"Drive" Brings Out the Macho Man in Ryan Gosling

Editor's Note: Burnsville Patch offers a weekend movie review, published. Check back next week for the latest movie review.

“Drive” has an old school feel to it from the opening credits to its star Ryan Gosling, who will draw comparisons to Steve McQueen with his portrayal.

Gosling plays a nameless “part-time” stunt driver who doubles as a mechanic and get-away driver. He befriends next-door neighbor Irene (played by Carey Mulligan) and her young son. A possible romance is slowed by the return of her husband from prison, who needs to pay back protection money for his time in the joint.

Gosling serves as the driver in a pawnshop robbery gone wrong and soon finds out that there is a contract out on him. Gosling plays his character cool and relies on visual cues rather than dialogue.

The supporting cast is strong with plenty of familiar faces. Mulligan shines as a woman who grows close to Gosling, but still wants to be a good wife and mother. An eyebrowless Albert Brooks ("Broadcast News") and Ron Perlman ("Sons of Anarchy") are menacing bad guys and Christina Hendricks (Joan in "Mad Men") appears as part of the robbery crew. Bryan Cranston (Emmy Award winner from "Breaking Bad") is Gosling’s mentor who might not always have his best interests at heart.

But no one makes a more surprising turn on the screen than Gosling, who is best known as the romantic lead in "The Notebook," perhaps the gooiest chick flick of recent memory. While Gosling reputation as a talented actor has never been in question, until now he hasn't shown the movie-going public his tough side.

The movie has several outstanding chase and action scenes, but also has some tender moments between Gosling and Mulligan. Some viewers may have questions about the final scene, but “Drive” is a very enjoyable ride that is not afraid to switch gears.

GRADE B+ — “Drive” has the looks on a cool 70’s movie and will likely help propel former Mouseketeer Ryan Gosling into a star.

Also opening this week “I Don’t Know How She Does it,” “Straw Dogs” and “Restless.” Opening next weekend –“Abduction,” “Moneyball” and “Killer Elite.”