Fantastic Voyage

Rating: 10/10 (10 March 2012)

Let's get one thing out the way from the get go: While I do like the "Fast & Furious" franchise for what it is (I'm not really a car person), do not watch this expecting something similar. It's tough making predicaments and telling people to watch something or to steer clear of certain things. But I knew when I told a friend to stay away from this, that he would hate it. Sure enough, he told me later he didn't like the movie at all. How'd I know? Because he thought "Being John Malkovich" was bad too (I'm not comparing those either, just trying to convey, that this is more a "head" movie, than a "gut" movie).
While terribly overlooked by the Oscars (and the Globes for that matter, only one nod each), this is superior filmmaking. Refn will be known to his fans for the Pusher trilogy, but also for the movie "Valhalla Rising" (which btw. was hated by most people in the video store I work ... goes to show you what taste they have. And I don't mean that in a negative fashion, they just like their Blockbusters more).
Ryan Gosling is superb in a role that has him talk as little as possible. I almost thought the entire beginning was "voice-less" until I watched it again. Also the title "Drive" does not necessarily stand for driving per se. It can also mean the motivation, the inspiration in ones life. Something that makes us continue on our "journey".
I haven't even touched the surface of the movie yet. One of the greatest things (besides the acting, the story, the cinematography ...) is the soundtrack. The electro pop is fitting as is Goslings outfit. While not original (and therefor the only category I'm not mad the Oscars didn't nominate the movie) the score almost elevates the movie onto a new higher level.
Don't get it twisted though. This isn't just "artsy" filmmaking. There is pulp mixed in there too. And blood and violent action for that matter. Maybe my film 2011 (definetely in my Top 3)!!!