Of the dozens of Luc Besson productions that have come out over the past decades, Banlieue 13 (released here as District B13) was one of the better ones, due in no small part to the stylishly-directed action scenes courtesy of first-timer Pierre Morel. Morel’s follow-up Taken, which has already been released elsewhere in the world, shows similar potential as a high-octane thriller. The premise looks like an alpha-male-friendly cross between Ransom and 24, yet I liked the way the trailer actually concentrates on setting up that premise instead of simply cutting to the chase, so to speak. Of course, it helps to have Liam Neeson at the center of the story, as his tall, forceful presence and authoritative baritone voice give his character credibility in a way that most actors couldn’t. But I also liked the way the trailer ended- rather than building to a crescendo of thrills, it pulls back, taking time for an obvious but effective response from the kidnappers. Taken may be nothing more than a Euro-inflected thrill ride, but if the trailer is any indication, it could be a highly entertaining one.