Drive (2011)

Title: Drive

Release Date: September 16, 2011

Director: Nicholas Refn

Writer: Hossein Amini (based on book by James Sallis)

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Ron Perlman

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

I'll start by saying I love Ryan Gosling. I love his acting, I like him as a person, and I think he makes good choices in what movies he does. Now saying that, I really didn't fully enjoy this movie. I found myself getting bored at moments that were supposed to be, suspenseful? And the whole thing seemed a little rushed. The thing about this that really bums me out is that I know I could have LOVED this movie, but it truly left me needing more. 

Things I loved about this movie? I could respect the 80's type feel they gave it through soundtrack, lighting, wardrobe, etc. The colors made the actual film beautiful and visually really attractive. Of course, most the acting was on point but there were these moments where everyone seemed dead. It was a cast of dead-eyed actors. And, as much as I love Ryan Gosling, he was definitely pulling a 'Michael Cera', i.e. playing the exact same type character he's played in like 4 other movies. But he's easy on the eyes so it wasn't too bad. But Carey Mulligan? She was boring, she just didn't have the spark that the female lead should have.

Other things I liked about this film was the underground mobster aspect, the unexpected gore, and the cool driving. You could tell they pulled all the stops on these things, especially the cars. Those few things might have been the only thing that made the movie watchable. I believe the cinematography and style of this movie could've made it a classic, but it was just missing the chemistry that makes a good movie great. 

I give it a 5.5 out of 10 stars.