419 reviews
This is a surprisingly good movie, not the usual Hollywood formula potboiler. The movie has an interesting story, strong acting and excellent cinematography. Perhaps the plot is somewhat far-fetched but so what? It's a movie. The best part of this movie are not the stars but the supporting cast. Most impressive was the performance by Lennie James who definitely deserves formal recognition for his work in this movie. So strong is his performance that I this movie could easily be retitled "The Pursuit" without misleading the audience. Both Russell Crowe and Elizabeth Banks give strong performances and Brian Dennehy once again proves how great he is as an actor. At times the story does stretch the boundaries of plausibility but never to the point that the story is rendered ridiculous. In this movie there are no bad guys. Rather it dramatizes a justice system that at times may not get it right and how frustration and indignation can lead one to commit acts of desperation.
Just saw this at a London preview screening.
I have not seen the original that this is apparently a remake of so I cannot compare. What I can say is that this movie was deftly directed with a perfect pacing that smoothly shifts through each gear from 1 to full throttle. It starts off with the necessary slow exposition, transitioning to a heartfelt family crisis drama and crime thriller with the tension slowly cranking up to a breakneck speed when I was literally holding my breath in the compelling edge of the seat finale.
What I admire most about this film is the smooth kinetic flow from scene to scene. There didn't seem to be any implausible leap in logic apart from maybe towards the end but everything just connects together so well. All of the actors were superb in their roles. As for Russel Crowe, well I can't think of many actors who expresses wordless undying love better than he can. He is simply a master of it and you just cant help root for him even if he makes or contemplates morally wrong decisions. His character is beautifully played with all the invulnerability, weaknesses and stubborn obsession he possesses.
The supporting actors were all excellent in the little screen time that they each get. And there is even a brilliant cameo by a well known Irish actor (shant spoil who it is for you) that sparked up the screen briefly in an instrumental role to the plot. The great Brian Denhhey also has a few minutes on screen time as Crowes father, hardly uttering a word but you just know exactly what is going on in his mind and it is absolutely touching.
So in summary, this is a top thriller with an exhilarating edge of the seat 3rd act, enriched by beautifully touching moments and thick underlying subtext of undying love.
I have not seen the original that this is apparently a remake of so I cannot compare. What I can say is that this movie was deftly directed with a perfect pacing that smoothly shifts through each gear from 1 to full throttle. It starts off with the necessary slow exposition, transitioning to a heartfelt family crisis drama and crime thriller with the tension slowly cranking up to a breakneck speed when I was literally holding my breath in the compelling edge of the seat finale.
What I admire most about this film is the smooth kinetic flow from scene to scene. There didn't seem to be any implausible leap in logic apart from maybe towards the end but everything just connects together so well. All of the actors were superb in their roles. As for Russel Crowe, well I can't think of many actors who expresses wordless undying love better than he can. He is simply a master of it and you just cant help root for him even if he makes or contemplates morally wrong decisions. His character is beautifully played with all the invulnerability, weaknesses and stubborn obsession he possesses.
The supporting actors were all excellent in the little screen time that they each get. And there is even a brilliant cameo by a well known Irish actor (shant spoil who it is for you) that sparked up the screen briefly in an instrumental role to the plot. The great Brian Denhhey also has a few minutes on screen time as Crowes father, hardly uttering a word but you just know exactly what is going on in his mind and it is absolutely touching.
So in summary, this is a top thriller with an exhilarating edge of the seat 3rd act, enriched by beautifully touching moments and thick underlying subtext of undying love.
- theycallmemrglass
- Dec 3, 2010
- Permalink
- gregsrants
- Nov 6, 2010
- Permalink
Russel Crowe plays John and Elizabeth Banks plays his wife.one night she is arrested for murder.after years of fighting with the legal system to try to free her,he learns she will be sent to prison for life in three days.now he must find a way to stop that from happening.this movie is full of suspense and intensity.it's tightly written(Paul Haggis wrote the screenplay)and well directed by Paul Haggis.the acting is superb from both Russel Crowe and Elizabeth Banks,who continues to show her flair as a dramatic actress.Daniel Stern had a small role,but was very impressive as well.this is a film i'd definitely watch again.for me,The Next Three Days is a 7/10
- disdressed12
- Mar 20, 2011
- Permalink
All I can say is... Big Wow. Boy did I enjoy this film. The story-line is a cross between The Fugitive and a human heist plot movie. There were moments where I genuinely really didn't know which way the story would end. Has to be one of the best, if not the best film I've seen this year.
