Drive
FilmDistrict | Release Date: September 16, 2011
8.2
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 1693 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
1,439
Mixed:
133
Negative:
121
Watch Now
Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand
Review this movie
VOTE NOW
 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Check box if your review contains spoilers 0 characters (5000 max)

User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
1
memphisfeastSep 19, 2011
After seeing this movie, I was first a little taken aback to discover how popular it was among the critics. I then realized why- they were attracted to its very obvious qualities of artsy-ness. It is as "TomProCritic" says. They responded toAfter seeing this movie, I was first a little taken aback to discover how popular it was among the critics. I then realized why- they were attracted to its very obvious qualities of artsy-ness. It is as "TomProCritic" says. They responded to its artsy qualities- a few: long pauses for no reason, hesitation, unique camera angels, the use of techno and modern music, a kid who is not very childish...etc. The movie was dull. If you don't respond to hollow artsy crap, it falls flat. I only give it credit for having some truly terrific actors.… Expand
26 of 65 users found this helpful2639
All this user's reviews
1
TomProCriticSep 19, 2011
This film resembles a classic case of "Bait Art" common in contemporary filmmaking, especially among young directors. They lure in film critics who are overwhelmed by a wide range of intense hollywood cinema and give them somethingThis film resembles a classic case of "Bait Art" common in contemporary filmmaking, especially among young directors. They lure in film critics who are overwhelmed by a wide range of intense hollywood cinema and give them something digestible- a slow moving, short scripted, uneventful film- market it as artsy and put in some artsy music and artsy shots to complete the picture. Drive, for the rest of us, is nothing more than a ridiculously forgettable movie with some great actors. The film is painfully slow, painfully cliche and above all overdramatic in delivery. It never feels real. Made for the elitist critics, not for people like us.… Expand
28 of 74 users found this helpful2846
All this user's reviews
0
thebigscreenSep 19, 2011
"listen2themovie" and "memphisfeast" have it right. The artsy-ness of this movie tries to distract you from how lifeless the plot is but instead make things worse. It really is one of the worst cases imaginable of critics bait.
18 of 51 users found this helpful1833
All this user's reviews
2
NatT96Apr 16, 2016
Extremely over-hyped and disappointing as well. I do not understand why i find this moving so boring. It definitely has good actors but the plot really put me to sleep. I remember going to see this movie and people started leaving it mid wayExtremely over-hyped and disappointing as well. I do not understand why i find this moving so boring. It definitely has good actors but the plot really put me to sleep. I remember going to see this movie and people started leaving it mid way through. I sat through it only to be amused by the ending of the film. I understand the audience its targeted at, but its artistic silent vibe was not working for me. Most people I did show it to also got very disinterested in it as well.… Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
All this user's reviews
3
itsthatguy1989May 19, 2012
I found this movie to be highly overrated. It is decent to begin with and makes you wonder who the main protagonist is, but it slowly turns into a bland, boring, and way too long movie. The main problem I had was that the main characterI found this movie to be highly overrated. It is decent to begin with and makes you wonder who the main protagonist is, but it slowly turns into a bland, boring, and way too long movie. The main problem I had was that the main character doesn't speak. You can't build a connection with him. There was also an excessive use of blood. I love action movies with blood, but this is way overboard. The only reason people watched it was because all girls go crazy over Ryan Gosling.… Expand
3 of 6 users found this helpful33
All this user's reviews
2
pixelgrowerJun 8, 2013
A very bad cowboys movie with a script at best uninteresting a beautiful cinematography and a horrible soundtrack. Just realized this movie looks in fact like a celebrity of our decade nice looking, nothing to say, bad taste.
3 of 6 users found this helpful33
All this user's reviews
2
Tss5078May 9, 2016
I was really excited when I saw the preview for this film, an action thriller with a terrific cast is right up my ally, unfortunately, the three minutes of action in the trailer, showed the only decent action in the entire film. Ryan GoslingI was really excited when I saw the preview for this film, an action thriller with a terrific cast is right up my ally, unfortunately, the three minutes of action in the trailer, showed the only decent action in the entire film. Ryan Gosling plays a Hollywood stunt man, who moonlights as a getaway driver, in a story that is both eerily similar to and nothing like The Transporter. The driver in this film is just as picky and OCD as Jason Statham's character in the Transporter, but that's where the similarities end. After a nice opening, this film quickly turns into some noir love story, that really focuses more on the conflicted driver, than on anything else, making this one boring film. How can a film company be allowed to put out an action fueled trailer for a film like this, which is anything but exciting. The clever advertising devils got me again, but facts are facts, and no trailer or good looking star can hide the fact that this movie was terrible.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
All this user's reviews
1
jduadom91Oct 9, 2018
Me parece una película extremadamente sobrevalorada. No sé si es peor el argumento, la lentitud del film o Ryan Gosling en el papel de Ryan Gosling conduciendo, siempre con la misma expresividad en la cara, como si de una vaca en medio delMe parece una película extremadamente sobrevalorada. No sé si es peor el argumento, la lentitud del film o Ryan Gosling en el papel de Ryan Gosling conduciendo, siempre con la misma expresividad en la cara, como si de una vaca en medio del prado viendo pasar el tren se tratase. Lo único que se salva de la película es la primera escena de persecución y los créditos iniciales, el resto, mejor verlo fumado o borracho. No recomendable.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
All this user's reviews
1
miketeOct 4, 2011
I, like many others, joined just to review this movie. I have to say I love movies. I love arthouse movies. This movie was not too wierd or "arts-y" for me. The reason for the low score is that it is genuinely awful. I would have given it aI, like many others, joined just to review this movie. I have to say I love movies. I love arthouse movies. This movie was not too wierd or "arts-y" for me. The reason for the low score is that it is genuinely awful. I would have given it a 0, but the opening scene is very good, and I liked one other scene. Apart from that, I see absolutely nothing redeeming about Drive. The protagonist is an antisocial personality-vacuum. The love interest and her son are cute but ornamental. The two mob villains are ham-fisted and cliched to a point beyond parody. The audience is given no reason to emotionally invest in the well-being of any characters. There is not a germ of realism in the tacky, tv-movie script. All of which could serve to reinforce the mythology, if that's what this movie is after, but the archetypes aren't strong enough, and the story arc not epic enough to sustain a myth. And, to top it all off, amid all the clumsy writing and un-reality of the script, the filmmakers practically beg to be taken seriously with overlong dramatic pauses and hyper-graphic depictions of violence. It is a superficial, nihilistic, cynical exercise in vanity that seems to want to be taken as deep. It's terrible.… Expand
10 of 21 users found this helpful1011
All this user's reviews
3
FrannieLWDec 4, 2012
Hyper stylized can be done well with real purpose. Unfortunately, in regards to Drive, it can be done so wrong that it becomes laughable. I was unconvinced by the characters motives and feelings and honestly didn't care about any of them. TheHyper stylized can be done well with real purpose. Unfortunately, in regards to Drive, it can be done so wrong that it becomes laughable. I was unconvinced by the characters motives and feelings and honestly didn't care about any of them. The plot had a good structure, but was really blown to bits by the director's ego. The cinematography was wonderful though so at least it had something going for it.… Expand
4 of 9 users found this helpful45
All this user's reviews
0
SammetsfanSep 19, 2011
Drive is total critics bait. Classic case of trying very hard to be loved. One of the worst movies of 2011. Predictable, cliche and overdramatic. Lacked plot.
