Thankfully not "The Fast and The Furious"

Rating: 8/10 (9 November 2011)

Ryan Gosling is a great actor. He's starred in a lot of films that aren't mainstream and can be defined as niche or cult. One of my favourite of his films in the genre breaking was "Half Nelson" which if you've not seen then I'd strongly recommend. It breaks the norms and turns things upside down. "Drive" fits into this field well, and takes us down a road that has been blocked off by the bulk of the other motor & road movies.
"Drive" follows our nameless lead who is an exceptional driver, working by day in a garage and on stunts for films but also takes contract jobs as a getaway driver for criminals. He falls in love with the girl next door (Irene) which lets his guard down, but then this gets himself in what most would find to be way over their heads. Our "Driver" though despite his predicament is as controlled out of the car as in it. Reticent, calm and intelligent "Driver" has to clear up the mess he has got into without hurting Irene.
Before anything else, note this is NOT "The Fast or the Furious" or "Bullitt", and it's not even "Top Gear" off the television. There are few driving scenes, and even then they are not too long and the action is sharp, believable and engrossing. The focus is on the story, and the actors have much meatier roles than you'd expect in a driving movie. Don't expect a showroom full of product placed vehicles, there's none of that.
The actors are all well placed, with Ryan Gosling perfect for the role. Christina Henricks (of "Mad Men" fame) is billboarded as appearing in the movie, but note it's a brief role. Ron Perlman and Carey Mulligan are great support actors to Gosling which builds on everything.
Fabulous direction and shots of the LA landscape give us a great feel of the environment and you'll lap it all up.
I'd heartily recommend this film. It's definitely a change from the norm, and given half a chance you'll enjoy it.