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! (01/24/2011)

A remake better than the original. That’s mainly because Haggis is much better at family tension than Cavayé. He succeeds mainly because the American family is much more accessible. The burden of the husband's fate is not almost existential, but instead is driven by a clear daddy motivation and offers more audience-appealing elements (the tennis ball tick, the bumpkey, the time press). My only criticism is towards the lack of more vigorous chasers (Quinn’s character is basically made for it!). Otherwise, it’s the best "escape" film since The Fugitive. 4 ½. (09/20/2011)

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. (01/19/2011)

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. (01/24/2011)

I am beyond satisfied!!! It was more thought out compared to the subject matter, Anything for Her. The fantastically crafted adrenaline rush and Russell Crowe's desperate look say it all. I'm thrilled that John pulled it off... the plan was really well thought out and believable. Very, very nice! (03/12/2011)

Old school. Maybe I’m being too generous, but I really like this. Russell roolz. A great idea and skillful execution make this genre film a great watch where you’ll be rooting for the hero till death do you part. Crowe is pleasantly civilian and even reminded me of a guy I know so much that it was weird. Liam Neeson’s cameo was pleasing and Olivia Wilde was amazing as always. And Elfman did another great job with the music. Thumbs up. (02/21/2011)

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. (08/14/2011)

Two stars for Russell Crowe and Liam Neeson, otherwise there is nothing extravagant about The Next Three Days. For example, unlike other people, I was terribly bothered by the way the two halves of the film (the calm and action parts) impacted each other, and as a diabetic I was not at all happy with the unprecedented stupidity related to the transfer of Brennan's wife from the prison to the hospital... And in general - the film seemed to me terribly unbelievable, although it was probably supposed to be believable. Overall a disappointment. (08/07/2012)

A spectacular mainstream ride that adapts one of Hollywood's most obnoxious clichés – everything must be happily resolved on several fronts at the last possible moment – in such a clever and fresh way that we really enjoy being swept away. In addition, Daddy Crowe is, as usual, an amazing driving force and Danny Elfman managed to compose another excellent soundtrack... (02/04/2013)

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. (09/07/2017)