The Next Three Days

A solid escape thriller consisting of two different parts. Russel’s wife is arrested and gets a life sentence for murder (that she committed / didn’t commit?) and he decides to set her free in an extra-judicial way. The first (longer) part is about the escape plan, the second is about the execution. The script is very good, because it doesn’t show all the cards during the planning stage and things become clear only during the execution, which is a very rare approach in similar films. The escape itself is very briskly an tensely shot, but unfortunately, after the WTF moment on the motorway, the film loses its pace and continues at half-speed till the end. The epilogue is unnecessary (and maybe also counterproductive), but regardless of the not fully satisfactory ending, the feeling of a “fine genre piece” remains. 7/10 PS: The poster made of photos is very cool! (24/01/2011)

A very thrilling civilian thriller with an ending that irons out all moral dilemmas and doubts to the detriment of the whole. Russell Crowe is beginning to find himself in the roles of overweight intellectual gladiators. And he's definitely doing better than the dashing outlaws. Overall, a pleasant surprise that will not disappoint fans of "escape" movies. If it wasn't for that excessive schematic ending, I'd give it a clean four stars, so I'm pointing out that on star is a little less than full. (19/01/2011)

Paul Haggis seems to always focus on a topic where he is the strongest: social empathy, in this case, family. A very unique film, packed with emotions and very realistic scenes. The leading duo is phenomenal from beginning to the end. Some scenes are so realistic that make your blood freeze, surprisingly, usually adorned with fascinating dialogues. The preparation for the escape is captivating, but the real inferno only begins when it comes to a breaking point. Ironically, the film, with very little action, is much faster and more lively than most action flicks. A truly monstrous masterpiece, with an incredibly fucking cool, without a single flaw. (14/08/2011)

Despite being a remake, it’s good. Because this role is just right for Crowe; Haggis keeps up the tempo and tension level in respectable waters, so the only complaint can be about the not so good chemistry between the central duo; the original is significantly superior in this respect. However, Haggis scores extra point for powerful emotional moments. Especially the silent interludes on the freeway... That got me more than anything has in a long time. The French version is more “intimate" (the relationship with the father and mainly with her brother is far more important) and overall better in the preparation phase, the American version again works better in the adrenaline parts. But why think about what is better/worse when in both cases these are primarily exceptional pictures. (24/01/2011)

Although I believe that skipping the very end would be possible because it doesn't add that much, the film is otherwise very good, albeit slightly drawn out. The desire to be with his wife again, to keep the family complete, is so strong that Russell's character will do basically anything to make it happen. The scene on the highway is well shot, but there are more. Good story. (07/09/2017)