3 Days to Kill

Another Luc Besson chill-out movie that places an American hero in Paris, this time in a crazy, fast-paced mix of comedy and a spy action flick promoting family values. The actors keep the movie afloat, especially Kevin Costner, who is again so charismatic that you will accept the ridiculous, over-the-top script and just let yourself be entertained. You will hang around for the film’s handful of great catchphrases, which often reference the real-life Costner (and his cowboy image), for two handfuls of slain bad guys, two of which are perfect fits for their roles, and the lascivious Amber Heard in outfits that will turn you on more than two hours sitting at the edge of the stage in a strip club. “Sorry, but you’re not my type” – “I’m everybody’s type!” Too bad she has so little screen time. Some of Besson’s scripts are not so great but this is definitely one of the better ones, and McG grasped it from the right angle. (29.04.2014)

You can smell Luc Besson’s influence in this piece from miles away. It is cool, action-packed, funny, and most importantly, the main character is so world-weary that nothing can surprise him anymore. Maybe only the fact that he is going to die soon because of some brain tumor. Kevin Costner is doing an excellent job and it is a pleasure to watch him act. The action scenes are great, and it is pretty clear that people are quite used to seeing filmmakers in the middle of Paris. What I was annoyed with is the timing of Ethan’s symptoms. They conveniently occurred in the beginning of the movie, so the villain could run away, and also in the finale when he quite enjoyed this advantage it gave him over the protagonist. It all looks pretty set up in order to allow the story to run smoothly. Another annoying thing is that you have no idea what this movie aspires to be. There is great action but also some family drama, where Kevin Costner, portraying Ethan Renner, deals with his family and acts like a good guy for twenty minutes straight. This inconsistency is damaging to the film and it doesn’t have to be. If only it was done a bit differently. But then the director couldn’t be McG, who makes good movies in a way that everyone can find something in it. (06.05.2015)

A great time-out which in a peculiarly way tries to combine a family comedy with an action thriller full of blood and dead bodies. Costner is excellent, literally the powerhouse of the movie. This cool hit man is just his cup of tea and it’s nice to see him coming back to the silver screen more and more often. It’s hard to take your eyes off Amber and, despite being annoying and dumb, the family doesn’t get on your nerves too much either. Besson’s story is amongst his best and a big bonus was getting McGho involved, who enjoys himself royally again. First-rate action, humor a bit corny, but you will laugh. If you’re willing to give it a try. (09.05.2014)

A brutally uneven mix of intense, stark action (excellent combat, average shooting) and family issues, all in the traditionally foolish European feeling from the production of Luc Besson. No, it's not Taken "2", although the entire creative team subtly tries to make it so and occasionally innocently winks at the viewers. Several aspects are so similar that are impossible to overlook even in the dark. However, I must admit that, although it's full of clichés, very simplistic, sometimes poorly edited, and not well-managed in terms of dramaturgy, Kevin Costner has charisma to spare and Amber Heard is simply adorable. It's often even very funny. (21.04.2014)

McG is already getting a little repetitive and works quite uninspired in combination with Luc Besson. It has energy, it has ideas, but in reality, it is just a slightly more action-packed melodrama that has one great advantage. Kevin Costner, who in recent years has shown that he certainly hasn't forgotten how to act, and his characters are interesting enough to at least pull you in. (30.06.2014)