Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Taken 2 is the sequel to the 2009's hit thriller Taken, but it's less mean and vicious than the original, with more sympathetic characters and a more anti-revenge stance. Still, there are plenty of fights, chases, and shootouts, as well as torture scenes, though most of the really brutal stuff occurs off screen. A teen girl is shown making out with her boyfriend, with the boyfriend working at the buttons on her dress, but they're interrupted. Another kiss is shown, as well as the girl wearing a bikini. Language is very infrequent but includes about four uses of "s--t" (three of them during an intense chase scene).

Sexual Content

Kim is shown making out with her boyfriend on a couch. He fumbles with the buttons of her dress, but they're interrupted. She's later shown wearing a bikini. (The actress playing Kim is 29, but it's suggested that the character could be as young as 17 or 18.) Otherwise, an ex-husband and wife appear to be considering getting back together. The ex-wife kisses the husband in one scene.

Violence

Lots of shooting, fighting, chasing, and explosions, though much of the blood and death occurs off screen. The main character's ex-wife is kidnapped and tortured, though not extensively or gruesomely. (Potential spoiler alert: The bad guys cut a slit in her throat and hang her upside down so that she'll die slowly, but this gives the hero plenty of time to rescue her.) Other medium-level torture scenes (some in flashback); stabbing with scissors takes place off screen. One villain makes a vague threat of rape in regards to the daughter ("Your daughter will be abused by so many men, she will be like a piece of meat").

Language

Infrequent language includes a few uses of of "s--t," plus "bastard," "goddamn," and a couple of uses of "oh my God."

Social Behavior

Compared to the first movie, Taken 2 has a more anti-revenge stance. The main character takes the law into his own hands, but he's also a supreme problem-solver, using his head and the resources at his disposal. During this process, he learns how to better communicate with and trust his daughter, and they work together well. Additionally, through patience and understanding, he re-connects with his ex-wife. Love of family is a powerful theme.

Consumerism

Many Mercedes-Benz vehicles are seen, particularly in a key chase scene.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

The main character and his ex-wife share a glass of wine in one scene. The bad guys drink and smoke.