I just had to watch right through to the end. The only down side, were the roles of the 2 main cops. I'm not sure if 2 real cops would be as persistent. But I guess if they weren't, then the film would be a fair bit shorter.
I can't think of any other bad things about it, as it does what it is supposed to do, make you care about the characters and keep you gripped till the end. All in all very entertaining.
Definitely worth watching.
I just had to watch right through to the end. The only down side, were the roles of the 2 main cops. I'm not sure if 2 real cops would be as persistent. But I guess if they weren't, then the film would be a fair bit shorter.
I can't think of any other bad things about it, as it does what it is supposed to do, make you care about the characters and keep you gripped till the end. All in all very entertaining.
Definitely worth watching.
- blackledgec
- Dec 1, 2010
- Permalink
Another noir French thriller is converted into a 'noir-ish' American thriller. Russell Crowe's slightly thuggish looks make him more convincing as the desperado of the second half than the mild-mannered schoolteacher of the first half. Elizabeth Banks's role as the imprisoned wife is slightly under-written; their cute toddler son steals most of her scenes and even some of Russell's.
The plot takes too long to set up, so the first half of the film is a slow haul. But the last half has almost the cracking pace of a DIE HARD romp. Writer/director Paul Haggis elects to deceive the audience as well as the police who are in close pursuit of the fugitives, which puts this in the tradition of 'classics' like TO CATCH A THIEF and CHARADE. Gritty and enjoyable.
The plot takes too long to set up, so the first half of the film is a slow haul. But the last half has almost the cracking pace of a DIE HARD romp. Writer/director Paul Haggis elects to deceive the audience as well as the police who are in close pursuit of the fugitives, which puts this in the tradition of 'classics' like TO CATCH A THIEF and CHARADE. Gritty and enjoyable.
Russell Crowe is a pretty reliable star, one who commands the screen with intelligence and enough bravado to get away with a film like this. Somehow, audiences and critics are getting more demanding and expect brainier and tighter story lines, but it's still plenty of fun to see a light, crazy ride like this... One where the hero is besieged by unfortunate circumstances and must one way or another succeed or die. With the help of Haggis' strong direction and a very good performance by Crow, we're treated to two hours of action, where one doesn't have to do a lot of thinking, just watching Crowe dodge bullet after bullet and cheer him along to the nail-biting end.
The main reason the film works is Crowe gives it his best, scene after scene his eyes tells us his character is committed to his family, and he will stand by them no matter what. There is very little background given to us, except for an opening scene which serves the purpose of planting the seed of doubt in our minds, but this only helps fuel the sense of despair and sadness that threatens to destroy this family.
Little by little, we follow Crowe's teacher, as he races against the clock to help his wife, and soon enough, he is dealing with the scum of society and an increasingly suspicious police force. Relationships with his family are tense at best, and any new relationships are threatened his wife's past. It's the attention to this intimate and personal moments that makes us care for him, even when he makes a couple of disturbing moves.
One thing you won't be is bored, as the circle tightens, so that his quest might not get his desired results. Fine work is done by a cast that includes Brian Dennehy, Liam Nelson, and Jsson Beghe. This is what movies are made for.
The main reason the film works is Crowe gives it his best, scene after scene his eyes tells us his character is committed to his family, and he will stand by them no matter what. There is very little background given to us, except for an opening scene which serves the purpose of planting the seed of doubt in our minds, but this only helps fuel the sense of despair and sadness that threatens to destroy this family.