11 of 25 users found this helpful1114
All this user's reviews
0
CountvontrollioDec 13, 2014
boring, tepid fatuousness. Gosling is seriously psycho, in this unneccessarily violent film, that ultimately drives no one any where except around the bend. And then a lame love interest end act that is formulaic and redundant and made meboring, tepid fatuousness. Gosling is seriously psycho, in this unneccessarily violent film, that ultimately drives no one any where except around the bend. And then a lame love interest end act that is formulaic and redundant and made me think what the hell movie the critics were salivating over, because this surely wasn;t it. Terrible… Expand
3 of 7 users found this helpful34
All this user's reviews
0
GangialfFeb 15, 2015
If intended as a piece of art could be even appreciated, but the idea that in almost 100 minutes of movie people barely talk is at least insane.
Great actors but no plot whatsoever and a director that believes to be Stanley Kubrick.
ThisIf intended as a piece of art could be even appreciated, but the idea that in almost 100 minutes of movie people barely talk is at least insane.
Great actors but no plot whatsoever and a director that believes to be Stanley Kubrick.
This movie is painfully slow, but it would like to be an action movie as well; the style with which it has been edited is simply mental: splatter, slow motion, panoramas, a 50 minutes sunset scene, few seconds of action mixed all together creating the impression of an everlasting hiccup.
Why?Why?Why would you create something like this? Classic movie that the critic will generally enjoy even if it does not say anything and it is completely self-indulging.
Full Metal Jacket is a masterpiece, this is just pretentious crap.… Expand
3 of 7 users found this helpful34
All this user's reviews
0
Slayer__4Oct 10, 2011
I have registered on Metacritic specifically for the purposes of reviewing this "movie". This horrible junk is not a movie and definitely is not entertainment. I can say with absolute honesty that I attempted to give this movie the benefit ofI have registered on Metacritic specifically for the purposes of reviewing this "movie". This horrible junk is not a movie and definitely is not entertainment. I can say with absolute honesty that I attempted to give this movie the benefit of the doubt, but no saving grace presented itself. I am willing to say that this is THE worst movie I have ever seen in my life.

There was very little action, and the romance wasn't there either. I don't know how this movie was produced and I am in complete shock towards how utterly awful this experience truly was. Marijuana wouldn't even save this film, you would have to be high on acid, and even that might not work. I generally understand where the critics come from when rating movies but they are the polar opposite of right about this movie. Many people actually left the theatre about 60% of the way through and I was seriously considering following their lead. I feel like I wasted enough time watching that movie and I don't feel like wasting more going into heavy detail about everything this movie did wrong. If you are considering seeing this movie: DON'T.… Expand
7 of 17 users found this helpful710
All this user's reviews
0
sfarcusFeb 12, 2012
This movie was graphically violent for no reason. The story line was dragged out disguised as artsy camera angles, annoying music and over dramatic pauses. I'm sure film students and film noir wannabe's will love this but it's not for theThis movie was graphically violent for no reason. The story line was dragged out disguised as artsy camera angles, annoying music and over dramatic pauses. I'm sure film students and film noir wannabe's will love this but it's not for the average movie goer.… Expand
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
All this user's reviews
2
Gaston17Apr 10, 2013
Had a hard time watching it. So slow and boring, endless scenes with background music. It looks like and independent film, if you hate these, please don't watch it.
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
All this user's reviews
0
MovieGuysSep 15, 2013
Overly violent without cause, and with a clunky script, Drive is a bad movie disguised as a masterpiece. This love-it-or-hate-it movie could've been so much better. And one question: did Ryan Gosling every move a facial muscle in this movie???
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
All this user's reviews
1
pcgSep 19, 2011
Awful. The first scene is good, and might even be great if it weren't followed by 90 minutes of frustrating, boring (and, occasionally, nauseating) cinema. The acting feels like it tries to be minimalistic, pensive, and mysterious; it comeAwful. The first scene is good, and might even be great if it weren't followed by 90 minutes of frustrating, boring (and, occasionally, nauseating) cinema. The acting feels like it tries to be minimalistic, pensive, and mysterious; it come off as dull, wooden, and self-important. The movie doesn't go anywhere and doesn't say anything, and remains a "style over substance" effort. Unfortunately, even the style is confusing at best: the pink lipstick credits, the Casio synth sound, the cheesy "Thunderdome"-style power ballad... if this movie had been made in the 80s, it might have some B-movie credibility. As a movie made 20 years after the 80s ended, Drive feels bewildering and artificial. And that's not even to say anything about the degrading, absurd violence; you don't have to be "faint of heart" to be disgusted with the blood spillage in Drive.

