Fast cars, high-impact collisions, and a handsome hero is a recipe familiar to Hollywood action flicks. But Drive has an extra ingredient sometimes missing in a film of this type. It gives us a story that keeps us teetering on the edge of our seats, keeping us uncertain about how it will end and the resulting plight of the lead character.
Ryan Gosling as Driver in “Drive.”
Ryan Gosling (Crazy, Stupid, Love., The Notebook) plays a stunt driver (known simply as Driver) by day and getaway man by night. He uses his expert skills dodging and flipping vehicles to take gigs helping unsavory individuals pull off capers. During the first few scenes, I pegged this film as a knock-off of the “Transporter” franchise starring Jason Statham (The Mechanic, The Expendables), but I was very wrong.
Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan in “Driver.”
There’s much more to this film. The plot is winding and the storyline delves into deep issues as the main character tries to avoid getting caught up in deadly drama. The drama comes when Driver falls for his neighbor, Irene (Carey Mulligan), and her young son, when abruptly her husband returns from prison and is in debt to the mob. It’s a race against time for Driver as he tries to keep Irene and her son out of harms way. In addition, there’s an 80’s stylized vibe that lends itself to the ambiance in the film and a perfectly-matched soundtrack that is at times haunting.
It a ride you don’t want to miss!
Chicly Yours,
The Chic Spy
(Image credits courtesy of FilmDistrict)
