DVD Review: The Next Three Days

Actor Russell Crowe holds plenty of star quality these days.

Like him or not, he commands the screen and demands to be watched. And playing John Brennan in The Next Three Days makes him the centre of attention for most of the story.

With his wife Lara (Elizabeth Banks) and son Luke (Ty Simpkins), John lives the decidedly average life of a university lecturer.

But all that changes when police storm into their modest home and arrest Lara for murder.

A blood stain matching the murder victim is found on Lara's jacket and her fingerprints are discovered on the fire extinguisher that was used to strike and kill the victim.

For the Brennan family, it is the end of life as they know it.

John can't believe what has happened to his wife and vows to leave no stone unturned in proving her innocence.

Every step John takes is repulsed. The evidence is overwhelming and no amount of legal speak helps his wife's cause.

Quickly it emerges that Lara faces a very long time in prison.

That is not good enough for John, who decides to devote his life to getting her out of prison - legally or illegally. With the help of an ex-con, he puts together a meticulous plan to get Lara out and make a new life for them and their son out of harm's way.

At this point, the action takes off in a dramatic three-day countdown to the moment when freedom will be Lara's or John will also find himself in prison. Come along for the high-octane ride.

The Next Three Days

(M), Roadshow Entertainment

Stars: 4/5