I am so glad we saw this movie even though the theater viewing times were a tad early for us. Depending on the theater, it was anywhere from 3:30 to 3:55. we like the late afternoon showings that are closer to 5pm.
Bill rated this film a 10 and i gave it a 9 only because there were a few scenes that seemed not reasonable to me and that the situation could not have occurred that way in 'real' life - whatever THAT is.
The movie really has 3 separate parts as far as character development goes. Ryan Gosling (who i am back to admiring after my turnoff with his part in that horrid movie The Gangster Squad) is Luke, a drifter and goal-less individual who does trick motorcycle riding in carnivals. He discovers he has a son and in order to support his new found family (he goes off into a fantasy story where he becomes the faithful husband and dad with a loving son and eternal happiness; this is of course not based in any facts, since the mother of this son has already fallen in love with another man and is not interested in Luke's involvement at all.) decides to rob banks.
There are some great great scenes of his generally inept but ultimately financially successful robberies aided by his friend, Robin. this activity puts him into the orbit of Bradley Cooper (Avery Cross) who is a cop. The chase scene that takes place with Avery and Luke is wonderful; since its just like a real chase scene in busy neighborhood streets would go; no elements of Mission Impossible or Bruce Willis chase scenes where the physically impossible occurs with regularity.
I don't want to say anymore about Luke or his run-in with Avery since what happens is NOT what i thought was going to happen. In fact, this occurred during the entire movie; and its not like there were plot twists or that the direction of the movie changed but that, just like in real life, what you thought a character would do wasn't done in quite the way you had imagined.
the 'last' part of the film develops the story of Jason, Luke's son and Avery's son 15 years in the future. and once again, their interaction along with what happens to and with Avery is unexpected.
A wonderfully acted and inventive film. so nice to see a movie with an interesting and innovative story.
Went to see this today based on your review, and kind of on a whim to get out of the house. Haven't seen a movie by myself in years. . .loved it! I was totally captivated and just as you said, couldn't predict (and didn't want to) what was going to happen. I just felt like I was carried along in a state of unquestioning observation. Great cinematography & acting - I know there were some minor flaws but the film had such a hypnotic effect on me I didn't even notice them. Thanks for the recommendation.
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