DVD Review: The Place Beyond The Pines

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Bad Decisions

David made a good point when I saw I was about to watch The Place Beyond The Pines. He said it's 2/3 of a great movie. That is absolutely correct.

This movie really is split in thirds. The first follows Luke, (Ryan Gosling) a motorcycle stuntman who has turned into a bank robber to try and support the son he just found out he has. The second follows Avery (Bradley Cooper) an honest cop trying to work his way up in an otherwise dishonest police force. The last act follows both Luke and Avery's sons fifteen years later.

I've got to hand it to cinematographer Sean Bobbitt, he really made Schenectady, New York look like a beautiful and mysterious place. The film's title perfectly fits its picture. Back to the thirds, the first two were very interesting. I wish Luke's story with Avery would've crossed over for a little longer. I think this film would've been better if they had completely eliminated the final third following their sons. Who by the way, both look 25 when they're supposed to be in high school. The film spoils us by having two interesting leads to start with, but when the film falls to the shoulders of these kids, that's where it stumbles. It's not entirely the actors' faults, but I do believe they should've cast someone younger. (Or someone that actually looks like a teenager) We know Luke and Avery aren't going to win any father of the year awards, but it's almost laughable how cartoonish Avery's son turned out.

Recommended: Yes, just be aware that is stumbles in the third act.

Grade: C+

Memorable Quote: "I want to give him his first ice cream." - Luke (Ryan Gosling)

Comments

  1. ChrisOctober 27, 2013 at 9:04 AM

    At the time, I didn't think about if they looked too old in 3rd act. Right now it's my favorite film of 2013.
    Granted the first act is stronger, but the final scene, wow, that felt iconic to me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamOctober 28, 2013 at 9:53 AM

      Oh man, I found it SO distracting. They didn't look anything like teenagers. The final scene was beautiful to look at.

      Delete
  2. Dan O.October 27, 2013 at 12:06 PM

    Good review Brittani. By the end of the movie, you can tell that the story has sort of lost its steam. However, the cast keeps it moving at a nice pace, regardless of how far-fetched the script may get.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamOctober 28, 2013 at 9:52 AM

      Thanks! Yeah, the cast (with the exception of the sons) was great. I really enjoyed it until that last 1/3 of the movie.

      Delete
  3. s.October 28, 2013 at 4:15 PM

    Oh, I completely agree. The kids part was the worst and least interesting. The actors did a good job, but the film just didn't interest me enough to be memorable at all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamOctober 29, 2013 at 6:42 AM

      The guy that played Bradley Cooper's kid looked SO awkward next to him too. They couldn't cast someone that maybe looks like he could've came from Cooper's goods?

      Delete

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