Review of The Place Beyond the Pines (2013) by Joe L — 20 Oct 2018

This is beyond any typical movie. Linking many stories together and spanning decades, The Place Beyond the Pines is a movie on steroids (but without all the weird side effects). Director Derek Cianfrance, who proved his prowess for film making in Blue Valentine, put me in the drivers seat of a ride I didn't want to get off.

Ryan Gosling is perfect as Luke, a fearless motorcycle stunt driver. Interestingly, Gosling performed 70 percent of the riding in the movie. You almost think the actor missed his calling when you pair this statistic with the stunning riding, which is depicted beautifully by cinematographer Sean Bobbitt.

The first half of the movie is all Gosling, though Eva Mendes is also very notable as Romina. She helps to deliver some very heartbreaking scenes as Gosling's troubled lover. When Luke learns a secret, that he is the father of a young son, he tries to do the right thing and get a more steady job. However, when mechanic business doesn't hold up, he turns to robbing banks, aided by a partner and friend.

Long story short (and it is a long story), Bradley Cooper enters the scene as a rookie cop named Avery who has a heart pounding face off with Luke. What ensues is a mind blowing series of events you won't see coming. The butterfly effect extends 15 years into the future as the movie skips ahead. Its definitely a lot to take in. Almost an overload. Almost being the keyword. Pines is just about perfect.