Decide for yourself. Don't Let Negativity Sway you.

Rating: 8/10 (20 July 2013)

This May contain spoilers. I haven't seen it in a while, but I know I've seen it at least 5 times. I recall watching trailers, but I unfortunately didn't get to see it until I watched in on Netflix about a year ago.
First off, I would like to acknowledge everyone that responded to this film negatively whether it be the slow pace, useless action, or whatever. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I'm really surprised how people feel so offended by this film.
For those people who say the plot is useless, it's kind of shocking to me how they missed the plot that is there. This is supposed to be a noir type of film. I don't think it set out to be the greatest movie ever, but as a "period piece" or even homage to the 80s I think it was successful. When the title sequence began and Kavinsky's "Nightcall" began playing I instantly fell in love, and to be honest, like a lot of negative reviews, the soundtrack made the film for me, but that could be because I love 80s music, and more so the recent emergence of "French House/Nu Disco/Dreamwave" Not once was a taken out of the movie and thought "The acting could be better." To be honest, the characters that made the least sense to me were those played by Cranston and Perlman, although, they do provide back story to the driver's mysterious past. I remember one instance where Cranston talks about how he made money off of the driver (something of that effect) so you know they are a team of sorts, both in movies and on the street.
I don't see how people can view the violence as irrelevant. The guy is helping his neighbor, and he's dealing with gangsters. Hostel is useless violence, I thought all of the action sequences were entertaining and well-fitting. He's obviously not just a driver.
About the pace. All I have to say is, did people criticize Kubrick's films for people slow paced and confusing? Maybe, but just look how well they have stood the test of time. 2001 and Eyes Wide Shut are still a couple of my favorite movies.
Bottom line: Don't let negative reviews stop you from watching this if you have yet to do so. Watch it and decide for yourself.