I rarely have such a visceral reaction to a movie as I did with Drive. I could not for the life of me understand why such a movie is even made, as it is an exercise in empty style... and a D effort at that.… Expand
11 of 29 users found this helpful1118
All this user's reviews
0
roadshowscholarSep 19, 2011
While most people dislike this movie for the obvious reasons- it lacks dialogue, creativity and plot and it is slow moving and cliche- I dislike much more strongly because none of it felt believable. It was all so glossy and manicured withWhile most people dislike this movie for the obvious reasons- it lacks dialogue, creativity and plot and it is slow moving and cliche- I dislike much more strongly because none of it felt believable. It was all so glossy and manicured with catchy techno music, but no scene felt like it could ever happen the way it did- from start to finish. It was trying to be ridiculous but came off so over the top that it fell, very hard and very flat. I'm with the previous haters. Drive was AWFUL.… Expand
11 of 29 users found this helpful1118
All this user's reviews
1
GottOct 3, 2011
I just didn't get it. Way too weird and not about a get away driver at all. There is maybe 15 minutes of driving in the whole movie.

It was boring and strange.
7 of 19 users found this helpful712
All this user's reviews
3
listen2themovieSep 19, 2011
The greatest flaw of "Drive" is not it's obscenely short script, nor is it how cliche and mundane the film is. The biggest flaw is certainly not the acting or cinematography, both are terrific- they make the movie almost bearable. The movieThe greatest flaw of "Drive" is not it's obscenely short script, nor is it how cliche and mundane the film is. The biggest flaw is certainly not the acting or cinematography, both are terrific- they make the movie almost bearable. The movie may lack plot, pace and believability. But no- the biggest flaw is far greater than the sum of its parts. It is the desperation. The immense attempt that a young director makes to lure the audience. Pulsing techno, old school pauses that exist for their own sake, slow motion music-video-esk shots that occur at random moments. They are all meaningless. A movie without a plot cannot be saved by artsy fillers. They fail to captivate and create a bigger problem and a larger distraction than the mundane plot does from the unrealistic nature of the film.… Expand
7 of 19 users found this helpful712
All this user's reviews
3
mulderdogSep 16, 2011
the plot sucked, I did not hate the acting, but it was not nearly enough to carry the movie. did I mention the plot was unimaginative, regurgitated, unoriginal, and boring.
the movie pissed me off, I love both leads, the reviews were greatthe plot sucked, I did not hate the acting, but it was not nearly enough to carry the movie. did I mention the plot was unimaginative, regurgitated, unoriginal, and boring.
the movie pissed me off, I love both leads, the reviews were great but it just sucked.
sorry I'm not a better writer/reviewer.… Expand
11 of 31 users found this helpful1120
All this user's reviews
1
JGSSep 20, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have also just created a Metacritic account for the sole purpose of lending my voice to the sane, thinking, critical people who see past the stylish facade and realize that Drive is a bad film. A subterfuge of aesthetics covering up a dull pastiche of cliches. I went in ready to fall in love; neo-noir-ish elements? The Gos? A stylish looking thriller? I figured it couldn't miss. And yes, the first five minutes showed promise. But, for starters, I actually think Gosling did not work in this role; he's very charming and I think this is why people seem to have liked his character. But in reality, all we are given is a mono-syllabic killer; a dull, violent creep. Which is FINE, that could work. Except, it's far from "hero/lover/surrogate dad" mantle that the film is also struggling to hoist on him. A very confused follow-through of what I assume was a pretty great book/initial idea for the film What part did fans like best? The abandoned race car driver subplot that no seemed interested in anyway? The way that Gosling dons a mask for no practical reason to carry out one of his killings? When that other car shows up mid-robbery for no purpose? (oh, they were going to pull the double-cross on the side of the highway? Smart thinking). That Hendrick's role consists solely of getting slapped by our "hero" and then getting her head blown off? Did you like the gritty realism of Carey Mulligan's 90s-emo-pixie-girl-who-also-works-at-Denny's-and-has-a-husband-in-prison aesthetic? It was so beautiful when the Gos turned that guy's head into mush in front of her, wasn't it? Did you like how the characters (besides Gosling who, ooh! has a trademark toothpick! Cool!) explained who they were in tight, little speeches so we all knew where we stood? Albert Brooks's hands are "dirty" too! From all the violence he carries out as a mobster. Get it?! Oh wait, maybe you liked the soundtrack. Ah yes, you know when the chilled out blissful tune plays and the singer says: "A real human being and a real hero,". I just love stuff you don't have to think too much about, you know? (It would be like if in Top Gun, while "Highway to the Danger Zone" was playing, Maverick and Goose were on an actual highway passing a sign that said "Danger Zone, 20 miles away") To like this movie is to be easily fooled or just playing it safe to stay on the right side of the prevailing critical response. And, don't worry, you are not alone if you read these response and started to feel like "Maybe I didn't get it?" But there is nothing to get. I do love that beautiful Gosling, but you know, sometimes the ones we love...… Expand
6 of 17 users found this helpful611
All this user's reviews
0
MB88Oct 11, 2011
Pretentious, conceited, contrived, hollow and boring. This film has no redeeming features. Anyone who enjoys this film clearly has an extremely limited knowledge of films. True 'arty' films such as Requiem for a Dream and A Scanner DarklyPretentious, conceited, contrived, hollow and boring. This film has no redeeming features. Anyone who enjoys this film clearly has an extremely limited knowledge of films. True 'arty' films such as Requiem for a Dream and A Scanner Darkly show what can be achieved with cinematography and a different approach to the formulaic construction of most Hollywood films. Drive merely shows how poorly a film can turn out when the director loses sight of the plot and focuses too much on being different. The result is a film where you feel nothing for the good-as-mute characters, lackluster driving scenes, gratuitously violent, yet brief, action scenes, a nonsensical plot as well as around 20 minutes of unnecessary silence. In short, Drive is a truly awful film.… Expand
6 of 17 users found this helpful611
All this user's reviews
0
BenjaminStassoSep 19, 2011
Really, really bad. Totally dull and hard to follow. Script was a paragraph long. Lacked plot. Easily one of the least fulfilling movies of the year.
