Ethan, (Kevin Costner) is a man with some serious issues but oddly enough, his life as a spy and heavy hitter is not one of them. Ethan has a reputation for getting the job done and he is brutally efficient in his craft.
When a mission to stop a government purchasing a Dirty Bomb from a mysterious figure known as “The Wolf” goes awry, Ethan finds his life turned upside down when he learns he is on borrowed time due to a previously undiagnosed illness.
Ethan returns to Paris in an attempt to reconnect with his daughter, Zoe (Haillee Steinfeld), and her mother, Ethan comes home to learn that a group of squatters have taken up residence in his apartment, and under French law, nothing can be done to remove them until the spring arrives.
Since Ethan has been gone for five years, his family is less than thrilled to see him as it has been easier to live their lives without him. Undaunted, Ethan continues to try to make up for lost time.
Complications arise when a top level agent named Vivi (Amber Heard), arrives in Paris and attempts to recruit Ethan to identify and eliminate The Wolf when it is learned that there is a window to remove him over the next 72 hours.
Wanting no part of his past life, Ethan is dragged back into the fold by the offer of cash for his daughter and an experimental drug that will extend his life.
Ethan now must walk a deadly path between dangerous people, his former employers, and the largest danger of all, his teenage daughter and her mother.
Based on a story by Luc Besson who also had a hand in writing the script, “3 Days to Kill” is a fresh and fun film despite its flaws. Director Mc G does a good job of keeping the emphasis on Ethan and his family as that is the core of the story. There is action aplenty and some of it does play out in typical Hollywood fashion, but there is a charm to the story that one does normally associate with this type of film.
Costner does a good job of playing Ethan as a world weary man who is simply trying to do the right thing with what time he has left. Scenes where he has to deviate from his deadly profession to deal with teen trauma and domestic issues are funny as they come across as very natural. Ethan is so frustrated by the duality of his life; he even seeks parenting advice from suspects he is interrogating.
While parts of the film may drag out and some of the plot points stretch credibility, the winning cast makes the film worth seeing and I for one was pleasantly surprised by the film as you may be if you are willing to look past some of the flaws.
3.5 stars out of 5.
The DVD and Blu-ray release offers both a theatrical and extended version of the film which allows for a more comprehensive viewing experience. There is also a making of segment as well as a look at Director Mc G’s method and other content. The set also contains a standard DVD and Digital version of the film.
For me the enhanced picture and sound quality of the Blu-ray really made the movie shine from the scenic Paris locales to the action filled soundtrack. You will not want to miss this one.
Second Review by Christopher Daniels
When an aging CIA operative is facing his demise, he is offered an experimental drug which would allow him more time to reconnect with his estranged family. This masterpiece will hit all of your emotions.
The body count starts climbing early on. CIA lifer Ethan Renner (Kevin Costner) finishes his last job for the agency and gets the axe due to his terminal illness status.
Paris provides the backdrop as Ethan contacts his estranged wife, Christine (Connie Nielsen). He signs an updated will and informs her that he is dying, with scant time left to live. Ethan begs to have time with their daughter Zoey (Hailee Steinfeld). Christine is reluctant because he’s been gone for the last five years; she worries that Ethan will just leave them again.
Enter the beautiful and dangerous Vivi Delay (Amber Heard), who also works for the CIA. She is tasked with finding and killing the infamous “Wolf,” one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists. Her deal-with-the-devil approach coaxes Ethan into one more adventure.
This film is a brilliant blend of drama, action, and humor The film transitions quickly from one aspect to another, leaving you wrought with emotion through each part of the story. The action is nicely choreographed, the drama is tear-jerking, and the humor is well executed.
I found the writing masterful, the acting perfect, the casting on-the-mark, and the pace heart-pounding.
I strongly recommend that everyone go see this excellent film.
4.5 Stars Out Of 5
Edited By: Jeff Boehm
