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3 Days to Kill

14 March 2014English1h 57m
ActionCrimeDramaThriller
out of 10
Unfavorablemost critics didn't like it
Monk Score · 9 scored reviews · 1 not rated

A tonal mess that wastes Besson's blueprint and Costner's charm.

Verdict tier Unfavorable, most critics didn't like it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: Amber Heard's standout performance
  • Criticised: Clichéd plot lacking coherence

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Not streaming in India

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Critic consensus

What 10 critics are saying

Critical consensus on '3 Days to Kill' is largely negative, with most reviewers finding it a formulaic, clichéd action film that fails to coherently blend its family drama, spy thriller, and black comedy elements. A few critics acknowledged isolated moments of inspiration and noted Amber Heard's performance as a highlight, while the father-daughter dynamic between Costner and Steinfeld drew some mild appreciation. Common criticisms center on a weak, underdeveloped plot attributed to Luc Besson's factory-style writing, and an inability to balance its tonal shifts. Only one reviewer found the film's genre-mixing handled with reasonable deftness, placing it firmly in the minority.

How the 9 scores spread

1 not-rated review isn't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 10 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (10)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    IBNLive

    Film review ·

    It's not all bad, there are a handful of inspired moments. But there's no excuse why it isn't more fun.

  2. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    as Costner suffers though a lot else, including witnessing childbirth by a woman who is no more than a stranger, it's Heard who may get the best career bump. If this is a celebration of absurdities, she is the one dressed for the party.

  3. Top critic

    Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    If you like older action stars, then go back and revisit Liam Neeson in Taken or even better, Clint Eastwood in In the Line of Fire. This one is a dud.

  4. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Lighthearted while managing to mix a torture scene with a recipe for spaghetti sauce, the film's myriad elements come together with a deft touch, without losing the plot.

  5. DNA India

    Film review ·

    A spy flick with a bunch of cool action scenes thrown in to raise the tempo, 3 Days to Kill is strictly average.

  6. IANS

    Film review ·

    The film tries to ape several different genres: a family drama, a love story and an action spy thriller. However, many of these aspects fail to come together into something concrete. Unfortunately, the plot is so cliched that it quickly becomes a bore.

  7. Desimartini

    Film review ·

    '3 Days to Kill' is at best worthy of a watch when it arrives on television and for fans of Amber Heard who probably is easily the best thing about this dull, prodding movie.

  8. The Navhind Times

    Film review ·

    ...is a typical action film produced in the factory of Luc Besson. Like the Transporter, Taken & Taxi series there is very little in terms of plot and it tries to rely on the action mostly. Since the story is written by Besson, don't expect much character development or a story; on that count, it is all flimsy. Plus if you think only Bollywood has clichés then you ought to watch this film. It is more clichéd than a Sajid Khan film.

  9. BookMyShow

    Film review ·

    If, for some reason, you like action movies that aren't too violent, you might enjoy 3 Days to Kill. Additionally, the dynamics between Steinfeld and Costner makes parts of the movie sweet and amusing. If you're a fan of either, you might want to check out the movie – if only for their performances.

  10. LiveMint

    Film review ·

    ...sometimes cheesy, sometimes quirky and occasionally stylish. It does not quite hit the balanced note, bouncing haphazardly from family drama to action thriller to black comedy.

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