The Next Three Days - 8 stars out of 10

The Next Three Days - 8 stars out of 10

A story of this complexity opens itself to exposed plot-holes but "The Next Three Days" manages to fill in every gap as it seamlessly transitions through the improvisatory plans of its main character.  Russell Crowe delivers determination and intensity  as he searches for a way to free his wife from prison.  I enjoyed his resourcefulness as he used youtube and photoshop in his scheming.  Although Liam Neeson's role is so small that it's barely worth mentioning, Brian Dennehy thrives as the stone-faced, emotionally exhausted father.  His gruff facial expression is incredible, keeping a smile from permeating his lips at any moment.  His handshake with Crowe is one of the most subtle but amazing emotional movie moments in the past 10 years.  Banks delivers a nice performance and looks great, but can't even begin to compare with the beauty of Olivia Wilde - I definitely didn't mind the scenes where I got to look at her.  Pittsburgh was a great backdrop for this film, both because of the prison and also the setting of a little "big" city.  As a Pittsburgh native, this movie took on an additional dimension as all of the camera shots felt so familiar.  The flashback at the end is the perfect wrap-up to this film.  Although the events of this film are farfetched, the entire story "feels" right from start to finish and brings the necessary sense of realism that prevents it from becoming comical.