Directed by: Nicolas Winding Refn
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Christina Hendricks, Ron Perlman, Oscar Isaac, Albert Brooks
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Run Time: 100 minutes
Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars
This film is one of those films that are split among most people. You either love it or hate. This film was originally set to be a big budget film but instead took the independent route. Luckily it did because the film plays so well playing it cool and low key. The acting in the film is really superb. Ryan Gosling delivers a fantastic performance (not shocking…he’s always great). Though I have to give the best actor award to Albert Brooks, who returns to the big screen is brought with a fierce presence. Also notable is Ron Perlman, who plays bad-ass tough guy so well. If you missed this film in theaters like most did, be sure to catch it on DVD or Blu-ray. It is one fun ride (get it?).
Ryan Gosling plays the unnamed “driver”, who is a Hollywood stunt driver but also is a getaway driver for hire. when he meets his beautiful neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan) and can’t help falling for her. He finds himself going up against ruthless criminals (Albert Brooks and Ron Perlman) in order to save his new love. The driver finds out that he might be in over his head and needs to make a plan to outsmart his new enemies.
The special features on the disc are very production heavy but unfortunately there is no audio commentary present. The first feature “I Drive” focuses on the story and character profiles. “Under the Hood” picks up where the last left off and features in-depth look into the film’s characters and it’s cast. “Driver and Irene” focuses on the film’s subtle love story. “Cut to the Chase” focuses on the driving stunts. Lastly, “Drive Without a Driver: Entretien Avec Nicolas Winding Refn” is the longest feature and focuses on the director and his opinions of the production and the film itself. Overall the features are great despite the lack of commentary track.
