Taken 3 (2014)
Ex-government operative Bryan Mills finds his life is shattered when he's falsely accused of a murder that hits close to home. As he's pursued by a savvy police inspector, Mills employs his particular set of skills to track the real killer and exact his unique brand of justice.
Details
Budget
$48,000,000
Rating
6/10 (5832 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
EuropaCorp, 20th Century Fox, M6 Films, TSG Entertainment, Meñakoz Films
About Taken 3
Released in 2014, "Taken 3" continues the action-thriller series with ex-government operative Bryan Mills again facing a personal crisis. This installment moves away from the kidnapping plots of its predecessors, instead centering on Mills as a fugitive. After being framed for murder, he uses his specialized skills to evade law enforcement and identify the real perpetrators.
The film features themes of suspicion, escape, and justice, consistent with its action and thriller genres. The narrative explores Bryan Mills' determination, fueled by anger and the death of his ex-wife. As he is pursued by a detective, Mills' efforts to clear his name involve car chases, shootouts, and explosions across various Los Angeles locations, including a penthouses and a morgue.
"Taken 3" received a 13% Rotten Tomatoes score and a Metacritic score of 26/100, alongside an IMDb rating of 6.0 based on over 213,000 votes, and a TMDb average of 6 across 5832 votes. This reception suggests a mixed view, with critics noting its departure from the original series' style and its reliance on formulaic elements.
Why you might be searching for Taken 3
People are often searching for details about the plot's shift from previous "Taken" films, especially the change in premise from rescuing a kidnapped family member to Bryan Mills being a fugitive framed for murder. The death of a significant character, the involvement of a detective pursuing Mills, and the various action sequences like car crashes and shootouts are also frequently sought out. Specific scenarios, such as Mills escaping from law enforcement or using his skills to uncover a conspiracy, would draw search interest.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer found the movie enjoyable on its own terms, but felt it suffered from being the third installment in the 'Taken' series because its plot diverged too much from the original theme.
Read the full reviewA critic described the film as uninspired and believed it brought the 'Taken' franchise to an underwhelming conclusion, lacking the exotic locations and energy of previous installments.
Read the full reviewA user expressed some disappointment, noting that while it functions as an adequate action movie, the script had weak points and relied on predictable plot devices like making the hero a fugitive or killing off key characters.
Read the full reviewA reviewer commented that the film attempted a fresh angle as a fugitive thriller instead of a rescue mission, but its plot felt weaker and more predictable than the earlier movies.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream Taken 3 on Hulu, DIRECTV, or Spectrum On Demand. It is also available to rent or buy on platforms like Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu.
No, Taken 3, like the other films in the Taken series, is not based on a true story. It is a fictional action-thriller.
In Taken 3, Bryan Mills discovers that his ex-wife Lenore's ex-husband, Stuart St. John, orchestrated her murder. Stuart hired former Spetsnaz operatives to kill Lenore and frame Bryan, intending to collect on her life insurance policy and take over her assets. Bryan confronts Stuart, who is then killed by the operatives' leader after revealing his involvement. Bryan ultimately incapacitates the remaining threats and ensures his daughter Kim's safety.
Taken 3 received generally negative reviews from critics, with a 13% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 118 reviews. Audience scores were somewhat higher but still mixed, suggesting it may not be for everyone, especially compared to the first film in the series.