New On DVD: Taken 2

The unfortunate impulse to capitalize on a popular film by turning out a sequel is responsible for many of the industry’s worst non-Adam Sandler movies. Taken 2 feels forced, as if director Olivier Megaton went into the project kicking and screaming against the idea. Despite gaping holes in the plot, sloppy character development and a predictable storyline--Liam Neeson employing his “particular set of skills” to knock off kidnappers--Neeson delivers another round of entertaining action. His calm machismo and spot on timing in the midst of chaos is, after all, what made the original so much fun to watch. Too bad about the rest of it.

Starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Rade Sherbedgia, Luke Grimes,Alain Figlarz