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But unlike “E.T” and “Close Encounters”
(both films producer Spielberg did in his younger years),
the elongated TV event also paints a much more levelheaded
delineation – in the sense that one might actually walk
away ‘swallowing it’ – than the visitors from
another planet stencil that’s been tinted beforehand.
“Taken” follows the effect of alien contact on
three families spanning from Roswell, New Mexico in the late
forties to the present.
In essence, there are the two families that are being "Taken"
(abducted by aliens) and there’s the clan that seem hell-bent
on capturing them (and do) for their experiments and ultimate
efforts in making contact themselves.
Equipped with a superb cast – made up of mostly unknowns,
sans Dakota Fanning, who’s absolutely charming and enchanting
in one of the key roles – some stimulating storytelling
– weaving all the generations together is a tasty nut-dipped
choc top, and a nice big fat light at the end of the cinematic
tunnel, "Taken" is further verification that they’re
doing it better on TV than they are at any local multiplex.
Now this one I wouldn’t mind paying money for.
Granted, "Taken" has its problems – there’s
a few plot holes here and there, some of the effects look
a little cheap, and it takes a while to get going - but at
the end of the day, you’re going to be patting yourself
on the back for sitting through the lengthy number. It’s
a rewarding experience.
DVD Extras
A fairly standard making-of – watch it after you’ve
seen the show, it’s a little too spoilerish for an entrée
– accompanies the series.
Conclusion: Movie 85% Extras 30%
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