Mr March Posted September 18, 2011 Posted September 18, 2011 (edited) Just saw the new film "Drive" from Director Nicholas Winding Refn (Pusher Trilogy, Bronson). I want to praise so much about this film, but I'm far too excited right now that it'll all come across as gushing and hyperbole. What I can say about this genre bending action thriller is worth all the glowing reviews you may or may not have heard about it. It has some incredible action set pieces, including several car chases that are at once stylish, gripping and very clever. The film pays hommage to classic action and thriller films of the 1980s in all the right ways, eschewing the trap of being a unwanted remake of an popular 80s flick or an uninspired Spielberg pastiche. From the fantastic 1980s-styled neon pink credits to the neo-synthpop soundtrack, this film uses the 1980s as inspiration for a modern action thriller without ever feeling derivative or mocking. I think most of you would truly enjoy the film and I can't recommend it enough. Check it out! P.S. Be careful who you take to this film. While the film is mostly somber and quiet, it's frequently VERY violent and shocking. Not for the faint of heart. Edited September 18, 2011 by Mr March Quote
Duke Togo Posted September 18, 2011 Posted September 18, 2011 Personally, I thought it was brilliant. Quote
ambient73 Posted September 18, 2011 Posted September 18, 2011 Absolutely looking forward to seeing this one...never been crazy about Ryan Gosling, but danged if this doesn't look like the role that will REALLY put him over the top. Quote
PetarB Posted September 18, 2011 Posted September 18, 2011 Been looking forward to this one too. Quote
Kanedas Bike Posted September 19, 2011 Posted September 19, 2011 Just saw it...I wasn't as impressed but it was decent. I picked up on a distinctive Michael Mann vibe while watching it (which for me is not a bad thing). I thought the beginning to middle of the film was outstanding with the action and drive sequences superb. I also liked the relationship between the Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan. The move lost me a little at the end as I felt the climax and resolution felt a tad bit, I don't know, rushed. I would still recommend the movie to others, just not a very strong recommendation. -b. Quote
Kanedas Bike Posted September 19, 2011 Posted September 19, 2011 PS - the soundtrack is full of awesome and also reminds me on some level of Mann's better work, like Heat. -b. Quote
ae_productions Posted September 20, 2011 Posted September 20, 2011 PS - the soundtrack is full of awesome and also reminds me on some level of Mann's better work, like Heat. -b. I agree. It wasn't just the soundtrack that was a throwback to Heat, but the cinematography as well. The bird's eye view of LA set a pretty ominous tone, kinda like the city was almost a character itself. Quote
Vic Mancini Posted September 25, 2011 Posted September 25, 2011 Just saw it. Two thumbs way up, for me. Very classy. Elegant directing that implies the events more than actually depicting them, which I love. And yeah, much more violent than I was expecting. Dead on with the Michael Mann similarities. But I didn't notice them until I just read Kanedas' comment. I resisted seeing this movie because from the descriptions I read I was expecting a craptastic over the top Fast and the Furious clone, but it ended up being unlike anything I expected. Ironically, I wish there was more driving, because the first driving scene was amazing in the most subtle and understated way I think I've ever seen a getaway scene. Anyway...great movie. Quote
ae_productions Posted September 25, 2011 Posted September 25, 2011 Just saw it. Two thumbs way up, for me. Very classy. Elegant directing that implies the events more than actually depicting them, which I love. And yeah, much more violent than I was expecting. Dead on with the Michael Mann similarities. But I didn't notice them until I just read Kanedas' comment. I resisted seeing this movie because from the descriptions I read I was expecting a craptastic over the top Fast and the Furious clone, but it ended up being unlike anything I expected. Ironically, I wish there was more driving, because the first driving scene was amazing in the most subtle and understated way I think I've ever seen a getaway scene. Anyway...great movie. I think audiences are wanting better storytelling in their movies. It's good to see some films are making a better effort. But then again, for every "Drive," we get a shitfest Micheal Bay "film". Quote
VT 1010 Posted September 25, 2011 Posted September 25, 2011 Just saw it. It was excellent. The only real complaint I have is that there wasn't as much driving as I was expecting. Nonetheless, the few chases were well executed. Bottom line: We need more films like this. Quote
ae_productions Posted September 25, 2011 Posted September 25, 2011 Just saw it. It was excellent. The only real complaint I have is that there wasn't as much driving as I was expecting. Nonetheless, the few chases were well executed. Bottom line: We need more films like this. That is the best summary of this film I've ever read. You are absolutely correct. There NEEDS to be MORE films like this one made. More driving would have been nice, but they did a great job developing the characters, but also making them all real. And I just have to say it... Ron Pearlman is still a pimp. Quote
Mr March Posted September 29, 2011 Author Posted September 29, 2011 Ah, glad to hear more of you saw it and loved it. It's a truly rare gem. Quote
VT 1010 Posted October 10, 2011 Posted October 10, 2011 It looks like somebody didn't agree with us. http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/22043/-drive-sued-for-misleading-trailer I'll admit the trailer was a bit misleading though. Quote
Penguin Posted October 10, 2011 Posted October 10, 2011 Just got around to seeing it this weekend. Fantastic film. Terrific soundtrack. Will definitely be joining my blu-ray collection on its release. Quote
areaseven Posted November 10, 2011 Posted November 10, 2011 Finally got to watch Drive last night, and I must say that it's the best movie of 2011. An excellent action thriller devoid of Hollywood bullsh*t such as shaky camera work, cheap CG and overly loud background music. Instead, it's got textbook filmmaking at its finest - an excellent storyline, an outstanding car chase sequence and brilliant performance by Ryan Gosling, who has shades of Clint Eastwood and Robert De Niro in their earlier years. And the '80s style titles and camera angles add the icing to the cake. Will definitely pick this up when it comes out on Blu-ray. Quote
Frogze Posted November 20, 2011 Posted November 20, 2011 There are just too few movies as enjoyable as this one! This is maybe the movie I enjoyed the most in 2011 as of today, fantastic all the way! Quote
BeyondTheGrave Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 Picked it up on Blu-ray . Wasn't too bad. Kinda reminded me of bullit. just much better. Quote
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