8 of 23 users found this helpful815
All this user's reviews
3
DragonflySep 27, 2011
DRIVE started out with such promise, then quickly derailed - or should I say - went off the road, crashed and burned...? It's really a shame, too. It was trying to be a masterpiece, in the vein of KILL BILL, which coincidentally, I happenedDRIVE started out with such promise, then quickly derailed - or should I say - went off the road, crashed and burned...? It's really a shame, too. It was trying to be a masterpiece, in the vein of KILL BILL, which coincidentally, I happened to watch once again a week before seeing DRIVE. DRIVE is no KILL BILL. Thank you, Quentin Tarantino, for reminding me of how great you are! In the end I found DRIVE pretentious. And poor Carey Mulligan. So underutilized. As for Ryan Gosling's character, what's his name?...Oh, that's right, he had no name!… Expand
4 of 12 users found this helpful48
All this user's reviews
0
judypatriciaOct 1, 2011
Like many others, I registered an account here to add to the negative reviews. I cannot understand what it is about Drive that people enjoyed. At all. I am baffled by the overwhelmingly positive reviews and praise for its "suspense" andLike many others, I registered an account here to add to the negative reviews. I cannot understand what it is about Drive that people enjoyed. At all. I am baffled by the overwhelmingly positive reviews and praise for its "suspense" and "tension". Not once did I feel even a slight interest or attachment to any character, which I realized about ten minutes in, and hoped would change. Nope. I had gone to see this with another person, at a little independent theater, and at one point thought about walking out. Based on the gasps and chuckles and jolts of the surrounding move-goers, I think I was the only one in that little independent theater who hated what she saw. Drive is incredibly boring, unimportant, unimpressive, unemotional, and absolutely pointless. I wouldn't bother giving it another view, and wish I could take back the one I had.… Expand
4 of 12 users found this helpful48
All this user's reviews
3
MissVertigoOct 5, 2011
I can see why the critics would love this movie. It is different and generally speaking, that already scores high with critics. I did not enjoy it, but not because it was different. The rhythm is uneven, the score good but soundtrack doesn'tI can see why the critics would love this movie. It is different and generally speaking, that already scores high with critics. I did not enjoy it, but not because it was different. The rhythm is uneven, the score good but soundtrack doesn't work. The script clearly aims for "gritty and real" rather than the holywoodish "witty and snappy" but the result is boring instead of interesting. The title is misleading because there is very little actual street driving, people should know that. But really, for me, the key element for the story to work which is the love between the two main characters is just never credible. Without a foundation, no building can remain standing, no matter how pretty the curtains or how different the layout is.… Expand
4 of 12 users found this helpful48
All this user's reviews
1
A_List_ProducerSep 24, 2011
Brutal, slow, and pathetic with good acting from Brian but a movie with no plot, or life. Boring parts, gory parts but all in all, all parts of this movie waste your time and money. I would rather have stayed home and played with the dog, asBrutal, slow, and pathetic with good acting from Brian but a movie with no plot, or life. Boring parts, gory parts but all in all, all parts of this movie waste your time and money. I would rather have stayed home and played with the dog, as would the dog.

In my opinion one would have to be paid by the studios to give this movie a good review. Worst movie I have seen in many years.… Expand
3 of 9 users found this helpful36
All this user's reviews
0
Morpheus00Jun 23, 2012
Modestly entertaining premise, but let down by comically gratuitous violence and awkward (some will say artsy) dialogue. The incongruous soundtrack over cliched, subtle-as-a-brick scene shooting doesnt help. Felt as though it'd been putModestly entertaining premise, but let down by comically gratuitous violence and awkward (some will say artsy) dialogue. The incongruous soundtrack over cliched, subtle-as-a-brick scene shooting doesnt help. Felt as though it'd been put together by precocious teenagers. If so, definitely worth a GCSE.… Expand
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
All this user's reviews
0
aldersonreyes99Oct 3, 2011
One of the worst movies of the year. Not engaging in the slightest. Totally boring. A dud. Some good acting, but can't save the lifelessness of the movie.
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
All this user's reviews
0
WhirlyballOct 18, 2011
This movie is utter garbage. Definitely one of the worst movie of 2011. Drive. Yeah. This movie drives me crazy. Me and my friend were expecting another Fast & Furious type of movie but were totally let down by this so-called art movie. IThis movie is utter garbage. Definitely one of the worst movie of 2011. Drive. Yeah. This movie drives me crazy. Me and my friend were expecting another Fast & Furious type of movie but were totally let down by this so-called art movie. I wish the movie was just call "Slow" cuz that what it is all about.

And yes, the soundtrack is also lousy. All these European I-dunno-who artists are all over the movie. Should have more music like Linkin Park, Korn and Lady Gaga or even Adele music to fit in the movie. That should bring the excitement for young people. No wonder I see many people leaving the cinema halfway the movie.… Expand
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
All this user's reviews
0
nokaah9Oct 29, 2011
This movie was the biggest let down ever. The main character had two facial expressions and spoke 3 sentences during the entire movie. It mostly consisted of him sitting in the car with some really slow music in the background. This was 95%This movie was the biggest let down ever. The main character had two facial expressions and spoke 3 sentences during the entire movie. It mostly consisted of him sitting in the car with some really slow music in the background. This was 95% of the movie. The rest is what you saw in the trailer.

And btw, there is only one god damn car scene.… Expand
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
All this user's reviews
0
speckerNov 16, 2011
to all the people that posted a good review for this film, seriously?? did we see the same movie???? that's 100 minutes of my life that i will never get back...
