LotR but with katanas, our hero using the most special blade to retrieve the others. Simple but interesting enough mythology. Good start.

Black comedy comprising 6 short stories of retribution and catharsis (by violence). Good production. Not intensely black, still enjoyable.

Premise ups the threat by involving a drug cartel. Comedy tries too hard. It is as if the creators have forgotten what makes season 1 good.

Brave premise with a lone grieving turtle on his quest for retribution. Generally well-written. Good pacing. Dark. Captivating.

Mecha design and action generally look great. Decent pacing. That’s about it. Cardboard characters made worse with Netflix being woke.

Moderately intriguing. Pacing can be better but no big deal. Nicely edited. Amusing score. Go Min-si is flipping nuts. But in a good way.

Opening is a bit muddled but settles into a grim slice-of-life “try to leave out our final days in peace” drama. Ending is bad and cheap.

Moderately dark and comical. Both the black comedy and action are very measured. Solid film in every respect with decent pacing.

Predictable. Lacks action. Lacks tension. Disappointing no matter how much one loves Jessica Alba.

Not intended to be a fast-paced action-packed thriller. Steady pacing. Not overly stylized. Impersonal but still interesting enough.

There are quite a few clones and derivatives of Taken since its release in 2008. Here are 35 mini-reviews.

Despite needing more action and attention to a few details, it is still a sufficiently satisfying revenge action-thriller.

Not a bad revenge film about a young woman going after those responsible for her best friend’s death.

A tight narrative about an ugly woman’s desire for attention. Tragedy follows her decisions. Some plot conveniences but beautifully shot.

Tacky soundtrack. Lacks explanations re some plot points. Despite its problems, a tight narrative that is still mostly enjoyable.

Fresh take on the franchise with mother-and-daughter duo. Set pieces can be better. Good production. Not bad despite a little wokeness.

Revenge drama with somewhat simple plot and characters. Nothing great but it is sufficiently captivating to keep one watching to the end.

An excellent crime comedy-action in which an intolerant priest investigates a murder and beats up criminals.

My Verdict: An amusing supernatural-fantasy drama. Excellent cast. Beautifully lit and shot. But female lead’s past is not well handled.

A “revenge” K-drama version of Infernal Affairs with more action and violence.

Tries to be a vigilante-revenge film but fails to achieve much of anything.