The Next Three Days

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. (22/02/2011)

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)

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. (07/08/2012)

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)

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. (25/01/2011)