Drive and The Double

[Ovation]

Drive is a good, minimalist picture that shares a lot with low-key 70s era films. It is not a wall to wall action movie (though it has a few good car chase moments) but rather a look at some interesting characters caught in the world of mid-level crime. Albert Brooks is a standout playing against type. Worth watching more than once.

The Double is a rather by the numbers "thriller" that reveals its "secret" about a third into the movie (or about 30 secs. into the trailer--if you are interested in this movie, AVOID THE TRAILER AT ALL COSTS). Gere does his best to make things interesting and it's not a horrible film. Rental only, though.

[aud19]

I thought the preview for Drive looked like a modern take on the 70's era car/crime action/drama. Good to hear it's worth queuing up :T

[Chris D]

Just watched Drive. At first, I was really loving it--a different pace or feel for an action film. Not just action, action, shoot-em-up, loud music and explosions, and a different take of a quiet, anti-hero character. Then it became gratuitous, way-over-the-top blood/violence, and dropped in my enjoyment. Overall, not bad, but not great like it could have been with just some adjustments.

[George Bellefontaine]

I pretty much agree with Paul's comments on Drive and The Double, but in both cases for me, they are one time watches. In the case of The Double, I actually found myself feeling sorry for Gere who was trying his best to make something out of a mess.

[aud19]

Watched Drive last night.

First off...WTF was with all the 80's influence (music, neon pink credits etc)...detracted from the film for me.

Otherwise I agree, it was pretty good/different/low key take on anti-hero action movie. I though the lighting and cinematography were top notch too. EXTREMELY pretty film to watch.

I do agree the gore/violence was a touch overboard in the middle there. I preferred some of the other scenes later where the violence was there but without the almost comically Tarantino-esque blood guysers. They should have done all the scenes like that IMO.