Runaway 3: The Last Escape

Runaway 3: The Last Escape (during development of Runaway: Shadows of the Past) is a 2001 American epic action film produced and directed by David Cronenbear from a script co-written with Mario Puzo. The film stars James Spader, Deborah Kara Unger, Elias Koteas, Holly Hunter and Rosanna Arquette. This is the third film in the Runaway film series. Sequel to the film Runaway: The Second Escape (1998). Roman, Trevor's brother, who until this moment remained in the shadows, decides to take the situation into his own hands. He has unique skills and resources that allow him to track Nicholas and prevent his atrocities. Roman begins his own game of cat and mouse to protect his brother and his family.
Although Roland Emmerich declined to return for a third film, he eventually agreed to direct and write after David Cronenbear's two previous directorial efforts were commercial failures. The film's intended title was Runaway: Shadows of the Past, which Universal Pictures rejected. Principal photography took place from late 1999 to early 2000, with filming taking place in both Italy and the United States.
Runaway 3: The Last Escape premiered on August 19, 2001 in Beverly Hills, and was released in the United States on August 21. The film received generally positive reviews. Critics praised Spader and Koteas' performances, cinematography, editing, performances and direction, but criticized the story. It grossed $142 million worldwide and received two Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. The sequel, Runaway 4: The Revenge, was released in 2019.
== Plot ==
After Trevor and his family settle on a remote island, they begin a new life full of hopes and dreams. However, despite their desire for peace, the past continues to haunt them. Nicholas, the man responsible for their suffering, cannot forget his defeat and plans the ultimate revenge.
Roman, Trevor's brother, who until this moment remained in the shadows, decides to take the situation into his own hands. He has unique skills and resources that allow him to track Nicholas and prevent his atrocities. Roman begins his own game of cat and mouse to protect his brother and his family.
While Trevor and his family build a new home and settle into life on the island, Roman infiltrates the criminal underworld to find Nicholas. He discovers that the latter is connected to a dangerous criminal group planning a series of robberies across Europe.
Roman decides to use his abilities to infiltrate this group and disrupt their plans from the inside. His actions lead to Nicholas being trapped by his own allies and he is eventually arrested.
However, when Nicholas tries to escape from custody, Roman prevents his escape using his knowledge and resources. As a result, Nicholas ends up in prison, where he will have to answer for all his crimes.
== Cast ==
* James Spader as Trevor
* Andy García as Alexander
* Elias Koteas as Nicholas
* Holly Hunter as Jenny
* Deborah Kara Unger as Catherine
* Rosanna Arquette as Gabrielle
* Peter MacNeill as Colin
* Judah Katz as Jacob
* Nicky Guadagni as Harry
* Jeannie Linero as Lucy
* Carmine Caridi as Alberto
* Don Costello as Franko
== Reception ==
=== Box office ===
Runaway 3: The Last Escape grossed $68 million in the United States and Canada and $74 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $142 million against a production budget of $41 million.
The film was released in 1,901 theaters and grossed $19.6 million in its opening weekend. By Christmas, the company had earned a total of $6 million, its highest ever at that time. It earned $8.3 million in its second weekend, finishing in third place.
When the remastered version of Runaway 3: The Last Escape was released in December 2020, it grossed $52,000 from 179 theaters. In total, the film earned $95,000 domestically and $71,000 in four international markets.
=== Critical response ===
General criticism of Runaway 3: The Last Escape focuses on the illogical plot and the film's inadequacy. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 63% based on 68 reviews, with an average rating of 6.5 out of 10. The site's critical consensus reads: "The latest installment in the Runaway saga recalls the strength of its predecessors when it comes purely to business, but it brings a confusing tone there is less closure to the story.” Metacritic gave the film a weighted average score of 60 out of 100 based on 19 critics, indicating "mixed to average reviews". Opening Day audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.
In his review, Roger Ebert stated that "it is impossible to understand this film without knowing the first two." However, Ebert wrote a rave review, giving the film a three and a half rating. Ebert's colleague, Gene Siskel, also praised the film and placed it tenth on his list of the ten best films of 2001.