Comments on: Houston Film Critics Winners

By: OMFGITSROHIT

OMFGITSROHIT — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:32:33 +0000

If we’re going to state opinions, then we can only agree to disagree. I was hoping to discuss the character and, as you might believe, its inconsistencies. In any case, I suggest you give the movie another shot.

By: jmlatinsir2

jmlatinsir2 — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 01:32:16 +0000

I respectfully disagree on the above comment on The Descendants. I just saw it and loved every frame of it. I thought the Clooney was very good and Shalaine Woodley was a total revelation. She stole the movie for me. The movie is beautifully paced, constructed and acted and packs more emotional punch than many other movies without going over the top. Payne is a talent to reckon with.

By: Joey Magidson

Joey Magidson — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:54:15 +0000

I’m obviously a big fan of Drive (as my own review here at the site attests to), so there’s no complaints here from me…

By: sc62788

sc62788 — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:07:35 +0000

The review is interesting, but comparing it to Taxi Driver, I think, is a disservice. Travis and ‘Driver’ are two very different people. And the violence in Taxi Driver fits. You know form the beginning that you’re dealing with someone capable of some pretty awful things. And in Drive I never really felt like Gosling convinced me the way DeNiro did. Albert Brooks is good, but I can’t help but picture Marlin the clown fish when he talks. He’s still convincing and, for me, the best part of that movie. I laughed at Cranston more than anything. Carey Mulligan was underused for this. My biggest problem is with the lack of dialogue for ‘Driver’. Gosling didn’t really get to me with his facial expressions or presenting the character’s feminine side. I like the performance from Half Nelson, Ides, or even Crazy Stupid Love over this. The comment that this is a genre arthouse film is spot on. But I wouldn’t go further than that. It felt like an attempt to make a high brow 80s movie that (again) Clint Eastwood would have been in…or maybe Charles Bronson considering the violence. It’s nice entertainment…but if I want a character study that involves a car I’m going to go back to Taxi Driver time after time. Probably a 2&12 or 3 star movie for me. Not bad, but not utterly brilliant either.

By: daneish61

daneish61 — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:54:30 +0000

Honestly I don’t get how The Descendants is killing it… I LIKED the movie, but it’s not anything close to Payne’s Sideways. It was rushed and used profanity like American Pie might – not as smart as everyone makes it out to be.

DRIVE & THE TREE OF LIFE on the other hand, is where it’s at.

And I wish MELANCHOLIA would get more love. That film hit me hard.

By: daneish61

daneish61 — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:47:57 +0000

no way! Drive was so inventive, delicate yet pounding, and very hip.

By: kailor

kailor — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:38:22 +0000

Drive first of all is a genre arthouse film and a real first class top notch film too. Despite the intense violence of the film, it is extremely well written helmed by great direction by Refn and offers great performances by Gosling, Brooks, Mulligan, and Cranston

By: OMFGITSROHIT

OMFGITSROHIT — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:21:55 +0000

Balls. It’s a BRILLIANT character study. Read my review and you’ll agree. If you still don’t, we’ll debate it out. x)

By: sc62788

sc62788 — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:42:08 +0000

Someone’s going to need to explain why Drive is one of the year’s best. This seems like something Clint Eastwood would have been in in the 70s. It’s entertaining for sure, but a great example of filmmaking this year…I don’t think it’s quite top ten material.