Drive

Gosling plays an LA stuntman who moonlights as a heist getaway driver in this wittingly modest thriller. Anti-hero protagonist adds edginess à la TAXI DRIVER, while characters are linked to action in very cool realism not unlike PULP FICTION. Nice payoff for an underwhelming year of film. Unfitting soundtrack works surprisingly well, and even has a haunting effect that may not be intention but is still perfect. MPAA forced director Refn to trim one scene heavily to achieve an R-rating; hasn't everyone seen IRREVERSIBLE yet, who are we sheltering? Can pass as art-house, but is far too appealing and meek to deter the traditional moviegoer.