I’ve never seen a Kevin Costner movie that I didn’t like, even the ones panned by critics. Somehow his persona on screen makes even mundane movies acceptable – at least to me. This is most assuredly one of those cases. As I watched the film, I thought “two stars at best,” but the extra half star was added after talking to a group of others in the theatre who thought the movie was great.
Costner stars as Ethan Renner, another in a long line of Hollywood’s “super stud” CIA agents who’s fighting, shooting, and, oh yes, driving skills seem implausible, and of course, they are. Burdened with some apparently serious health issues, he still manages to kill and/or maim half the population of Paris, and leaves the city in a wreck with the inevitable car chase.
Photo Provided
At the same time he is conducting war on the bad guys, he is trying to reconcile with his estranged wife and teenage daughter, who also live in Paris. This gives us a look at the “feminine” side of our fearless warrior, as cooking and dancing become part of the storyline. Additionally, if you’ve ever been to Paris, you will appreciate the panorama of the city, and if you haven’t, it may encourage you to go. (I promise the carnage and bodies will have been cleaned up by the time you get there).
Hailee Steinfeld, the young girl from “True Grit,” stars as Renner’s daughter Zoey, and she is the focal point of his efforts to re-engage with the family. Regardless of the circumstances, when Zoey calls her dad, Renner suspends everything, even in the middle of a “do or die” situation. “Wait a minute, hold everything, that’s my daughter.” Cooking lessons and recipes enter the fray to say nothing of a group of African squatters living in Renner’s apartment. So there is a lot going on, and at times, the mission seems secondary.
The stuff with the bad guys is all Hollywood formula; you’ve seen it over and over. The family issues are a bit different however, lending lightness, humor, and even some pathos to the proceedings. As mentioned, the cinematographers did a great job with the Paris background, which adds some depth to the story.
The movie worked for me because of Costner’s presence on screen. If you like him and CIA shenanigans, you will probably enjoy the film. Otherwise you might want to rent the movie recommended below.
3 Days to Kill
Entertainment Rating: Two and a half stars
Rating: PG 13; This should be R rated based on violence.
There is scattered profanity and a couple of mildly suggestive sexual situations, no nudity.
Possible Oscar nominations: None
•Questions or comments? Email me at tomsansom@outlook.com
Rental recommendation:
“Admission”
P.G. 13 (2013)
How can a movie about the admis¬sions department at Princeton University possibly be entertaining? Well, try blending a great script with an unusual premise and add a dash or two of fine acting, and you have a recipe for a delightful film. Tina Fey and Paul Rudd bring more than enough chemistry to the screen, while Wallace Shane adds a little panache and Lily Tomlin a touch of class (in her own way). I promise you’ll find this entertain¬ing, and in the process, you will develop a new respect for the word “subjective.”
