The Next Three Days

Directed by: Paul Haggis

Released: 19 Nov 2010 USA, 5 Jan 2011 UK

Starring: Russell Crowe, Elizabeth Banks, Daniel Stern, Liam Neeson

IMDB page

He said:

This film asks the question 'what are you willing to risk in order to be with the person you love most'. Paul Haggis asks us to suspend our disbelief after the first ten minutes of the film. I think I struggled to enjoy it because of that - at no point did Crowe's character strike me as anything more than that.

That isn't to knock any of the performances in the film. I think all the actors did a fantastic job with the material they were given it just didn't do anything for me. There seem to be quite a few cameo appearances in this film that seem awkwardly wedged in and unnecessary, usually a sign of panic from the production team behind the film.

This is not a typical prison break type of film but as you can see in the trailer there is a couple of pretty impressive chase scenes in an other wise mediocre film. {{{I give 3 out of 5}}}

She said:

I found this film reasonably enjoyable. There was suspense, action, drama and surprisingly a few moments of humour too. There was something however that stopped this film being brilliant and, as James said, I think that we were required to suspend our disbelief just a little too long.

My biggest issue with films like this is that they try and make you believe that a decent person can flick a switch in their head to become a criminal mastermind who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Fortunately this film had some believable elements, which lifted it just above the same old/same old.

I really enjoyed seeing Russell Crowe in his first film since Robin Hood. I think he carried the film well and there was a strong, believable chemistry between him and Elizabeth Banks. The actors often had to portray their feelings without many words which is always a test of an actors ability and I think they passed well.

I have a few other gripes, such as actors such as Jason Beghe (who plays a police detective) who added an interesting element but were underevolved, but overall I like this film and would watch it again. I give this film {{{3 out of 5}}}

They said: The Next Three Days (interestingly the title is not present in the film... in more ways than one) is worth watching but we suggest you wait to rent it. We give it [[[6 out of 10]]]

Question for the comments: Do you prefer prison break films or heist films?

Robin Hood (Directed by Ridley Scott)

IMDB LINK
Starring: Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Max von Sydow, William Hurt, Mark Strong

He Said:
This is not a film you can go into with preconceptions. The common comparison between The Gladiator and Robin Hood is fair but not significant. (As both were directed by Ridley Scott and both starred Russel Crowe.) This film is really more of a prequel to the story of Robin Hood more than it is a story about the fabled outlaw/hero. It is a very realistic look into a fantastic fable.

A lot of critics have mentioned that Australian born Crowe took a tour of the British Isles with his accent, but to be fair his accent never distracted me from his story. I enjoyed this film I feel that it is worth watching, and I think most film goers will leave the theatre feeling their hard earned money was well spent.

One of the highest praises I have for this film is that Ridley Scott refrained from using CGI for his battle scenes and actually cast 1,000 extras for the intense battle scenes. Having a thousand people all doing what you want and managing to get the footage you want is a true talent and one that in this Computer generated 3D hype of today is sorely missing.

The only real complaint I have of this film i that for a hero that is known for his Archery skills Robin was a little too friendly with his sword. A long the same lines, I did not see one arrow split during this film, though I have to wonder if I had would I have assumed it to be a Robing Hood cop out? I half expected to see a notice at the end of the film reading "No arrows were harmed in the making of this film."

Minor complaints aside this is a well executed film and one that you will not regret watching. I enjoyed this Robin before he was the Hood tale, and I give it [[[4 out of 5]]]

She Said:

I really enjoyed this film, although there wasn't much doubt that I would; it is a film based on classic legend that never fails to disappoint. Everyone knows the story of Robin Hood through some interpretation or other whether it be Prince of Thieves or Disney's crack at it.

Although I don't think this film eclipses the success of Prince of Thieves (i.e. that one with Kevin Costner not doing a British accent) it does give the audience something a bit different from the legend. This film is much more of a prequel to the 'outlaw that takes from the rich and gives to the poor' tale, telling you how we got to that point.

This film is also placed into a wider context of the history of the time namely the vulnerability of England during King Richard's decade long crusade and the country's relationship to France. I found it quite interesting to see the classic tale from a different angle.

Unlike Costner in Prince of Thieves Russell Crowe did attempt the Nottingham accent. Like James said he does take a tour of the British Isles (and pops down under for a visit) and it begs the question: why not a British accent? But this is a minor grievance to bear and overall I have no real complaints about the film.

I wouldn't be surprised if this film was followed up with a sequel and the more widely known tales of the famous man. I give this film {{{4 out of 5}}}

They Said:

A well executed film with a twist on the legend of Robin Hood. We give this film {{{8 out of 10}}}