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
All this user's reviews
0
greenpaintNov 20, 2011
First of all i gotta say this movie is really bad and cheesy. the way the main character acts is like a serial killer or a creep he doesn't seem normal. in fact none of these characters do. in real life nobody acts like that. secondly what isFirst of all i gotta say this movie is really bad and cheesy. the way the main character acts is like a serial killer or a creep he doesn't seem normal. in fact none of these characters do. in real life nobody acts like that. secondly what is with the 80s music and "vibes" its not set in the 80s so it doesn't really make any sense. i don't think there's one time in this film except maybe the beginning, where you don't forget your watching a film because its so unlike real life. the first action scene happens about half way through the film. don't bother wasting your time watching this its pretty much terrible.… Expand
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
All this user's reviews
0
NoncreativeDec 19, 2011
I have never seen any more miserable movie before. Instead of releasing it as movie, they needed to send it for print with subtitles and release as "revolutionary" photography comics. Sorry, maybe I'm getting old, but in my mind even chuckI have never seen any more miserable movie before. Instead of releasing it as movie, they needed to send it for print with subtitles and release as "revolutionary" photography comics. Sorry, maybe I'm getting old, but in my mind even chuck Norris' characters stays over this kind of sweet, sleek, shiny sugaheroes.… Expand
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
All this user's reviews
1
gimpycanuckFeb 14, 2012
Boring, Graphic to no purpose, artsy, I would rather have spent my money on an enema than this waste of film. The whole movie was missing any real life, no soul to this film, must of got lost in the caved in skulls.
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
All this user's reviews
3
rorschach2009Feb 21, 2012
What a pathetic piece of crap! I want my 100 minutes of life back. Absolutely no direction, story, script, acting, direction, or character development. What the hell were the film makers thinking? There are movies so great you don't findWhat a pathetic piece of crap! I want my 100 minutes of life back. Absolutely no direction, story, script, acting, direction, or character development. What the hell were the film makers thinking? There are movies so great you don't find words to describe them, but this movie is so drab, I don't have words to describe it. Why 3 points then? Well, charity! I am not as hard-hearted a man, after all.… Expand
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
All this user's reviews
3
JordanPApr 13, 2012
Unnecessarily violent, strangely awkward, and given an inexplicably tacky 80s aesthetic (complete with dreadful 80s style music). The ending makes little sense either. The first five minutes were an interesting setup, but after that I foundUnnecessarily violent, strangely awkward, and given an inexplicably tacky 80s aesthetic (complete with dreadful 80s style music). The ending makes little sense either. The first five minutes were an interesting setup, but after that I found very little to like. Not sure what got the critics so in a froth.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
All this user's reviews
1
Unmerciful_1Sep 16, 2011
Wow, I can not remember the last time I was so thoroughly disappointed in a film. It would be unfair to insist that this film does everything possible wrong. The shootout in the hotel was fantastically edited. It had just the right punch, butWow, I can not remember the last time I was so thoroughly disappointed in a film. It would be unfair to insist that this film does everything possible wrong. The shootout in the hotel was fantastically edited. It had just the right punch, but even that was ruined when the driver awkwardly pulls back into the darkness.
It might be easier to just list the faults
Wooden awkward bland leads.
Long horrifically pointless pauses in plot progression
Poorly executed pastiche 80's style in a film that takes place in the present.

I'd like the think if the film were a half hour shorter and actually took place in the 80's instead of being crudely styled as such in post, it would have been a few notches better. Maybe a 4. But this was horrific. Everything you need to know about this film can be found in the trailer.

Gosling blandly recites, "I don't shoot people, I drive" followed by a 3 seconds later cut to him in a gun fight. I cannot remember the last time I attended a film where the bar was set so ridiculously low, and everyone involved failed to reach it. SKIP THIS. the best analogy for this film is as follows. Suppose you would desperately like some gold, and a gentleman, let's call him Nicolas Winding Refn, offers to sell you three pounds of gold at market price. You pay the man, and he hands you a box and runs away. You open the box and find half a pound of gold covered in 2 and a half pounds of feces. That is what this movie is, half a pound of gold, covered in two and a half pounds of feces. I went with two friends, and everyone in the theater hated the film. I haven't lead an entire auditorium in angry laughter like this since Sucker Punch,.
It's a film so poor, and so surprisingly well reviewed, that I forced myself to sign up for a metacritic account, just to try and warn people. AVOID THIS FILM LIKE THE PLAGUE!… Expand
8 of 26 users found this helpful818
All this user's reviews
2
DLCSep 24, 2011
I've always found the ratings on Metacritic to be reliable -- but not this time. Like some other have said, the opening scene is very well done, and sets the stage for an action-thriller. I thought the movie would play more on theI've always found the ratings on Metacritic to be reliable -- but not this time. Like some other have said, the opening scene is very well done, and sets the stage for an action-thriller. I thought the movie would play more on the Jekyll-Hyde motif -- a stunt driver by day and an off duty getaway driver for heists. Instead he meets "the girl" 5 minutes into the movie and soon we see him playing "temporary step dad" to her son. These scenes with the three of them seem to go on forever and at the same time go nowhere. What follows is an array of confusing and brutally violent scenes, with the love story taking a back seat. In sum, the story is not well developed...period. I suspect the "art lovers" giving this movie high ratings are the type who like to go to art galleries to see paintings with random splotches. If that's your thing, enjoy! I will give props to Gosling -- he was very intriguing from the opening but unfortunately wasn't given the story to build his character on.… Expand
4 of 13 users found this helpful49
All this user's reviews
2
K1_BOATEROct 8, 2011
I joined after my disappointment in this movie given that IMDB gave it an 8.4. Hopefully this site will be more objective.

Terrible movie, I thought I was in an episode of Miami Vice from the 80's. Gosling is more wooden than Keanu Reeves,I joined after my disappointment in this movie given that IMDB gave it an 8.4. Hopefully this site will be more objective.

