Travis Bickle in L.A.

Rating: 9/10 (26 September 2011)

Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive is utterly impressive. It's not often that our antihero can pull off a satin scorpion jacket while still maintaining his pure awesomeness. Anyone who was thinking about possibly seeing this film should stop "thinking" and get out and see it.
In the opening sequence it's clear that the main character - only given the title of "Driver" and no name - portrayed by Ryan Gosling, is not someone to be messed with. We hear his tag line from the trailers about what he does ("I drive.") The car chase scenes are fantastic but what really makes this movie is the characters that aren't built up to much in the trailers. I went in expecting a good action film and what I got was a modern day Taxi Driver. Gosling's character is a man of few words but that doesn't mean he's ignorant. He knows the slime in his city and how they operate.
After a pawn shot robbery goes wrong, Driver is left with a bag full of cash and the top dogs of L.A. after him. All he wants is out, not the cash, not a reward, just out. Unfortunately the powers that be don't trust him and what ensues is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat til the end.
Filmed in L.A. the movie is a stunner that has everything. The beautiful scenery, impressive action, beautiful woman (Carey Mulligan and Christina Hendricks) as well as a great cast. Gosling does a great job in this film (I'm still unsure if he was the best pick, I like how he played the role I just think he may be too good looking for this character) but it's Albert Brooks that really brings a whole lot of energy to the party. Perhaps he's why I'm reminded of Taxi Driver, except this time he's the one who's making the treats.
See this movie. Go go go.