Hide and Seek (2005)

Psychological thriller directed by John Polson.

New York psychologist Dr. David Callaway (Robert De Niro) finds his wife dead in the bathtub, after what seems like a suicide. David takes his nine-year-old daughter Emily (Dakota Fanning) to upstate New York, where they can live in a big spooky house miles from anywhere. But when Emily makes friends with “Charlie”, who may or may not be imaginary, events quickly take a sinister turn... 

While De Niro is somewhat wasted in the role, it’s a tense drama with horror tropes and it keeps you guessing until the big reveal towards the end.

Taken 2 (2012)

The baddies who kidnapped Liam Neeson’s daughter in the first film want their revenge for the people Liam Neeson killed. So Liam Neeson goes off again, fighting brutal killers. But this time they have his wife... 

It’s formulaic, racist and trashy, but nevertheless extremely well-paced and fairly exciting. As the rather OCD, over-possessive Bryan, Neeson has a presence that holds your interest – even when the plot is unbelievable. And it is often unbelievable, such as his daughter’s incredible driving ability (even though she hasn’t yet passed her driving test). 

In terms of the title, they could have tried harder. How about these alternatives?
• Taken to the Cleaners (Bryan’s daughter is kidnapped at a launderette)
• Taken for Granted (Bryan’s “very particular set of skills” are overlooked)
• Taken Out (Bryan kills even more people)
• Taken Seriously (fewer car chases and shoot-outs; more soul-searching drama)
• Taken Over (the final instalment)

Taken (2008)

Former CIA operative Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) has to track down his teenage daughter (Maggie Grace) after she’s kidnapped by Albanians in Paris. (She’d gone to follow U2 on tour around Europe.)

There’s not a great deal more to it, beyond a lot of fighting and shooting. Director Luc Besson prioritises violent action over everything else. Fast edits and jumpy cuts give it a visual energy, but those effects soon become wearisome. Likewise, there’s something blunt and one-dimensional about the whole thing compared to the Bourne or Bond thrillers. It’s not subtle or sophisticated and it’s probably not intended to be. 

Neeson has a certain unlikely charisma, but his character – a tough thug who loves his little girl – isn’t very well developed. 

It’s arguably quite racist, and it’s morally all over the place, with Mills engaged in torturing villains while still being portrayed as one of the good guys. 

Two sequels followed but I’m not sure I need to see them. Then again, if I find them in another three-DVDs-for-£1 offer I might just be tempted.