Terrible movie, I thought I was in an episode of Miami Vice from the 80's. Gosling is more wooden than Keanu Reeves, Bryan C. had too small a role as did Ron Perleman. This movie isn't worth even downloading. uggg… Expand
4 of 13 users found this helpful49
All this user's reviews
0
CincinnatiDaveSep 17, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was so bewildered and disappointed that Meta-critic gave this a score of 80 (almost as surprised as Winter's Bone receiving a 90!). How is this possible? Did these "professional" critics see the same movie that was presented to the general public? This movie was awful! Dreadful! So bad in fact, that the audience began moaning and groaning with pain (and laughter) at the incredibly bad downward spiral the film took after the initial terrific opening sequence. The dialog was so dull and boring that I had to check to see if George Lucas penned it. Slow, lifeless, and uninspired events were periodically interrupted by pointless and graphic violence. I hated almost everything about this film, with the exception of Bryan Cranston! My heart was breaking badly for him as an actor having to be associated with this bomb. Ron Perlman and Albert Brooks should have their SAG cards taken from them. If future actors want to learn how to NOT act like a gangster or thug they should retrieve this movie from the landfill and watch their pitiful performances. The costumes were ridiculous (who dresses up that way to attend a function at a strip mall pizza place?) and the music was misguided...even the scripted pink font during the opening credits went awry (I know, I get it, an 80's reference, but why why why?). The bizarre sequence of Gosling wearing a mask and chasing Nino into the sea needs to be placed in the Screenwriter's dictionary under "what to do when you've run out of ideas, but still want to make your film ARTSY". PLEASE save yourself some time and money and skip this blunder.… Expand
11 of 36 users found this helpful1125
All this user's reviews
1
ymaillSep 17, 2011
Do not watch this film. I have never walked out of a movie nor have i fallen asleep in a movie. I nearly did both for the first time while watching Drive. I made the mistake of believing there would be some action in this movie. I wasDo not watch this film. I have never walked out of a movie nor have i fallen asleep in a movie. I nearly did both for the first time while watching Drive. I made the mistake of believing there would be some action in this movie. I was also unimpressed with the "driving" that was done in the film. Anyone that gave this movie a high rating was probably paid to do so.… Expand
6 of 21 users found this helpful615
All this user's reviews
2
BManSep 18, 2011
I was looking forward to the movie after reading critic reviews and seeing the cast. I am sorry but I do not get it. i do not understand what all of the critics are raving about. Maybe they saw another movie called Drive because they couldI was looking forward to the movie after reading critic reviews and seeing the cast. I am sorry but I do not get it. i do not understand what all of the critics are raving about. Maybe they saw another movie called Drive because they could not of seen the movie I saw today. Slow, boring, predictable, horrible script, bad music and sound editing, poor acting... That about sums up what I can honestly say is the worst movie I have seen since Joe and the Volcano. And ever patron in the theater seemed to be of the same opinion. IF you must see it, wait for it to come out on pay per view so you can turn it off in the comfort of your own home. Cinematography as nice...… Expand
4 of 14 users found this helpful410
All this user's reviews
0
greatgreat222Sep 19, 2011
Trash of a film. I repeat. Trash. Horrible. Great acting, but NO PLOT! Lacks so, so much. Worst movie of the year thus far. As fulfilling as starting at a wall.
4 of 14 users found this helpful410
All this user's reviews
3
BhawkOct 16, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Let me save you all 2 hrs of your life and too much of your well earned money. AVOID the new film Drive! After the interesting and unusual five minute opening (by FAR the best 5 minutes of the movie) this embarrassing vehicle for a usually excellent actor (Gosling) becomes an unintentionally funny car wreck. Ridiculously long pregnant pauses in dialogue (intended to be deep and thoughtful), ......possibly the stupidest soundtrack of all-time, and corny as can be bad guys (what is with the Oscar buzz for Brooks?!?), this terribly miss-titled mess should have been called STAB instead of DRIVE, since there are barely any cool driving scenes at all (in a film about a Hollywood stunt drive), and someone gets stabbed in some over-the-top way about every 5 minutes during the last third of this dog. Worst film I've seen since Shyamalan's The Happening and a MAJOR disappointment.… Expand
2 of 7 users found this helpful25
All this user's reviews
0
Terryn79707Oct 2, 2011
Usually I agree with the critics, but this one was way off. Why would anyone pay to see people on screen doing nothing, intersperced with blood & violence. Did the writers take a week off? I go to a movie to take a break from reality, toUsually I agree with the critics, but this one was way off. Why would anyone pay to see people on screen doing nothing, intersperced with blood & violence. Did the writers take a week off? I go to a movie to take a break from reality, to be drawn into the story. How can one be drawn into a film with no dialogue and a bunch of brooding, poor attempts to trying to look pensive? I hate that I wasted my money and time on this lame film.… Expand
3 of 11 users found this helpful38
All this user's reviews
2
Wato_RuseOct 3, 2011
The opening scene from Nicolas Refn's "Drive", in which Gosling's character is working as a getaway driver, set the premise for what I thought would be a great film. Instead, it marked the pinnacle of its discontinued merit. Firstly,The opening scene from Nicolas Refn's "Drive", in which Gosling's character is working as a getaway driver, set the premise for what I thought would be a great film. Instead, it marked the pinnacle of its discontinued merit. Firstly, throughout the movie it was apparent that the director was attempting to create a quasi-80's film feel; from the pink cursive font (Dirty Dancing, Risky Business) to the intermittently permeating synthetic music, to the formulaic and overly used montage scenes. Refn's use of these cliched devices contributed to a consistent tone of awkwardness and banality. Secondly, from the cinematographic style, to the multiple metaphors and motifs, to the utilization of silence as a recurring theme, to the character development; all felt forced into the film and thoughtlessly used. It is clear that Refn understood that all of these cinematic elements were necessary for a powerful film, and yet used them too frequently and without subtlety. Lastly, while it seems that Refn often attempted to emphasize silence and characterize through plain dialogue, it often left many scenes feeling unnecessary and artificial. I understand what ideas Refn might have been attempting to convey by directing Drive, but instead of providing insight into the human condition, he ended up making a movie that was chaotic and which appeared messy on many levels. Perhaps Refn was inspired to put too much into one feature length film, or perhaps he just could not decide what kind of movie he wanted to make, but Drive turned out to be unsubtle, fragmented, and lacking the necessary flow to allow the viewer to achieve the necessary; suspension of disbelief.… Expand
