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! (25/01/2011)

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. (20/09/2011)

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)

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)

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! (12/03/2011)