'Drive' speeds up

Usually when my expectations are raised as high as they were for Drive, I ultimately find myself time again in a funk of regret, bemoaning my friends' well-intentioned hype, wishing I had gone into the film with clear, unbiased judgment. Add that hype to the fact the film is dedicated to the Alejandro Jodorowski and I was hooked, knowing I had to see the movie, but desperately trying to cling to any remaining thread of untainted interest.

Drive, however, lived up to my expectations and more. The 8^th film of renowned Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn who also directed Bronson, a brilliant film based on the life of Britain’s most famed career criminal, Drive is at once slick and full of grit. Ryan Gosling is incredible as the unnamed stunt-driver protagonist moon-lighting as a getaway driver for amateur heists. His character controls and subverts in excellent twists and turns all while retaining the cool lucidity of one badass mother.

It’s no joke when I say he commands the screen with one silent knowing smile. The supporting actors are impressive as well with Bryan Cranston of Malcom in the Middle and Breaking Bad fame particularly standing out in my eyes as a down and out mechanic with one last chance at redemption. All in all the flawless acting, smartly selected retro tunes (Kavinsky anyone?), surprising bursts of ruthless violence (never will I mess with anyone in an elevator), and lean relentless car chases (it is called Drive..) make for an excellent movie, high-hopes or not.