Little by little, we follow Crowe's teacher, as he races against the clock to help his wife, and soon enough, he is dealing with the scum of society and an increasingly suspicious police force. Relationships with his family are tense at best, and any new relationships are threatened his wife's past. It's the attention to this intimate and personal moments that makes us care for him, even when he makes a couple of disturbing moves.
One thing you won't be is bored, as the circle tightens, so that his quest might not get his desired results. Fine work is done by a cast that includes Brian Dennehy, Liam Nelson, and Jsson Beghe. This is what movies are made for.
The Next Three Days
The best films are those where you are introduced to characters who do the unpredictable believably, or people you think will be key players die in the opening scene, someone you least expect turns out to be the murderer, these are the films that keep you guessing and keep you involved. In Paul Haggis' intense thriller he chooses a wise and well crafted angle to lure you in and hold your attention. The development of John Brennan and his gradual transformation over time before your very eyes.
Meet John Brennan, he's a normal average working man, slightly nerdy even, living a fairly dull routine life. When his wife is imprisoned for murder John, as you would expect of a normal average slightly nerdy working man follows the rules of appeal in an attempt to win her freedom. Three years pass and the realisation that his wife will remain behind bars for life hits home. When normal people find themselves in hopeless situations desperation can drive them to do very abnormal things.
What Haggis works brilliantly into both his screenplay and direction is the gradual metamorphosis of Brennan's persona as he becomes fixated on breaking his wife out of prison. Brennan doesn't suddenly become the all American action hero capable of great feats of courage. We have a knowledge of his character from the beginning of the film and Haggis does not treat the audience as idiots, we know that Brennan cannot walk into a phonebox and there's a sudden change into superman. This would not work for John Brennan, the nerdy schoolteacher, what we see however is how little by little, piece by piece he falls more and more out of control, deeper and deeper out of his depth. We know this is not the normal behaviour of Brennan, but the screenplay is so well crafted and Crowe delivers the character to us perfectly that both the scenarios and Brennan remain at all times, believable. He makes tremendous mistakes and shows real human failings and frailties that as we ride along with him we're never far from the belief that it will all go very wrong, very soon. Haggis treats us to a wonderfully woven story that rolls along with ease, then suddenly the momentum builds into a Tsunami of real tension. Brennan is completely exposed and you fear for his outcome.
If a director can pull you into the story, make you care about a character, and if during the course of that film allow you to watch that character change in a very real and gradual way then he has delivered a truly great film.
Haggis' screenplay does not allow the audience to get ahead of the story. Developments are unexpected and plausible scenarios affect action and reaction. Some events have no bearing on the outcome but you cannot know which are red herrings and which are genuine avenues rather you find yourself wondering where this will all lead to, making The Next Three Days a complex and intriguing thriller very much in the cerebral and classical sense such as North by Northwest or Vertigo.
A tremendous, faultless film.
10/10
The best films are those where you are introduced to characters who do the unpredictable believably, or people you think will be key players die in the opening scene, someone you least expect turns out to be the murderer, these are the films that keep you guessing and keep you involved. In Paul Haggis' intense thriller he chooses a wise and well crafted angle to lure you in and hold your attention. The development of John Brennan and his gradual transformation over time before your very eyes.
Meet John Brennan, he's a normal average working man, slightly nerdy even, living a fairly dull routine life. When his wife is imprisoned for murder John, as you would expect of a normal average slightly nerdy working man follows the rules of appeal in an attempt to win her freedom. Three years pass and the realisation that his wife will remain behind bars for life hits home. When normal people find themselves in hopeless situations desperation can drive them to do very abnormal things.
What Haggis works brilliantly into both his screenplay and direction is the gradual metamorphosis of Brennan's persona as he becomes fixated on breaking his wife out of prison. Brennan doesn't suddenly become the all American action hero capable of great feats of courage. We have a knowledge of his character from the beginning of the film and Haggis does not treat the audience as idiots, we know that Brennan cannot walk into a phonebox and there's a sudden change into superman. This would not work for John Brennan, the nerdy schoolteacher, what we see however is how little by little, piece by piece he falls more and more out of control, deeper and deeper out of his depth. We know this is not the normal behaviour of Brennan, but the screenplay is so well crafted and Crowe delivers the character to us perfectly that both the scenarios and Brennan remain at all times, believable. He makes tremendous mistakes and shows real human failings and frailties that as we ride along with him we're never far from the belief that it will all go very wrong, very soon. Haggis treats us to a wonderfully woven story that rolls along with ease, then suddenly the momentum builds into a Tsunami of real tension. Brennan is completely exposed and you fear for his outcome.