3 of 11 users found this helpful38
All this user's reviews
2
FrankMSep 17, 2011
I registered just to review this movie. Critics are usually always right on but this movie was just awful. I was sitting there waiting for something to happen and it just never did. I was more entertained by "Gigli" and critics hated thatI registered just to review this movie. Critics are usually always right on but this movie was just awful. I was sitting there waiting for something to happen and it just never did. I was more entertained by "Gigli" and critics hated that movie. The movie did have a few good great scenes. For example the first scene was AMAZING and I thought the movie was going to be great but then there were like 6 bad scenes and another good scene. The movie had maybe 3 good scenes (the first chase scene, the elevator scene, and the crash scene at the beach) but it was not worth the other 2 hours or your money. Stay away and wait for the DVD.… Expand
5 of 19 users found this helpful514
All this user's reviews
1
Moose_NutsSep 18, 2011
This movie was the worst movie I've seen all summer, and that's saying something considering how abysmal the selection of new movies has been over the last 3 months. I give the first 5 minutes of the movie a 10, but the rest gets a 0...so itThis movie was the worst movie I've seen all summer, and that's saying something considering how abysmal the selection of new movies has been over the last 3 months. I give the first 5 minutes of the movie a 10, but the rest gets a 0...so it averages out to less than 1, but I decided to be generous and round up. I was in a similar theater to the ones other reviewers mentioned....the EXCESSIVELY pregnant pauses at bewildering points in the movie go so far beyond creating thoughtful contemplation in the viewers that eventually they begin to moan or laugh every time there is this awkward silence. And I need to emphasize how awkward and unrewarding you feel after 5 or so of these occurrences. It's as if your friends invite you to a party on your birthday...you show up expecting a surprise, but you open the door to a dark house. After standing there uncomfortably for 20 seconds, you flick on the light to see everyone has already eaten their cake (or, rather, stomped it into a puree in the back of an elevator), then they all walk past you to leave.… Expand
4 of 16 users found this helpful412
All this user's reviews
0
killingspreeDec 12, 2011
Pretentious violent nonsense with terrible acting and no story whatsoever don't waste your money supporting this garbage.
3 of 12 users found this helpful39
All this user's reviews
0
mldOct 10, 2011
Most antisemitic movie you will see all year. Every Jewish character (the religion of no other characters are mentioned) is a Nazi-style stereotype of money grubbing, immorality and nearly laughable degeneracy. Albert Brooks should walk inMost antisemitic movie you will see all year. Every Jewish character (the religion of no other characters are mentioned) is a Nazi-style stereotype of money grubbing, immorality and nearly laughable degeneracy. Albert Brooks should walk in shame to have participated in this garbage.… Expand
3 of 12 users found this helpful39
All this user's reviews
0
MartinLeafSep 18, 2011
To understand the appeal of Drive, one has to understand the European mindset. Europe today is manifest by an anti western ideology. That means that there is dislike - enmity, for America, Israel, and of course Jews. Keep in mind that theTo understand the appeal of Drive, one has to understand the European mindset. Europe today is manifest by an anti western ideology. That means that there is dislike - enmity, for America, Israel, and of course Jews. Keep in mind that the intellectuals in France, at the Cannes film festival, gave Drive a standing ovation. That is why, for example, there are two conspicuous Jews in the movie. And those Jews manifest every false negative stereotype that Nazi propaganda could come up with. There was no legitimate reason for this in the movie. It was just a cheap gratuitous attempt at Jew bashing. Similarly, all of the characters have a dark side, although they are much more nuanced and human than the two Jews, who are devoid of humanity in this film. There is some laughable concept of cool that these European intellectuals aspire to, including apparently the director and the writer of the screenplay. But however hard they may try, those responsible for Drive did not create a cool movie: Rather a boring, empty, meandering series of images, that never coalesce into anything worthwhile, or exciting. As for the critics that rave about this movie, they are so far out of touch with the average American that they might as well be in Europe, where they too can pretend to be intellectuals out of touch with reality.… Expand
4 of 17 users found this helpful413
All this user's reviews
1
mindoculusSep 19, 2011
The director made more of a homage to film noir than a film. Its all mood and style, with little dialogue worth mentioning. By far the most maddening aspect is how little is said. Gosling just stares, nods his head, shows a supposedly knowingThe director made more of a homage to film noir than a film. Its all mood and style, with little dialogue worth mentioning. By far the most maddening aspect is how little is said. Gosling just stares, nods his head, shows a supposedly knowing gaze that the director feels is enough communication. Well, no. The violence is gross and jarring in an uncool way. It detracts from the movie because you get tired of being led around by one music sequence after another. This is a long boring music montage stitched together with a few words and dull gazes.… Expand
3 of 13 users found this helpful310
All this user's reviews
0
saintin818Nov 10, 2011
This movie was so over hyped. Too much slow motion. The elevator scene is ridiculous!!! I feel it was a big waste of talent. Ryan Gosling, Christina Hendricks, Ron Pearlman were all useless in this movie.
2 of 9 users found this helpful27
All this user's reviews
0
shadowlord08Jan 20, 2019
This movie cements my belief that Ryan Gosling is one of the most overrated and untalented actors of this generation and of all time. The driver barely talks throughout the film and everyone who watches it, just wants to see the good looks ofThis movie cements my belief that Ryan Gosling is one of the most overrated and untalented actors of this generation and of all time. The driver barely talks throughout the film and everyone who watches it, just wants to see the good looks of Ryan Gosling and his tiny baby chin. You think the driver's lack of speech makes him more compelling but he acts more like a dopey one dimensional robot than a real human being. The violence is irritatingly unrealistic and the blood looks a like a child spilled ketchup all over the wall. The music on the other hand is the worst part of the movie. It's supposed to be cool and suave but it's more like a angry chimpanzee who is screaming in my ear and terribly playing the drums at the same time. Only one word can describe the film's musical soundtrack and that would be, "Nauseating". There are not that many action scenes but I can understand since the director wanted to create a fluid story and develop strong characters.
