Film review: 3 Days to Kill (7 out of 10)

Dancing with Wolves and Robin Hood were massive box office hits - he could do no wrong.

Then he appeared in Waterworld in the mid 90s.

The film tanked and Mr Costner has appeared sporadically in movies, often just a cameo role such as Superman’s dad last year.

But it seems he’s back and 3 days to Kill is one of five projects I know of this year.

While this film isn’t the greatest thriller made, it’s a good vehicle for Costner to show his undoubted talent.

He plays Ethan Renner, a CIA hitman who discovers he has a terminal illness.

Discarded by the agency he travels to France to attempt a reunion with wife and daughter.

But his past life comes back to haunt him as he’s given the chance of an experimental drug to help his illness as long as he helps another CIA operative kill off an arms dealer.

So, while his wife is away on business he has three days alone with his daughter, plus the same time to get rid of the dealer.

Given that the well known director and writer Luc Besson (Leon, Fifth Element) has had a big hand in the writing of this movie I was expecting it to be better than it is.

There’s plenty of good action, nice humorous touches and some heart-felt emotional family scenes.

But that’s where the problem lies, just too much of each and they stuggle to overlay.

Plus there’s some plot elements that simply don’t tie up.

Costner is given good support by Hailee Steinfeld as his daughter. Steinfeld has been busy since arriving on the big screen impressively with True Grit.

Amber Heard as the covert CIA agent gives it her best but the role is rather a strange one that remains on the periphery.

It’s good to have a movie set for the most part in France which provides a different dynamic.

So if you enjoy your thrillers with a bit of emotion then this is enjoyable enough - just don’t mull over the plot too much.

Film details: 3 Days to Kill (12A) 117mins

Director: McG

Starring: Kevin Costner, Hailee Steinfeld

Screening courtesy of Cineworld Crawley