Drive (2011) R - 2 Stars

I feel this movie had potential to be really great but not executed well at all. Gosling gives a almost wordless yet dramatic performance as a stuntman, mechanic and nice guy but we never learn his name. He's Driver and the best at what he does. When he's not working for the studios, he moon lights for thief's and other criminals that need a get-a-way driver. After moving into a new apartment, he gets involved with a heist gone bad, people are killed, and with a million dollars at stake. Now every one's looking for him.

Hollywood stunt driver (Ryan Gosling), spends his free time playing get-a-way driver for anyone who can afford his skills. He moves into a new apartment and meets Irene (Carey Mulligan), and her young son Benicio (Kaden Leos). Irene has been forced to become a single mom while her husband Standard (Oscar Isaac), awaits his release from jail. When Standard gets out, he decides he wants out of the business but has to pull off one last job to release his ties from criminal life. The Driver offers his services as he's become attached to Irene and Benicio and wants to protect them from Standard's questionable business arrangements. The robbery goes awry and Standard is killed, leaving a million dollar haul behind in Driver's car. Turns out New York crime boss Bernie Rose (Albert Brooks), and his partner Nino (Ron Perlman), want their money back and this Driver must come up with a plan that protects them all.

Bold Films, Odd Lot Entertainment, Marc Platt Productions, Motel Movies Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
Writer: Hossein Amini
Producers: Gary Michael Walters, Marc E. Platt, John Palermo

I viewed 8/12