It does not happen very often that we get a remake of an unsuccessful film but it had happened now with this remake of the French film 'Pour Elle'.
Ever since he won his Oscar for 'Crash' Paul Haggis has not had much success. Although he is quite well respected none of the films he has directed have had financial success. I found the premise of this film an interesting one and could have made a really good film but is not told in a good way. The main problem is that it stretches the lines of credibility a bit. I found it a little hard to believe that John would not investigate the murder his wife is accused of a bit more before resorting to trying to break her out of prison. Maybe the police overlooked something. Breaking his wife out of prison seems like a very drastic and more risky move than investigating the murder. When you add in the fact that he has a child as well it makes the situation seem all the more stupid. If you can get over that issue then this is a pretty good thriller. The only other disappointing thing is that the trailer reveals far too much about the story.
Russell Crowe can be an excellent actor. Normally he plays great big grand heroes. Here he must play an average guy. Sometimes actors have such a huge presence that you don't see them as average people. Russell though has done a good job here. I thought he was excellent in this film despite all the story problems I had. Elizabeth Banks normally does comedy films so it was nice to see her do something dramatic. I think she handles it quite well and I'm sure we can get to see her stretch her acting muscles a lot more.
If you don't watch the trailer and can get over a few of the plot credibility then this is quite a good thriller. Russell Crowe also gives an excellent performance.
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