Liam Neeson as an action icon? That now-immortal line quoted ad nauseum? A still growing string of sequels? It all almost never happened; Taken could have been yet another bargain bin film starring a big name. Liam Neeson has proven a pretty foresightful actor; he's taken the role of Oscar Schindler, the one character in The Phantom Menace who wouldn't have to return for two sequels and the villain in the best superhero film of the early-naughties. So you think he'd be pretty good at gauging how good a movie would be. When Taken landed at his desk he not only thought it was simplistic actioner that wouldn't connect with audiences, but fully expected it to go straight-to-DVD. His assessment of Taken as a film is pretty spot on (he's the best thing in it), but he completely missed what the audience reaction would be. The film was a massive success, with "I will find you and I will kill you" becoming equally iconic and irritating. Why then, with his reservations, did he take the role (a decision that likely led to it going to cinemas)? He fancied doing a bit of action. Well you've got that by the truckload now Liam.
