Speaking of Russell Crowe, a little known gem, "Last Three Days" is exciting and a great action/adventure film. Crowe stars as a junior college professor whose world is turned upside down when his wife is arrested for murder. The movie hides whether she is innocent or not, which I liked, and concentrates on how the wife, played so well by Elizabeth Banks, Crowe and their young son adjust to their new reality. I strongly felt how being at the wrong place at the wrong time, or a series of coincidences, or fate can pull the rug out from under you. Have you ever had a car accident and realized that if you had killed someone or badly injured them your life would be "before and after"? Most of us have had someone we love taken away suddenly: a heart attack, suicide, accident, whatever. This movie makes you FEEL how precious life is, and how tenuous.
The plot is terrific, with an intricate plan hatched by the husband and not shared with us, so we are on pins and needles watching it play out. The supporting actors include Liam Neeson, as a man the husband quizzes who escaped jail seven times, Brian Dennehy as the husband's father, and Bryan Cranston as one of the detectives investigating who feels in his skin something is wrong when the wife is convicted and sentenced to life, but he can't get a handle on it. The pace is perfect, and the film picks up speed as the escape and chase do.
It's a small film, but gripping and a lesson on terrific, non-showy acting. And it sticks with you, as you go about your ordinary day that could turn dark if luck isn't with you.
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