Drive is what this film needs....

Rating: 5/10 (7 October 2011)

...and, sadly, what it lacks. Has there ever been a film with a less appropriate title? Or maybe they were going for ironic overstatement.
I read one national newspaper review that called this a triumph of surface over depth. That's about right, I'd say. Surface is what we get, all the way through. No depth at all, of either plot or characterisation.
Aside from the European influences, there's a strong pedigree for films of this genre. 'Bullitt' obviously comes to mind. But, for me, the classic - and the one this director obviously struggled to emulate in terms of style and mood - is Walter Hill's 'The Driver'. He doesn't make it... not by a very long shot.
It's not the fault of the performers. Ryan Gosling is a good actor, and he does his best with what he's given. But long static pauses, blank stares and half-soppy/half-smug grins do not a brooding, complex, enigmatic anti-hero make. O'Neal nailed it. Gosling had a brave stab.
But the true fault lies with the director, who's self-consciousness dripped like treacle through every lingering shot - and there sure were plenty of those.
By all means go see it. But don't expect any special addition to the genre - or even any spectacular car chases (not that they're necessary - but they're kind of implied in the premise).
You'd be better off renting out 'The Driver' again - if you can still find it.
5/10