First Look: ‘Taken 2’ just a rehash of the original

What: "Taken 2"

When: Opening Friday

Cast: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen

Director: Olivier Megaton

The story: Two years after the events of the first movie, retired CIA agent Bryan Mills (Neeson) is once again called upon to use his "very particular set of skills" to save himself and his family (Grace, Janssen).

The buzz: The original was so distinct and self-contained, the very idea of a sequel sounds like a "Saturday Night Live" sketch. Or "Weekend at Bernie's 2." But "Taken" was such a worldwide hit - one that turned Neeson into an action star - that you can't blame the filmmakers for trying.

- CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE