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

Tight action-comedy. It is a bit silly but it’s meant to be. Nicely lit and shot.

Comedy tries too hard, mostly failing. Autopilot plotting. Characters are too simply written initially but are fuller in the second half.

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

Robert McCall is shot and needs time to recover in a picturesque Italian town. Takes too long to build and not enough action.

Post-apocalyptic dystopia with truck-driving delivery man hero. Not bad in any respect. Mostly tight at 6 episodes. Can use more wow factor.

A gritty vigilante film with Denzel Washington beating up thugs. Need I say more?

Vigilantes solve and fight crime. Generally good pacing, acting and production, making an entertaining and satisfying series.

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

Not a Taken clone but rather a vigilante-revenge black comedy. Enjoyable and recommended.

Tries to be a gritty vigilante-revenge film but execution is lacking. The action and logistics just feel awkward.

Instead of thugs, McCall is going up against skilled operatives like himself. Lacks the energy and emotional satisfaction of the first film.

Not supposed to be a shoot ’em up but it still works. Good to see Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan not be typecasted.