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A nameless stunt driver (Ryan Gosling), living in Hollywood, and moonlighting as a getaway driver for extra income bites off an unexpected chunk that might be too big to swallow in an attempt to help out his attractive neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan). Meanwhile, friend and mentor Shannon (Bryan Cranston) attempts to set things straight with local mobsters Bernie (Albert Brooks) and Nino (Ron Perlman). Once the stage is set and millions of stolen dollars are in play it’s anybody’s guess who’ll live to tell the tale. Stylistic though and through, Drive is an interesting mix of European directing, a Western story, and the sensibilities of a classic Eastern samurai showdown. That being said this is probably going to be a tough sell to the masses. In particular, the debatable direction of Gosling comes across as either monotone or brilliant depending on what you want to see. And, with a mix of pulp grindhouse violence tempered with a wicked undertowing silence the film makes for one of the most memorable and tense low speed car chases I’ve ever seen; some of the most graphic beatings in a non-horror film; and, a shakedown in a strip club that’ll actually keep your eyes off the girls and on the action instead, yeah I was a bit surprised about that one too. Then there’s the score, most of which is okay, but I’ll be quick to point out I think I threw up in my mouth a little with the main “hero theme,” a pop songy thing that comes back several times, each time a little worse than the first. All told, I think we’ve got an art house flick that might be best as a rental later. Drive is rated R.

Kate Reddy (Sarah Jessica Parker) is a middle aged investing guru and mother of two, trying to balance her work and home life; all the while, her men, husband Richard (Greg Kinnear), and business partner Jack (Pierce Brosnan), vie for her time with their own priorities. As business heats up and kids fall ill stress adds up quickly, will she make it through, or will she crack, and what will her boss Clark (Kelsey Grammer) have to say of her actions? Standard romantic comedy rules apply to this one with text book situations, setups, and punch lines. And, with narration from Parker throughout the film, you can’t help but feel like you’re watching a cousin to Sex and the City. So, no points for originality, and there’s nothing to scream about in the acting department either. The whole thing just kind of sits there, ho hum. It’s cute-ish, but more of a rental for the ladies this winter when you’re home sick with the flu. I Don’t Know How She Does It is rated PG-13.

Brothers separated in their youth, Brendan and Tommy (Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy), find themselves in their own tough spots; Brendan needing to raise money to pay his mortgage and keep his family a float, Tommy with a chip on his shoulder looking to bury his past and battle demons. With the announcement of an ultimate cage fighting mixed martial arts competition both brothers see a possible solution to their problems. In response, Tommy reconnects with his estranged father and trainer (Nick Nolte), Brendan hooks up with his former trainer Frank (Frank Campana) and the
race is on. Both brothers with grit in their teeth and fire in their bellies, the stage is set for what could be a brutal showdown, that is until the much feared Koba (Kurt Angle) enters the competition. Who will actually win this battle and will broken family ties be repaired, and what of Tommy’s military past still haunts him? In what could be a typical
underdog story of brother against brother, I’ll just come right out and say it, Co-writer and Director Gavin O’Connor does a fantastic job maintaining suspense and capturing the spirit of MMA action right to the bitter end; meanwhile, a compelling story about family and an imperfect world is woven artfully in the midst of all the brutality. Unexpectedly
great, all parties bring their A game to the film. Well choreographed, shot, and edited. I’m smelling an Oscar here somewhere. Yes it’s violent, but yes it’s good. Warrior is rated PG-13.