MickyG333

9.1 stars.

This is my third time and it's never a dull moment with 'The Next Three Days'. I had forgotten how riveting the film is from start to finish. The narrative doesn't take long introducing the drama, just a few minutes and their lives are upended and a once happy family of three is now a broken family -- mom is in prison for life and dad is beside himself with grief.

I love this movie so much I don't want to spoil any part of its amazingness with my meager attempt at describing it. Suffice it to say it's one of the best movies I've ever seen in the genre of prison breaks. As far as all movies of all genres across the board, it stands with some of the great ones. I understand why it wouldn't win awards, it's not that type of artsy and poignant story, rather it's a thrilling adrenaline rush that will keep you on the edge of your seat. We've all seen films like this, but it's one of the better ones.

I don't know how Crowe was able to transform himself into a sympathetic and resolute, yet extremely desperate father; but he did the character justice. His personality is so believable and viscerally human -- profoundly dynamic. Banks is also pretty convincing as having nothing to lose and no desire to live. Although her role is minimal in various ways, she still sinks her teeth into it. She was deliberate with her somewhat brief appearance, yet heard. High praise for her authentic and subdued portrayal.

I will return to see this again in a few years, and again, and again, and again.

5.9 stars.

I don't mind the actors, but the story is unoriginal and the conversations are idle chit chat at best. The story is about a woman realtor who goes to her hometown over the holidays to work temporarily with a real estate agency. While there she sees some old friends and meets some new ones. One new friend is a male photographer who takes pictures of the houses she sells. They are attracted to each other and they proceed to share a plethora of monotonous conversations. As time passes, she does some realtor stuff and helps people find homes and he takes photos. Zzzzzzzz.

I believe I could write a better script.

7.6 stars.

'A Vintage Christmas' is one of the most cookie cutter Christmas films I've seen in my life. I say this with as much love and affection as I can muster, and the reason I am being lenient is because of the lead actors. They are Hallmark regulars (even though this is a Great American Family release) who rarely fail to elevate a seemingly drab story into something watchable. I can GUARANTEE that if they weren't the leads in this movie, I would've stopped at 30 minutes and moved on. I would have tossed it aside without a second thought and moved on to the next Christmas movie in my repertoire (there are about 50 currently, many are returning favorites).

Patterson and Russell are very alluring, charismatic and share an amazing synergy together. There are few films with Patterson that I won't watch (those rated 4.0 for example, I'll probably avoid) and Russell, although a bit wooden at times, has a sort of presence that reels you in. Together they raise the rating on 'A Vintage Christmas' from a 5.6 to a 7.6. I will watch it again in about five years just to watch them. I can't believe she isn't in more films. Something about her face is so lovely, I can't explain.