If a director can pull you into the story, make you care about a character, and if during the course of that film allow you to watch that character change in a very real and gradual way then he has delivered a truly great film.
Haggis' screenplay does not allow the audience to get ahead of the story. Developments are unexpected and plausible scenarios affect action and reaction. Some events have no bearing on the outcome but you cannot know which are red herrings and which are genuine avenues rather you find yourself wondering where this will all lead to, making The Next Three Days a complex and intriguing thriller very much in the cerebral and classical sense such as North by Northwest or Vertigo.
A tremendous, faultless film.
10/10
I'll admit that I was already partially sold on The Next Three Days from the cast alone. Russell Crowe usually does really well in thrillers, and Elizabeth Banks is one of those actresses that you just love to see on the screen. They're joined by Liam Neeson and Olivia Wilde in small (but appreciated) roles. Not a bad collection of actors, right? Crowe in particular gave a good performance that (thankfully) wiped his recent half-hearted turn as Robin Hood right out of my mind.
The story is about an average guy who plots to break his wife out of prison, where she's serving time for a murder that he doesn't believe she committed. He's a community college teacher, not an expert on prison escapes, so a lot of The Next Three Days is spent with Crowe's character researching how he can accomplish his goal and trying to get passports, money, etc. It's only in the last 30 minutes when the plan is actually put into action, but the movie stays exciting and interesting throughout.
I unfortunately haven't been able to check out the original French film, Pour Elle, so I can't compare quality between the two. Judged solely on its own merits, I thought The Next Three Days was a solid, tense, occasionally clever thriller. Nothing mind-blowing, but not many glaring flaws, either. There are a few moments when the move strays a little too far beyond believability (ex. super cops repeatedly making huge, unerring leaps of logic), but I still recommend it.
Cool soundtrack, too. Who would have thought The Like would be featured in a big budget Hollywood flick?
The story is about an average guy who plots to break his wife out of prison, where she's serving time for a murder that he doesn't believe she committed. He's a community college teacher, not an expert on prison escapes, so a lot of The Next Three Days is spent with Crowe's character researching how he can accomplish his goal and trying to get passports, money, etc. It's only in the last 30 minutes when the plan is actually put into action, but the movie stays exciting and interesting throughout.
I unfortunately haven't been able to check out the original French film, Pour Elle, so I can't compare quality between the two. Judged solely on its own merits, I thought The Next Three Days was a solid, tense, occasionally clever thriller. Nothing mind-blowing, but not many glaring flaws, either. There are a few moments when the move strays a little too far beyond believability (ex. super cops repeatedly making huge, unerring leaps of logic), but I still recommend it.
Cool soundtrack, too. Who would have thought The Like would be featured in a big budget Hollywood flick?
- lewiskendell
- Mar 10, 2011
- Permalink
- MovieSonic
- Feb 26, 2011
- Permalink
Russel Crowe plays John and Elizabeth Banks plays his wife.one night she is arrested for murder.after years of fighting with the legal system to try to free her,he learns she will be sent to prison for life in three days.now he must find a way to stop that from happening.this movie is full of suspense and intensity.it's tightly written(Paul Haggis wrote the screenplay)and well directed by Paul Haggis.the acting is superb from both Russel Crowe and Elizabeth Banks,who continues to show her flair as a dramatic actress. Daniel Stern had a small role,but was very impressive as well.this is a film i'd definitely watch again.for me,The Next Three Days is a 7/10.
