3. Too Much Filler Action
In the same way that there wasn't any real plot for the characters to grapple onto, there was an abundance of unnecessary 'filler' action sequences used to, basically, distract from the dismal storytelling. They tried to be a bit comedic, and ironic, by making Kim a terrible driver (who keeps failing her test) only to be forced into a death car chase (in a yellow taxi, no less!) through Istanbul, whilst her 60-year-old dad effortlessly dodges every machine gun bullet fired at him. I just spent the whole scene wondering how she even managed to get the, presumably, manual Turkish car in gear when she supposedly can't even drive an American automatic. Furthermore, the 'fight' sequences between Neeson and his Albanians adversaries are plentiful but, this time round, are strangely awkward-looking. Perhaps Neeson is showing his age at last? They somehow lacked the vicious, brutal desperation of the original film's confrontations. Lastly, as inevitable with a movie with a self-contained setting, there's far too many alley and rooftop chases, which eat away at most of the first hour of the film.