People get really excited about Paul Haggis. He’s a major force in writing, producing and directing killer projects. However, the only times that he’s taken on all three duties for a film was for his completely overrated Crash (that was better back when it was Grand Canyon) and for his completely overlooked In the Valley of Elah. When he’s writing – like Casino Royale, Million Dollar Baby, et al – he seems to do a bit better,although I’m sure that Academy Award for Best Picture for Crash means I’m wrong or something.

Considering his track record, I’m not too thrilled that he’s going to be remaking the French thriller Pour Elle (which translates to “Pour the Fashion Magazine”).

According to Variety, the writer/director/producer will be making Next Three Days – the story of a man and woman pushed to the limits of their love when placed into considerably extraordinary circumstances – for Lionsgate.

The original film came out way, way back in 2008, starred Diane Kruger and featured a teacher who has to devise a plan to break his wife out of jail. Hopefully, audiences will be able to check out the original because it’s fantastic. Which begs the question – why not just release the original in the States? It’s got a known talent in it. Or would Diane Kruger have a solid shot at doing the movie again for an American audience?

What do you think?