- alexpeychev
- Mar 3, 2023
- Permalink
- Leofwine_draca
- Oct 7, 2013
- Permalink
That is the title of the original french movie this is based on. And funnily enough that movie is not that old. So is there a reason to watch this if you already know the original? I'd say hardly. There are a few differences, but in the end most things (results) are the same in both movies. It has been "americanized", if you want to call it that, but Paul Haggis and Russell Crowe are there to make sure, it does not get out of hand too much.
But to tell you the truth, I'm pretty sure that most people will not even have heard of the Original French movie. So if you go into the movie completely unaware, you will either relish in the entertainment value the movie offers or be mad at some illogical twists and turns during the end of the movie. Let yourself be entertained, if you can!
But to tell you the truth, I'm pretty sure that most people will not even have heard of the Original French movie. So if you go into the movie completely unaware, you will either relish in the entertainment value the movie offers or be mad at some illogical twists and turns during the end of the movie. Let yourself be entertained, if you can!
Set aside the fact that people are forgetting how to enjoy a flick. Pick away all you want at little parts of even the greatest film ever and you'll surely find something to criticize. A movie is, well, a movie. So now that all that is out of the way, where do I even start? This film brought me to tears, it had my attention the whole way through. I don't understand those that say parts are slow, what were they watching? It wasn't this one, that's for sure. Everybody that worked to put this one together did a fantastic job, and it most definitely shows. I do believe the movie touched me so intensely in part because I have a wife and a son, and was able to feel a relation to the characters. Regardless, the movie was just fantastic, and you will not regret the experience. Unless of course you are one of the rising population of "movie critics" that score films based on guidelines, or however they get their ridiculous views. Enjoy this one!
- matclip-940-229045
- Feb 28, 2011
- Permalink
In Pittsburgh, the family man and community college teacher John Brennan (Russell Crowe) has his life turned upside down when his beloved wife Lara Brennan (Elizabeth Banks) is arrested, accused for murdering her boss, and sent to the Allegheny County Jail. Along three years, John raises their son Luke (Ty Simpkins) alone and appeals to the court; however, the evidences against Lara are solid – the motive, since she had and argument with her boss; her fingerprints in the murder weapon, a fire extinguisher; blood stain in her coat; and a witness that saw her leaving the parking lot - and her lawyer exhausts all the possible resources in justice. John believes in the innocence of his wife and interviews a former escapee from prison to learn how to plan a prison break. Then he plots a scheme to release Lara and travel abroad with Luke and her. However, he needs documents for the family; an escape plan; and lots of money. When John is informed that Lara will be transferred to the state prison within the next three days, he needs to raise a large amount and anticipate his strategy before the transference.
A couple of days ago I wrote:
quote "The Next Three Days" is a good thriller that could have been excellent with minor modifications in the screenplay. The story of a family man that loves and believes that his imprisoned wife is innocent and plans to rescue her from prison is engaging. But the correct guesses and the serendipity of Lieutenant Nabulsi (Lennie James) are irritating and Lara's reckless attitude on the road is so stupid that almost destroy the plot of this good blockbuster film. I enjoyed a lot seeing Brian Dennehy again after a long period. Last but not the least, the mesmerizing beauty of Olivia Wilde is awesome. My vote is seven. unquote
However, I have just watched the great French thriller "Pour Elle", which has the original story without the absurd modifications of the popcorn American remake. It is amazing the lack of creation of this former successful American industry that insists in the remake of great films. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): "72 Horas" ("72 Hours")
A couple of days ago I wrote:
quote "The Next Three Days" is a good thriller that could have been excellent with minor modifications in the screenplay. The story of a family man that loves and believes that his imprisoned wife is innocent and plans to rescue her from prison is engaging. But the correct guesses and the serendipity of Lieutenant Nabulsi (Lennie James) are irritating and Lara's reckless attitude on the road is so stupid that almost destroy the plot of this good blockbuster film. I enjoyed a lot seeing Brian Dennehy again after a long period. Last but not the least, the mesmerizing beauty of Olivia Wilde is awesome. My vote is seven. unquote
However, I have just watched the great French thriller "Pour Elle", which has the original story without the absurd modifications of the popcorn American remake. It is amazing the lack of creation of this former successful American industry that insists in the remake of great films. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): "72 Horas" ("72 Hours")
- claudio_carvalho
- Apr 1, 2011
- Permalink
This has to be one of the best films I have watched of late. Everything you would wish it to be. Very tense at times and keeps you on edge. Great acting from Russell Crowe and the story is very smart and gripping. Not as predictable as some films seem to be when using a similar storyline to this. Very entertaining all the way through from start to finish with no gaps which is always good for a film that exceeds 2 hours in duration. A very different performance from Crowe which we don't offer see, but be played it very well, and very powerful. Definitely a must watch. Don't wait around for this one, I would strive to watch it straight away for those that haven't done so yet.
