Review of Drive (2011) by Tarek F — 20 Jun 2014

"Drive" Review.

I remember before seeing "Drive" in the cinema opening night, my expectations were low since I only saw it advertised in a small amount of commercials and not very much with big publicity. Right as "Drive" ended I just felt it was a brilliant film like watching a Steve McQueen suspense film again. Director Nicholas Winding Refn makes a film gearing on a car stuntman that turns out to be brilliant. Refn does not even have a license because he failed his driving test eight times. I guess not being able to drive gave him the motivation to make a good film relating to cars on a limited budget.

"Drive" is not good because of its action, but it is because its script is perfect. Driver (Ryan Gosling) is mellow-toned, violent, organized, and a risk-taker that will leave you wanting more. Shannon (Bryan Cranston) is just like how he is as Walter White in the hit series "Breaking Bad." Cranston's character is disorganized entirely and not good with risks, and his shyness really makes you wonder what more can happen to him. Finally, Irene (Carrey Mulligan) is the cute and innocent actress that plays her role so well that you cannot help but take your eyes off of her. It is a film with a great mix of characters and is a thrill ride of twist and turns unlike any other action movie.

The plot of the film is that Driver is a Hollywood stuntman, but for earning more money he is a mechanic and a getaway driver. Irene (who he loves) has a husband that is in prison and she is raising her son alone. Driver sees that it is best to be around for them and play a good role model, since Irene is his focus.

A conflict arises though for Driver and Shannon (even though it is Shannon's fault). Shannon is in the process of trying to build a race team with gangland money. This issue would make Driver be the one man that is wanted behind the wheel of a fast car. But with gangs being involved, Driver having a shady past, doing dirty work, and trying to help Irene, his world rotates with concerns.

"Drive" is my one of my absolute favorite films, I thought for a bit that car films were done for me after watching all of the "Fast and Furious Films" but "Drive" was like watching a brand new Steve McQueen film all over again, and it was a great experience.