would be so lonely. Left by his bride, his mother hit by a bus, he only has his daughter (Rodriguez) and his job, both of which he loves so very much. When he receives an invitation to the Mall Security Convention in Vegas, he takes his daughter on a trip. Naturally, a high roller (McDonough) comes to towns with an elaborate heist plan, which only Paul Blart: Mall Cop can stop.

First, I will be perfectly honest and say that I quite enjoyed Paul Blart: Mall Cop.
The original movie.

It was a cute concept, and had a lot of fun offering a "Die Hard in a Mall" concept with comedic execution.

However, 6 years later, a sequel rolls out for a film that frankly didn't require one.

Which is a lesson that many movies should accept: Not every film is a franchise.

Mall Cop 2 suffers from wanting to do too much, at least that's how it appeared from where I was sitting.

Relationship angle: check.
Father/daughter angle: check.
Defiant teenager angle: check.
Blart out of Water angle: check.
Paul not quite accepted by his peers angle: check.

And on, and on, and on.

Losing focus on what made Paul Blart an engaging film was concentrate on Paul, mistakes and all, foiling a crime because he loves what he does, and security is his business.

When Paul Blart 2 focuses on that, the movie picks back up. Unfortunately, it lasts for a fleeting few moments before the focus shifts to one of the other myriad of subplots.

Plus, no offense, but you don't hire McDonough to play the bad guy, and then barely give him any screen time!

It's a shame I didn't enjoy it more.

Thankfully, I can still go back and enjoy the first one again.

Memo to Kevin James: Please don't make Here Comes the Boom 2.  Thanks!

Final Grade: C

There's Gold In Them There Hills! "City Slickers 2: The Legend of Curly's Gold"

City Slickers 2 (1994)

Rated PG-13

Starring Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, Jon Lovitz, Jack Palance, Patricia Wettig

Directed by Paul Weiland

The Story:

Mitch (Crystal) is paranoid.  He keeps seeing Curly (Palance) ever since he discovered a map hidden in the old cowboy's hat.  Teaming with Phil (Stern) and saddled with his older brother, Glen (Lovitz), the trio head out west to discover the treasure that Curly's ancestors buried.  However, some things buried in the desert are meant to stay buried!

A few years after the now-classic City Slickers was released, the inevitable sequel followed.

While not nearly as beloved as the first, I for one, am a big fan.

The dynamic changed a bit. 

Gone, with no explanation is Ed (Bruno Kirby), but Phil and Mitch are still there.

Now we are introduced to Glen, Mitch's deadbeat brother and played to the hilt by Lovitz.

I have often found movies improved by the Lovitz Factor, and this one is no exception.

Bringing back Jack Palance was a stroke of genius, and he actually gets a bit more screen time this go round.

Again, it's a different feel than the first one, but that's totally fine because it stands on its own merits as a good movie, not just a sequel to a great movie.


Final Grade: A-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor:  While not quite as great as City Slickers, it's pretty darn close. :)