Review: Drive

If you happen to have seen a trailer for Drive, you may get the idea that it is an all-out, white-knuckle thrill ride featuring fast cars and non-stop action. If you then happen to go see this movie, excited for said premise, you will be very, very disappointed. This is not an action movie for the masses. However, if you go into it with the idea that you're about to see a smartly made, stylish, indie thriller, you're going to be very, very satisfied.

While the title may insinuate that Drive is all about the cars, there is actually only about two major scenes that feature car chases. The title simply points to the fact that the main character is a stunt car driver by trade. But he just so happens to also be one heck of a getaway driver for hire. I usually don't get into detailed plot descriptions and I won't break with tradition here. However, I will say that one of these heists goes bad. So bad that he becomes the target of a very unstable and insane mobster.

The plot isn't what is important here. This film absolutely exudes style. There are some very interesting camera tricks and techniques in play that make it much different from your average action movie. It also has a really cool 80's style soundtrack that sets a nice atmosphere for the proceedings. The bottom line is that it knows exactly what it wants to be and the result is a style completely its own. That's what I admire most about this movie. It has its own voice.

Let's not forget the acting, though. This movie features a really cool, classic action star performance from Ryan Gosling. Gosling is known for his subtle and detached performances, and this one is in much the same vein. But here he gets to work in a genre that he isn't quite as familiar with. It's a refreshing change from the over-the-top action leads we see so much these days. Gosling's character is no doubt a dude you don't want to mess with, but he's also human- weaknesses and all.

Most of the people in the movie theater that I saw Drive with were obviously disappointed in the lack of explosions and car crashes that it had to offer. Let me give this advice: if you thought the trailer looked awesome, don't rush out to see it yet. You may not be getting what you think you are. But if you're interested in something different and a bit slower paced, definitely check it out.