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New Movie: Drive
The Drive Movie 2011 brief: Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn (BRONSON, THE PUSHER trilogy, VALHALLA RISING) throttles into the Hollywood fast lane with precision-crafted crime caper Drive. Ryan Gosling stars as a Los Angeles wheelman for hire, stunt driving for movie productions by day and steering getaway vehicles for criminal operations by night. A loner by nature, Driver can’t help falling in love with his beautiful but vulnerable neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan), a young mother dragged into a dangerous criminal underworld by the return of ex-convict husband Standard (Oscar Isaac). After a heist operation, intended to help Standard pay off protection money, spins out of control, Driver finds himself driving defense for the girl he loves, tailgated by a syndicate of deadly serious criminals (Albert Brooks and Ron Perlman). When the gangsters reveal that they’re after more than the bag of money in his trunk—that they’re coming straight for Irene and her son—Driver is forced to shift gears and go on the offense. DRIVE was written by Hossein Amini, adapted from a book by James Sallis, and produced by Marc Platt, Gigi Pritzker, Michel Litvak, Adam Siegel and John Palermo; executive producers are David Lancaster, Gary Michael Walters, Bill Lischak and Linda McDonough.What did I think? I think this movie definitely made you feel something. That ‘something’ is tension, nervousness and true empathy for each character. Maybe Gosling’s character was in the marines or the army in his previous life? That could explain his oddly quiet nature and finesse with weapons. What do you think?
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Movie Review: Crazy, Stupid, Love
Yesterday I went to an advance screening of “Crazy, Stupid, Love” (in theaters July 29). I could just say, go see this movie so you can drool over Ryan Gosling, but that wouldn’t be a very good review, nor would it accurately capture just why this is a film that’s definitely worth your 13 bucks!
The movie opens with Emily (Julianne Moore) admitting to her straight-laced—and very oblivious—husband Cal (Steve Carell) that she’s cheated on him and wants a divorce. This sudden split from his high school sweetheart instantly turns Cal’s life upside down. He starts hanging out at the local bar, where he spends time lamenting to whoever will listen about his depressing situation. Here he meets the amazingly suave playboy, Jacob (Ryan Gosling), who decides to give this poor soul help rediscovering his manhood and getting back in the dating scene.
In the meanwhile, Robbie (Jonah Bobo), Cal’s 13-year-old son, is experiencing his first major crush on his babysitter, Jessica (Analeigh Tipton). Jessica is in love with Cal. And Jacob eventually finds love, too.
In theaters Friday, July 29“Crazy, Stupid, Love” is an entertaining, feel-good, romantic comedy. It’s a love triangle (or…pentagon?) with unexpected twists and intersections between the characters’ lives. The three main subplots coincide smoothly throughout the movie and once they merge (or should I say, collide), you are in for some serious laughs. The movie’s pace is comfortable, allowing you to connect with each of the characters and remain entertained throughout. Some of the characters do pretty outlandish—well…crazy, stupid—things that make you squirm, but that’s part of what makes the movie so fun.
The cool thing about this movie is that viewers of all ages, from preteens to grandparents, can relate to and enjoy it. Whether you’re stumbling on your first, serious puppy dog crush or you’ve discovered your soulmate, this movie will speak to you. It makes you believe in love, fight for love, and respect love. It shows the dangers of falling into a rut—and the importance of keeping love fresh.
The actors were well-cast and had good chemistry and the dialogue was natural. Who was the standout? I can’t even say. Each actor in this star-studded cast did a great job. The film also stars Emma Stone, Marisa Tomei, Beth Littleford, John Carroll Lynch and Kevin Bacon.
I give it 3.75 of 5 stars
kisses, Olisa
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All Good Things
I went to see this movie last weekend with Joey and Parry and it was awesome. Shocking, great acting, cool cinematography, wardrobe styling and a true story (which I love). I don’t want to give away any of the good parts but this is definitely a must-see! It’s not the kind of movie I would see again but it definitely touch upon deep emotions, mental instability and hard choices you make in a relationship and in one’s life. Have you seen it? Let me know what you think.*HeyDoYou is for the cute, clever and connected*