But guess what? He fails miserably. The characters are flat and unlikable as well as forgettable. The story fails to draw me in and as it progresses, it makes me want hari-kari myself. Critics are drawn to this mess of a movie because it revamps the lost arthouse action film genre and they say the film takes a new original creative stance on the action genre. But I can assure you, it's anything but creative and original. Although Drive would fit pretty well in the dung smelling porta potty genre.
At the end of the day, Drive is nothing more than a cheap and foul copycat of the classic "Taxi Driver" which is a landmark in cinema history. The film also encourages me to keep calling arthouse by it's real name, "Farthouse". Since arthouse people love to eat their own anal gas.
As for me, I'm gonna watch some real action films with real stars, like Jason Statham. I'm out.… Expand
1 of 5 users found this helpful14
All this user's reviews
2
LionhardtzSep 25, 2011
This movie started good but dragged on so slowly for most of film. The acting and characters were great but this was my worst experience ever at the theaters. Boring boring boring. I can't understand how its gettin such good reviews.
1 of 6 users found this helpful15
All this user's reviews
0
BitashJul 3, 2017
Are you kidding me, it was horrific. Trying to hard and then being great at being a failure. Just awful script, music and story line, waste of my time. Do not recommend at all. Would give it. A minus 10 if I could. Boring, slow and thenAre you kidding me, it was horrific. Trying to hard and then being great at being a failure. Just awful script, music and story line, waste of my time. Do not recommend at all. Would give it. A minus 10 if I could. Boring, slow and then slower... just bad over all.… Expand
1 of 6 users found this helpful15
All this user's reviews
0
abi_abhiabiAug 8, 2016
this movie can be finished in 1 hour.. full of slowest motion scenes i could possibly imagine.. the story is also not so serious.. i dunno why people and the critics call it a neo-noir thriller.. lol.. overrated movie.. f u c k off.. if uthis movie can be finished in 1 hour.. full of slowest motion scenes i could possibly imagine.. the story is also not so serious.. i dunno why people and the critics call it a neo-noir thriller.. lol.. overrated movie.. f u c k off.. if u want to dislike my review.. go a head and s u c k my balls.. 0/10.. and people who agree with me.. cheers.. avoid this movie if u can..… Expand
1 of 14 users found this helpful113
All this user's reviews
2
robbsreviewSep 26, 2011
Terrible acting, gratuitous violence and very few chase scenes. The script must have been put together by a committee and directed by an amateur. This movie didn't deserve a 79 Metacritic score. It deserved 7.9.
0 of 5 users found this helpful05
All this user's reviews
1
jc15Feb 6, 2012
The plot never develops. The first 20 mins of the movie ryan says about 10 words. I just can't say I enjoyed this film. It wasn't the worst movie ever, but I will not watch it again. The female lead was quite good though
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
1
Edda1801Nov 3, 2011
I give it 1 point for the first 5 minutes. The remainder of the movie is a disappointment; it has ridiculously long pauses which become unintentionally funny/stupid and it then follows this up with gruesome fight scenes that are not enjoyableI give it 1 point for the first 5 minutes. The remainder of the movie is a disappointment; it has ridiculously long pauses which become unintentionally funny/stupid and it then follows this up with gruesome fight scenes that are not enjoyable or entertaining. I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone. AWFUL.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
All this user's reviews
1
MrMerkenFeb 3, 2012
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I registered with Metacritic just to review this messy movie. I almost went to see it at the theater, but decided to wait until it came out on Redbox instead to save a few bucks. Now, I want my $1 back! I agree with most of the other negative reviewers. I was relieved to see that some people weren't snowballed by the 'professional' critics reviews. This movie was such a disappointment! Even the opening sequence - which some of the negative reviewers liked - was totally unbelievable. I'm sorry, but I don't care how good of a driver this guy is, he could not elude all of those police cars and helicopters just by pulling over and turning off the car lights! Ryan Gosling is a decent actor, but his 'too cool for the room' personality got old very quick. And the scenes with the little boy - "do you want a toothpick?" - I mean, c'mon!

But the biggest mistake of this movie, for me, anyway, was how the main character suddenly becomes this vile, heartless killing machine. Spoiler alert, but do we really want to care about some guy who continues to bash in a guy's skull by stomping on his head over and over again? And was it just me, or did it seem a bit far-fetched as he walks around the San Fernando Valley wearing a blood-stained jacket and nobody seemed to notice? And it was downright comical when he decided to disguise himself by wearing that movie prop mask, and still wear that goofy jacket, as if it wouldn't be recognized by all the two-bit thugs he had already dealt with. Unbelievably bad stuff. Any talk about this movie missing some Oscar nods are beyond my comprehension.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
2
SkimanFeb 29, 2012
This movie was not good. There is no dialogue. And for a movie called Drive. I would think there is more driving involved. Worst movie I have seen all year.
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
All this user's reviews
2
csw12Mar 24, 2012
Drive might seem cool and high tech but strip away all of that and you get the first half of the movie a total bore and the seconf half some of the most brutal images ever put on screen.
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
All this user's reviews
3
CanemMar 3, 2014
Very, very slow paced movie and overall very boring to watch. A few good scenes here and there are not enough to save this movie from being tedious to watch.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
2
JP32Mar 25, 2020
[Gosling] fights back against any semblance of human emotion. He’s so hung up on being cool, that he forgets the part about acting like an actual human being. I think if director Nicolas Winding Refn had his way, he would have hired a wax[Gosling] fights back against any semblance of human emotion. He’s so hung up on being cool, that he forgets the part about acting like an actual human being. I think if director Nicolas Winding Refn had his way, he would have hired a wax statue of James Dean instead. That might have been an improvement.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
More From This Movie

79 Critic Reviews

8.2 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 81 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
2 77 Project Hail Mary
3 75 Send Help
4 73 Hoppers
5 72 The Sheep Detectives
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL