Ryan Gosling is good at those gritty roles where he’s a down-and-out, drifter-type guy trying to make good but who ends up doing something bad. His latest crime drama “The Place Beyond the Pines” is sort of like his 2011 film “Drive” in which he makes his living as a stunt man and mechanic but moonlights as a getaway driver in heists, and has a girlfriend with a baby he tries to help. Similarly in “The Place Beyond the Pines” he’s a motorcycle stunt rider who takes to robbing banks to support his lover and their newborn son. Seem familiar?
But “The Place Beyond the Pines” goes in a different direction when Gosling’s character Luke has a showdown with a cop played by Bradley Cooper who similarly has an infant son like Luke’s. The second half of the film is mostly about the cop, his guilt over what transpired, and the sons each have had. Cut to 15 years in the future, and all comes to a head when Luke’s son crosses paths with the cop.
The movie could’ve been more of an engrossing character study about fathers and sons with themes of guilt and redemption, but it bungles a bit in the second half, going on too long with a detour into police corruption and seemingly being too implausible and coincidental at times, especially with the sons’ chance relations. It’s a bit predictable, too, and yet “The Place Beyond the Pines” has enough going for it — some good acting, shots, and twists — that make it an entertaining crime drama. The parallels between the characters, their fates, and the themes, provoke enough thoughts that it’ll likely go through your mind for quite awhile after it’s done.
Have you seen this? And what do you think of Ryan Gosling and the films he’s been in?
Haven’t seen it yet. I’m drawn to it. I’m a little disappointed that it depends on coincidence and is predictable — but still want to see it. I like the two leads and the theme.
Yeah I think it’s worth it. Forgot to mention in the review, it’s rated R for violence & language so beware a bit. Thanks for stopping by Barbara.
My son showed me the trailer for this the other day and I don’t think I want to see it. I don’t like gritty Ryan Gosling. lol
ha ha! Wait for the other Gosling to reappear
The trailers for this one have been intriguing me, but probably wait for the DVD release.
Yeah Carrie I think waiting for DVD will be all right for this movie. cheers.
I haven’t seen it, but really liked Gosling in Drive so think I would like this too. Unfortunately, our small town theater probably won’t get this, so I’ll have to wait for it to come out on DVD. Hope it’s worth the wait.
Yeah Bryan — DVD will be fine for this one
This one does sound good…too bad the second half went astray, but I do enjoy Ryan Gosling.
Thanks for the heads-up!
I also saw Promised Land, with Matt Damon, and loved it!
hi Laurel, thanks; I’ll have to see Promised Land, looks good!
Hey Susan, thanks for the review. I end up watching most of Ryan Gosling’s movies but still have not seen “Blue Valentine” or “Drive” or “Ides of march” or this (which of these do you think I need to watch next/right away?). This purely because I haven’t had time, but he really is one of my favourite actors. I’ve watched Ryan since he was on Canadian TV in the 90s. That’s 15 years of my life I’ve known about him, and even lightly crushed on him, but he use to be a lot skinnier. I did see the potential in him even then. He has this beautiful intensity and vulnerability which worked really well for him in “Lars and the Real Girl” and whenever he does romantic scenes. One of my girlfriends can’t stand him because she’s from the same region as him and says he looks like all the other guys she grew up with it. Haha. Most of Ryan’s appeal is his screen presence and charisma though. Have a good day!
Thanks Athena. Yeah he’s definitely one to watch! I’ve seen Drive and Ides of March and this new one, but still havent seen Blue Valentine either. I wonder if I ever will. Drive and Pines are Quite similar. Ides of March is one to watch. They are all sort of unsettling or disturbing. He must like those kind of roles!
I will see anything with Ryan Gosling in it. No questions asked.
Hi Brooke. Have you seen all of them? I’ve seen quite a few … but still Blue Valentine sort of escapes me …