- joshyeadon89
- Mar 24, 2011
- Permalink
This movie was awesome I was bored when I started to watch this, I was saying oh my, this is not all that, but it sucked me in after a few minutes and took me on an adrenaline ride that was totally unexpected. Awesome flick. Russel, you have my vote all the way on this one. Great acting, great building up, the script worked, the movie worked...and all those moments where I thought this is it there simply came these awesome moments, and then more awesomeness. This is one of those that catches you off guard, really. Russel and Banks connected in the scenes Truly they could not have gotten a better cast. All the little unexpected things get your adrenaline going. I recommend this hands down. It wove together so well, I appreciated the surprises which only builds you up until the end. Great.
- TracyAnnLisa
- Oct 27, 2011
- Permalink
'THE NEXT THREE DAYS': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)
Two time Academy Award winner Paul Haggis (Best screenplay winner for 'MILLION DOLLAR BABY' in 2004 and 'CRASH', one of my all time favorite films, in 2005) writes and directs this prison break film starring Russell Crowe and Elizabeth Banks. It's a remake of the 2008 french film 'ANYTHING FOR HER' starring Vincent London and Diane Kruger. The film is very dark, depressing and gritty at times but it's also pretty implausible and cheesy at times as well. It kind of switches gears between dark drama and action thrill ride multiple times. A lot of critics are saying it doesn't live up to the standard Haggis has set for himself; the man also co-wrote 'LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA' and 'FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS' as well as wrote and directed 'IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH' and directed 'CRASH'. He's also the only screenwriter in history to write two back to back Oscar best film winners ('CRASH' and 'MILLION DOLLAR BABY') but he also co-wrote the Bond films 'CASINO ROYALE' and 'QUANTUM OF SOLACE', so he's known for doing brainless action as well. I found the film to be pretty entertaining but if you go into it looking for something like 'CRASH' or 'MILLION DOLLAR BABY' you're going to be disappointed (Although personally I'm not the biggest fan of 'MILLION DOLLAR BABY').
The film tells the story of a woman named Lara Brennan (Banks) who is accused of murder and sentenced to twenty years in prison. Crowe plays her teacher husband, John Brennan, who knows in his heart she is innocent besides a substantial amount of circumstantial evidence indicating otherwise. After appeals fail and all legal measures are exhausted John decides he's going to break his wife out of prison. He seeks the advice of an ex-con (played by Liam Neeson) who has escaped from prison seven times and embarks on a dangerous mission to raise a great deal of money and everything else he needs for the perfect prison break and life abroad after. By doing so he puts not only himself at risk but his young son Luke (Ty Simpkins) and the whole time it's unclear to the viewer whether his wife is in fact innocent.
Russell Crowe is one of Hollywood's finest actors (his chameleon like abilities to transform himself from one role to another is hard to match) and his performance in this film lives up to his standards, not one of his best but not disappointing either. Banks continues to prove herself as an effective and adequate leading lady and the rest of the cast does a decent enough job as well (Neeson, like always, shines in his cameo). The story is intriguing and involving and despite the movie's flaws it works. While it's not nearly one of Haggis's most impressive writing jobs his directing is impressive; the action packed third act is breathtaking. Obviously this will not be an award contender in any way come awards time but it is an entertaining thrill ride.
