Drive

I knew this movie was about a professional stunt man who did some work on the side for some extra cash as a "driver" for criminals.  I hadn't seen any trailers of it and was pretty unsure of what to expect thematically.  I was hoping for movie filled with cool car chases.  I should have done my homework.

Drive is basically a combination of Casino and The Transporter.  The story takes you through the life of "Driver", (he doesn't have a name) played by Ryan Gosling, as he becomes more and more connected with the criminal underworld.  The character doesn't say much at all and is almost emotionless except some of the action scenes.  This is one of the huge downfalls of the movie.  It feels almost robotic going through the story because they don't make you care about "Driver."

The star is Gosling but other significant roles are played by Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks, and Ron Pearlman.  All are good actors but Gosling is ridiculous.  I don't think it's his fault (more likely the writers) but with nothing to say I don't really know how to judge his acting skills in this movie.  I think Pearlman and Cranston did a nice job in this one.

I would highly recommend you skip this one.  As much as I thought this might be a cool car chase movie, it isn't that.  Tons of violence, gore, and unnecessary brutality to this film.  I didn't enjoy it at all and don't think you will either.