3 Days to Kill Review
RYAN: This movie gets a big eye roll from me because it’s one of the most confused films I’ve ever seen. It’s supposed to be a badass action movie but then is peppered with moments of preciousness between this CIA hit man and his daughter. It goes for super sappy drama and then it tries to be a comedy. It genre-hops and isn’t effective at any one.
CHUCK: You’re absolutely right.
RYAN: There was never anything inventive or wow-inspiring in the action. And most of the film just felt derivative of other things. The car chases, gun fights… nothing outstanding.
CHUCK: When the title is 3 Days to Kill, you’re expecting big action an violence and we both went in thinking, “Hey this could be a good action movie.”
RYAN: But that was only, like, 30 percent of the movie.
CHUCK: If that! I’m a big fan of Luc Besson who came up with the story and cowrote the screenplay. But you’re right it really lacked focus. There was too many different genres going on and it never settled on any one.
RYAN: The comedy really felt the most out of place to me. Like whilst getting all hitman on someone, he was cracking jokes and going lighthearted and it was a major fail.
CHUCK: I found those a bit amusing.
RYAN: Yeah if you’re in the mood for a charming torture scene.
CHUCK: That is a little strange I guess. But that’s kind of Luc’s style.
RYAN: I like him too. I’ve preferred other works of his over this film though. Some of his previous movies have clicked and been funny and edgy while this one just fails. It’s a joke.
CHUCK: Like The Family, which he wrote and directed, there were fights and action but also some comedy interwoven.
RYAN: That movie worked though.
CHUCK: But that movie didn’t have the sentimentality that this movie tried to do.
RYAN: Right it was less sappy. We do have to mention Amber Heard looks gorgeous in this movie and it’s kind of a showcase for how versatile she can look in different hair colors. And she has a dominatrix vibe going on.
CHUCK: She was fine. I don’t think she’s a very good actress.
RYAN: I like her but her character was written terribly and so much of her story either didn’t pan out of didn’t follow a sensical line or logic with how she’s first introduced and that is really annoying in a movie.
CHUCK: There were huge holes.
RYAN: I don’t mind overlooking holes or using suspension of disbelief when things work but this movie was not effective.
CHUCK: I one hundred percent agree with you on that. It also seemed like it would have worked better as an R-rated movie. Some moments seemed tamed down to me. I don’t know whether this movie went through a recut or not but it just felt that way to me. And the ending fell really flat instead of being climactic but it was great seeing Kevin Costner.
RYAN: Yes. I still like him, especially his The Bodyguard moment in this movie – look for it and you’ll find it. But you can totally tell the convo he had with his agent, like, “C’mon. If Liam Neeson can do it, it’s my turn.”
CHUCK: (laughs) Right this is his Taken. Funnily enough Luc wrote that too. He looks great though. I’d make out with him.
RYAN: He does. As does Connie Nielson who I’m gonna go ahead and say is the best looking actress of her ago. Wow! Her face and body look perfect!
CHUCK: I’m not that familiar with her but she does look amazing.
RYAN: Tight and looks like she’s had no work done. Amazing.
CHUCK: Hailee Stienfeld – whatever.
RYAN: It was a fluke she was nominated for True Grit. There’s nothing very appealing about her as an actress.
CHUCK: There were moments in this movie that reminded me of The Professional and others Grosse Point Blank.
RYAN: But those were both great movies. This is not.
CHUCK: Brilliant.
RYAN: There’s nothing brilliant about this movie. In fact, much of the audio and syncing was totally off; like several times. It’s just poor filmmaking. And I like McG.
CHUCK: He’s awesome.
RYAN: This could have pushed the envelope and been more inventive and cool but it’s lacking coolness. It’s a B movie.