Watch our review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=003J1CrnYDk
Two time Academy Award winner Paul Haggis (Best screenplay winner for 'MILLION DOLLAR BABY' in 2004 and 'CRASH', one of my all time favorite films, in 2005) writes and directs this prison break film starring Russell Crowe and Elizabeth Banks. It's a remake of the 2008 french film 'ANYTHING FOR HER' starring Vincent London and Diane Kruger. The film is very dark, depressing and gritty at times but it's also pretty implausible and cheesy at times as well. It kind of switches gears between dark drama and action thrill ride multiple times. A lot of critics are saying it doesn't live up to the standard Haggis has set for himself; the man also co-wrote 'LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA' and 'FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS' as well as wrote and directed 'IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH' and directed 'CRASH'. He's also the only screenwriter in history to write two back to back Oscar best film winners ('CRASH' and 'MILLION DOLLAR BABY') but he also co-wrote the Bond films 'CASINO ROYALE' and 'QUANTUM OF SOLACE', so he's known for doing brainless action as well. I found the film to be pretty entertaining but if you go into it looking for something like 'CRASH' or 'MILLION DOLLAR BABY' you're going to be disappointed (Although personally I'm not the biggest fan of 'MILLION DOLLAR BABY').
The film tells the story of a woman named Lara Brennan (Banks) who is accused of murder and sentenced to twenty years in prison. Crowe plays her teacher husband, John Brennan, who knows in his heart she is innocent besides a substantial amount of circumstantial evidence indicating otherwise. After appeals fail and all legal measures are exhausted John decides he's going to break his wife out of prison. He seeks the advice of an ex-con (played by Liam Neeson) who has escaped from prison seven times and embarks on a dangerous mission to raise a great deal of money and everything else he needs for the perfect prison break and life abroad after. By doing so he puts not only himself at risk but his young son Luke (Ty Simpkins) and the whole time it's unclear to the viewer whether his wife is in fact innocent.
Russell Crowe is one of Hollywood's finest actors (his chameleon like abilities to transform himself from one role to another is hard to match) and his performance in this film lives up to his standards, not one of his best but not disappointing either. Banks continues to prove herself as an effective and adequate leading lady and the rest of the cast does a decent enough job as well (Neeson, like always, shines in his cameo). The story is intriguing and involving and despite the movie's flaws it works. While it's not nearly one of Haggis's most impressive writing jobs his directing is impressive; the action packed third act is breathtaking. Obviously this will not be an award contender in any way come awards time but it is an entertaining thrill ride.
Watch our review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=003J1CrnYDk
- Danusha_Goska
- Nov 20, 2010
- Permalink
Starts slow, drags on, you wonder what kind of movie it is, because Haggis never lets it slip into something you already know.
Then it erupts in the third act, in a heart-warming, suspenseful and enjoyable thriller.
It's well written, acted and directed. I think professional critics do not value these things as much as they deserve anymore.
Then it erupts in the third act, in a heart-warming, suspenseful and enjoyable thriller.
It's well written, acted and directed. I think professional critics do not value these things as much as they deserve anymore.
- shirleykernan-1
- Jan 15, 2011
- Permalink
John Brennan (Russell Crowe) and his wife Lara (Elizabeth Banks) have a pretty good life. Good jobs, a six year old son Luke (Sympkins) they both adore, healthy parents and a Toyota Prius, domestic suburban bliss.
That is until Lara gets inconveniently and very quickly, convicted of murder and slammed up in a Pittsburgh prison for life.
The film plays fast and loose with timelines, moving backwards and forwards to the present, which takes a moment or two to grasp but does work very effectively.
The jaundiced Police and Prison guards are all believable but the film is centered on Crowe's performance. As usual, he does not disappoint, he is one of the few "A List" actors able to move believably from playing a 19th Century sea captain (Master and Commander), Robin Hood, Roman Gladiator and here, ordinary man community lecturer.
Lara is in jail for murdering her female boss, her guilt apparently obvious from the circumstantial evidence on display, it is clear to everyone she is not getting out anytime soon.
