Drive (2011)

Drive finally speeds into UK cinemas after first appearing at this year's Cannes Festival (which seems an age ago now). This Noir thriller is certainly a change form Ryan Gosling's other film release this week, Crazy, Stupid, Love.

By day, 'Driver' is a Hollywood stunt-man, but by night he makes his real money in the criminal underworld as one of the best getaway drivers in town. When he meets his pretty next door neighbour Irene (Carey Mulligan) he discovers she is married to an ex-con who needs to pay off a debt or his wife and child will be in danger. 'Driver' decides to help protect Irene and the child, but manages to get into an escalating problem between the local thugs and the mafia.

The real heroes of the film are Gosling and director Nicolas Winding Refn, who forge a cinematic partnership that totally works. Gosling oozes cool as the toothpick chewing protagonist, effortlessly blending softness and masculinity. Refn's display of assured stylistic flair is the reason why he won best director at Cannes and cements his place as one of the best new directors around. Refn is proof of the fact that American noir is better done by Europeans (most of the time).

Going back to Gosling, he was a type of actor who you'd see probably once a year in a movie, not anymore. Gosling has 4 movies out this year but none will have as good a performance than Drive. It's the type of performance were a star is made. Yes, Gosling has been around for a while, but I guarantee you won't have seen him in anything like this before. He plays the role like the great actors of a previous generation, that of Steve McQueen and James Dean. Gosling is definitely the coolest actor this year and we'll hopefully see him in a few more films of this type in the future. Also have to mention the white scorpion jacket he wears throughout the film. it's one of those rubbish jackets that would make you look an idiot if you wore it, but here, it just reeks of cool and is up there with Brad Pitt's Jacket in Fight Club.

Drive also has a very good supporting cast. Carey Mulligan doesn't say or do much, but has a certain vulnerability to her that she mainly expresses through body language and longing stares. Albert Brooks is one mean villain and shows that comedy actors can do serious roles when asked. There's also excellent work from Bryan Cranston as Shannon, a mechanic who serves as a mentor to 'Driver'. Fans of Mad Men will also get to see Christina Hendricks. She plays a small role but one that goes out with a bang.

Drive is easily the most stylish, coolest and ultra violent film this year. Drive will stay in your mind long after you've left the cinema. Easily one of the best films of 2011, if not the best.