Wow...A misleading title and uninspiring storyline

Rating: 4/10 (28 December 2011)

Really disappointed in this movie. I enjoy Gosling's acting and loved the director, Refn's first movie, "Bronson." I figured this would be a smart mans Fast and the Furious. Well, at least Fast and the Furious had some type of character development and action to push the scenes along that made sense. None of the characters do much except stare at each other without talking or growl or complain. They do not progress in the story as well. Gosling's character goes from silent brooder to mass murderer.
I thought he was just a driver!!!
While I did embrace the style of the movie, modern day directors that are not established need to understand the importance of when and when not to use dialog. Just showing a characters face is not enough. Realism is communication. I don't know many people who can express all their emotions by the raise of an eyebrow. Oh, and the title says Drive but there are literally 2 scenes, yes only 2 scenes, of vehicles being shown driving. The first happens less that a minute into the film. I don't even think the car went over 30 mph. Lastly, the violence in this movie was borderline campy. Especially Gosling pulling his best rendition of Irreversible and American History X. If you are going to make a serious film, make death mean something to us and to the characters, rather than try to shock. I had high hopes for this film, yet a 4 out 10 it receives.