Breaking out of prison is never easy, unless you’re one of the Beagle boys or a young Sean Connery. It’s a meticulous process of timing, planning, training, testing and presence of mind as demonstrated by Tim Robbins in The Shawshank Redemption and  Wentworth Miller in Prison Break. Both were motivated by wrongful imprisonment, determined to reverse the cogs of injustice and work the system in their favour. Full body tattoos and Rita Hayworth posters are one way of getting out of the clinker, but there’s another way… A more sensible blueprint for setting your loved one free as witnessed in The Next Three Days.

Russell Crowe has always come across as a fairly reasonable bloke. He fought off gladiators in Gladiator, did maths in A Beautiful Mind, bought the farm in A Good Year, flexed his bow in Robin Hood and even dated Meg Ryan at one stage. His melancholic facial features deliver half of his performance as Crowe draws on the character of John Brennan, a community college teacher fighting to get his life back after what he perceives to be a miscarriage of justice.

The Next Three Days tells the story of an ordinary man, whose wife is arrested and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment after a brutal murder. All the evidence suggests this to be an open and shut case as Lara Brennan (Banks) is dragged through courts and into prison. John does everything in his power to free his wife, from attorneys to private detectives, but it all seems futile with Brennan destined to a single parent. However, a flame still burns for the love of his life, who he believes is innocent to the point of obsession… to the point of staging a prison break.

“Cock the hammer, it’s time for action, but how do I load it?”

On the surface level, the plot seems pretty cheesy with the romantic overtones of star-crossed lovers wanting to be reunited. However, Paul Haggis doesn’t trade in cheese… although some would probably argue that some of his scripts look like Swiss cheese after he was credited with writing Quantum of Solace. While Haggis is best known for his screenwriting abilities, having penned Crash, Million Dollar Baby, Letters from Iwo Jima and In The Valley of Elah, he’s also admired as an accomplished director with In The Valley of Elah and Crash under his belt.

The award-winning filmmaker has worked with the likes of Clint Eastwood and it’s safe to say that the two have a similar style. Both flourish on drama, which is toned down and executed in a hard, honest and no frills fashion. Great storytelling and acting is the focus, creating a somewhat invisible peephole on the lives of ordinary people engaging in extraordinary feats of humanity. Uplifting possible real-life stories are their preferred medium and they thrive on creating films that inspire, move and engage audiences.

The Next Three Days fits the bill and while the concept of a meticulously planned prison escape does feel a little worn, it’s the sincerity of the performances that nail it down. Crowe is the kingpin in this crime drama and while he’s not the first person you’d think of when it comes to romance, he powers the depth of his character’s love for his wife through his actions. He’s supported by Elizabeth Banks, who while adequate, seems a little miscast in the role of Lara Brennan.

The suspense is tied up in the preparation, secrecy, planning and eventual operation as we root for the underdog. Haggis has added another dimension to the taut atmosphere by fogging the truth… making the murder something of a mystery. The cloaking device works beautifully as the couple’s interactions reveal fragments of the truth and build towards the conclusion.

Haggis even throws a few red herrings into the mix to keep us guessing, steering our attention in one direction and then marking quick reveals throughout the film. It’s the work of a magician storyteller, keeping you on the edge of your seat and committed to the narrative. The Next Three Days does cross the finish line a little late, but the slower pacing adds to the suspense and makes it easier for us to invest in the character and his mission.

The Next Three Days not filmed like a heist, bank robbery or jail break… and this is probably the reason that an old hat concept can feel relatively fresh. Instead it’s from a family perspective with one man convinced he’s committing a crime for the greater good, gambling with his only son and a prison. We’re captivated by Crowe’s understated performance, inspired by his romantic albeit foolish plight and anticipating everything that could possibly go wrong. It’s totally entertaining and apart from a few minor flaws, makes a satisfying all-round movie experience.

The bottom line: Engaging.

Release Date: 21 January, 2011

Watch ‘The Next Three Days’ Trailer

Book Tickets at Ster-Kinekor
Book Tickets at Nu Metro
Catch more movie reviews at SPL!NG