Taken 2 (2012)
In Istanbul, retired CIA operative Bryan Mills and his wife are taken hostage by the father of a kidnapper Mills killed while rescuing his daughter.
Details
Budget
$45,000,000
Rating
6/10 (6730 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
EuropaCorp, Grive Productions, M6 Films, 20th Century Fox, Karma Film Prod, Taken 2, Dune Entertainment
About Taken 2
The 2012 action thriller "Taken 2" continues the story of retired CIA operative Bryan Mills, this time set in Istanbul. Following the events of the first film, Mills and his estranged wife are taken hostage by the father of a man Mills killed during his daughter's rescue. The film maintains the high-stakes, revenge-driven plot that characterized its predecessor, exploring themes of kidnapping and familial protection within a new international setting.
The sequel builds upon the original's foundation, featuring Liam Neeson once again as Bryan Mills. While critics note that "Taken 2" may not reach the same intensity as the first installment, it delivers a consistent action experience. The narrative expands by tying up loose ends from the previous film, and introduces a more personal conflict for Mills, as the villains seek retribution for their loss. The movie leans into its action and thriller elements, with car chases and fight sequences driving much of the plot.
Why you might be searching for Taken 2
People search for "Taken 2" to find the sequel featuring Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills, particularly remembering the kidnapping plot set in Istanbul where his wife is also taken hostage. The film is known for its action sequences and the continued portrayal of Mills as a protective ex-operative.
What reviewers are saying
This sequel, while not matching the original, still has a solid story and improved action sequences, with Liam Neeson delivering a strong performance.
Read the full reviewDespite some illogical plot points, the movie functions as an enjoyable action/thriller, and is better than its low critical ratings suggest, with Liam Neeson remaining a highlight.
Read the full reviewThe film serves as a serviceable follow-up to the original, though it is considered a significant step down in quality.
Read the full reviewLiam Neeson returns in a solid sequel that, while not as intense as the first, offers a compelling revenge plot with more developed villains and well-executed action, especially the car chase scene.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "Taken 2" on HBO Max Amazon Channel and HBO Max. It's also available to buy or rent on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Fandango At Home, or you can purchase it on DVD or Blu-ray [justwatch.com](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/taken-2).
No, "Taken 2" is not based on a true story; it is a fictional action-thriller film [whatisthatmovie.com](https://whatisthatmovie.com/movie/82675-taken_2).
At the end of "Taken 2", Bryan Mills finds Murad, the Albanian mafia leader seeking revenge for the deaths of his men. Bryan offers Murad a chance to walk away if he gives up his vendetta, but Murad tries to shoot Bryan after he drops his gun. However, Bryan had discreetly unloaded Murad's weapon, and then kills Murad by impaling him on a towel hook [whatisthatmovie.com](https://whatisthatmovie.com/movie/82675-taken_2). The film concludes three weeks later with the Mills family celebrating Kim passing her driving test, joined by Kim's boyfriend Jamie, with Kim jokingly telling her father not to "shoot this one" [whatisthatmovie.com](https://whatisthatmovie.com/movie/82675-taken_2).
"Taken 2" received mixed to negative reviews from critics, with a 22% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 45 out of 100 on Metacritic [whatisthatmovie.com](https://whatisthatmovie.com/movie/82675-taken_2). While some found it a serviceable action flick with some suspense, others felt it lacked the thrills of the original and descended into clichés [whatisthatmovie.com](https://whatisthatmovie.com/movie/82675-taken_2).