Review of What Doesn't Kill You (2008) by Matt C — 27 May 2009

This is normally the type of film that I enjoy, but I just couldn't get past this one's flaws. Brian Goodman's dim-witted direction gives the film a haphazard, borderline unprofessional aura that shines through in almost every scene.

It doesn't help that the cliche-infested screenplay he's working with lacks cohesive structure and plausible character motivations. Playing the lead role, Mark Ruffalo buckles under the weight of a doomed project.

He's proven himself to be a very talented actor, but his performance feels contrived and self-conscious in every other scene. I'm a huge fan of Ethan Hawke, so I loved seeing him playing a role unlike anything he's ever done.

He does a brilliant job in this, and it's a shame that his performance is lost in such a sub-par picture. The remainder of the cast is unanimously bland or unconvincing. A real disappointment.