John is unable to accept his lawyers view and plans to spring his wife, run and keep running with his small family. None of this is a plot spoiler, as it made very plain both from trailers and early in the film.
What is interesting, is the way John gradually slides into a world he does not understand or normally inhabit. The slippery slope that gets steeper and murkier the further you move from the fripperies, light and trinkets of ordinary life. A star makes a cameo appearance and nudges John towards the dark with fair warning, what is he prepared to do, how far will he go for what he wants.
"Show me where the bullets go", he asks when buying his first gun, he certainly gets to use them soon enough.
Good to see Brian Dennehey in a small but pivotal role as John's father, acknowledging the full cost of the actions he is considering with very little spoken dialogue.
Director Paul Haggis has created a film that is exciting with some very neat touches to add to the ever present ticking clock effect. The dragnets that will be in place at fifteen and thirty five minutes are a good device to move the audience towards the edge of their seat, a place you will be familiar with towards the end of the film.
The action sequences are brief but done well and the suspense is ratcheted up high, with you wanting to shout "just get back in the car and drive", on a couple of occasions.
Nit-picks, the escape plot does appear to rely on some very tight time assumptions and appears riddled with "what ifs" despite all the planning. Lara appears to fare very well in prison, looking just as bright and attractive as the day she was incarcerated, obviously prison life suited her.
Look out for House's "number thirteen" (Olivia Wilde), soon to be seen in "Cowboys and Aliens" as her star continues to rise.
Summary
A cracking thriller with a great ending, that is better than some reports and box office returns might suggest.
Crowe adds another creditable role to his diverse resume providing yet another example of his broad acting range.
Recommended
http://julesmoviereviews.blogspot.com/
That is until Lara gets inconveniently and very quickly, convicted of murder and slammed up in a Pittsburgh prison for life.
The film plays fast and loose with timelines, moving backwards and forwards to the present, which takes a moment or two to grasp but does work very effectively.
The jaundiced Police and Prison guards are all believable but the film is centered on Crowe's performance. As usual, he does not disappoint, he is one of the few "A List" actors able to move believably from playing a 19th Century sea captain (Master and Commander), Robin Hood, Roman Gladiator and here, ordinary man community lecturer.
Lara is in jail for murdering her female boss, her guilt apparently obvious from the circumstantial evidence on display, it is clear to everyone she is not getting out anytime soon.
John is unable to accept his lawyers view and plans to spring his wife, run and keep running with his small family. None of this is a plot spoiler, as it made very plain both from trailers and early in the film.
What is interesting, is the way John gradually slides into a world he does not understand or normally inhabit. The slippery slope that gets steeper and murkier the further you move from the fripperies, light and trinkets of ordinary life. A star makes a cameo appearance and nudges John towards the dark with fair warning, what is he prepared to do, how far will he go for what he wants.
"Show me where the bullets go", he asks when buying his first gun, he certainly gets to use them soon enough.
Good to see Brian Dennehey in a small but pivotal role as John's father, acknowledging the full cost of the actions he is considering with very little spoken dialogue.
Director Paul Haggis has created a film that is exciting with some very neat touches to add to the ever present ticking clock effect. The dragnets that will be in place at fifteen and thirty five minutes are a good device to move the audience towards the edge of their seat, a place you will be familiar with towards the end of the film.
The action sequences are brief but done well and the suspense is ratcheted up high, with you wanting to shout "just get back in the car and drive", on a couple of occasions.
Nit-picks, the escape plot does appear to rely on some very tight time assumptions and appears riddled with "what ifs" despite all the planning. Lara appears to fare very well in prison, looking just as bright and attractive as the day she was incarcerated, obviously prison life suited her.
Look out for House's "number thirteen" (Olivia Wilde), soon to be seen in "Cowboys and Aliens" as her star continues to rise.
Summary
A cracking thriller with a great ending, that is better than some reports and box office returns might suggest.
Crowe adds another creditable role to his diverse resume providing yet another example of his broad acting range.
Recommended
http://julesmoviereviews.blogspot.com/
- julian-mumford
- Jul 28, 2011
- Permalink