The Place Beyond The Pines - Movie Review

The Place Beyond The Pines starring Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes, Bradley Cooper, and Ray Liotta is reviewed by Matt Atchity (Editor-in-chief Rottentomatoes.com), Alonso Duralde (TheWrap.com and Linoleum Knife podcast) and Christy Lemire (AP critic).
See what other critics are saying: www.rottentomat...
The highly anticipated new drama from director Derek Cianfrance ("Blue Valentine") powerfully explores the consequences of motorcycle rider Luke's (Academy Award nominee Ryan Gosling) fateful decision to commit a crime to support his child. The incident renders him targeted by policeman Avery (Golden Globe Award nominee Bradley Cooper), and the two men become locked on a tense collision course which will have a devastating impact on both of their families in the years following. (c) Focus
/ christylemire
/ matchity
/ aduralde
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[@jordan88777]

This movie was brilliant. I can accept that people have different opinions but this review was just shit.

[@hassanilahi909]

I know right? They completely avoided talking about the gripping action sequences, emotional human drama, fantastic performances, wonderful score, and beautiful cinematography. Did I even mention how original and unpredictable it is?

[@JakeG-gp4qt]

What the hell are they talking about? This is one of the best films of this decade so far. It's hard to take them seriously when they trash a film this good. How do they do this for a living?

[@jed52]

At the end Christy asks, "Are we shallow?" to which I reply, "Yes, you are."

[@hassanilahi909]

Completely Agree! This is easily one of the best films I've ever seen

[@arielsandoval57]

They must of watched a different movie from what i saw cause what i saw was phenomenal

[@Jack-id6sj]

You got it wrong at the start of this review, the waitress did not have a heart of gold. She hid her child from his father, cheats on her current boyfriend with the boys father and shuts him down when he is trying be in his child's life.

[@GabyTKuh123]

PLEASE DONT LISTEN TO THESE FOOLS. Go watch it. Its great.

[@brotherbrod]

didn’t mention the cinematography. didn’t mention how ballsy this film is. i do like the idea of this film being 4 hours long tho. that would be fuckin sick. there’s a few deleted scenes with Gosling’s character that i feel should’ve made the final cut of the film bc they gave us more insight to his mental.

[@pffilms2522]

I like how they just spoil everything lol.

[@CornOffTheCobb]

You guys are shallow and very demanding. It was great. I was emotionally involved and it worked PERFECTLY. Very unique structure and I can't wait to see it again.

[@david15kramer]

i used to hate the fact that these "critics" didn't like/get this movie, now i love the fact that they didn't.. Derek, Ben, the actors and everyone involved created so much more than a film.. Its faulted for having "big ambitions" and its charcters not being drawn very well but these critics are exactly that... they critique. They missed it completely, point blank period. I never fault people for not enjoying a film or anything because everyone has a right too but this movie is alive and does things not a lot of films have done and its a shame it didn't get the recognition it deserved from auto-pilot critics like Alonso,Christy and Matt. Thats the reason they are reading films and not writing them.

[@TaylorG0014]

I disagree with everything in this interview. I feel like they missed the whole point of the movie while getting caught up on minor detractions that aren't relevant to the themes the movie presents. I saw the movie as more of a three part account of these people's lives. Cianfrance provided just enough information to tie the stories together and still leave the viewer with an unsettled feeling (which was effective imo). Any more info and the viewer would have been too spoon fed to enjoy.

[@tknick90]

It felt a tad ambition at times perhaps, but the performances more than elevate the film beyond any of its flaws IMO. I honestly thought the costume design was fantastic, particularly Gosling's, I was seeing the characters not the actors. I think Alonso hits the nail on the head at the very end of this review when he says "I think we're too demanding." This is a film that takes risks, is very ambitious, and is beautifully constructed. It has flaws, but in an age of cynically made sequels, prequels, spin offs, reboots, and formulaic superhero movies I'll take a movie like The Place Beyond The Pines any day.

[@sillylittletroy]

Ebert The Great passes and THIS is what we're left with?!

[@IamSnoogans]

To Christie's point about Pines not being as vivid as Blue Valentine: I thought both films were equally vivid, but I felt it more so with Pines because I related to it. There are a couple of scenes that mirror unresolved issues in my own life and they resonate with honesty. I'd be surprised if any male viewer with father complications did not take something away from this film. Those are the people it was made for and I thank Cianfrance for making it.

[@hassanilahi909]

Characters not fully drawn? Are you kidding me? I'm pretty sure you guys saw a different film from what I did. The characters are believable, emotionally resonant and highly memorable. You care for them, come to empathize with the reason behind their actions and identify with their situations.

[@azza1356]

I know they touched on Dane DeHaan....VERY briefly, but i thought he was superb in this film. The scene where him and Emory Cohen met in the lunch room was great to me. I didn't think this film was absolutely great, but to say that it didn't really surprise me and grasp my attention, i would be lying. But i said, Dane DeHaan was awesome and I'll be looking out for some of his up coming films.

[@therednovember]

The 3 acts transition pretty smoothly theres really no abrupt cuts and scene confusion the movie is very steady

[@GreenDayforeva1]

These critics obviously haven't grasped the meaning of this movie. They go on complaining about unimportant things such as makeup and clothes, but don't talk about the fantastic performances, great soundtrack and boundary-breaking script. They seem to have totally missed the purpose of the film.

[@JayCutUp]

Just finished it. Ending was great but a little wasted to me. Is it still film of the year? Cuz i need to know if i missed any good ones this year.

[@Gavin48]

Christy Lemire is an enigma to me. Sometimes she talks complete non sense and sometimes out of the blue she shows she deserves to have the job of a critic. She's weird

[@blueeyesaf]

In all honesty if Ryan Gosling and Eve Mendes had a kid it would be WAY better looking than the guy they got to play the kid as a teen. He's not ugly but he should looks like an abercrombie and fitch model with two parents like that.

[@gravityvertigo13579]

It feels like Alonso goes back on himself. He's making fun of the fact that the actors are beautiful, then expresses annoyance when people insist actors shouldn't be beautiful if their characters aren't. Don't know what point he was trying to make here.

[@gravityvertigo13579]

"I am high." Alonso explaining why his criticisms didn't make sense.

[@JosHDaviE94]

Ridiculous...This film was incredible! I disagree that the characters are under-drawn(we don't need to know everything about them for the plot to work) and I TOTALLY disagree that we, as viewers, don't care what happens to them; I certainly did, more so than in Blue Valentine actually. An underrated American masterpiece. I am in awe of Derek Cianfrance.

[@townsjim]

Film of the year so far for me

[@lhcabela5851]

They basically just said that working class “dumpy” people can’t be attractive. Wtf kind of standards are you people living by ?

[@film_first_productions]

"What did we not see?" That's a good question Christy. Apparently, you guys are so caught up in your own subjectivity you're incapable of enjoying this movie.

[@NYCsports1]

Well if my opinion means anything I just saw the film... Gosling is incredible and tremendously layered (as always,) he'll intimidate you and break your heart at the same time. Mendes plays off him beautifully. Bradley Cooper gives it his all but is held down by some contrived writing. Look out for Ben Mendhlson, chews up the scenery but in a totally non over the top way. In general you get your money's worth in the first act, then you make of the rest what you will.

[@Brotherfease]

The problem with critical reviews is a lack of a consistent scale. Some critics for example consider a C+ or B- as a positive, while others see it as a negative. Some critics are tougher graders than others. So for example, Critic A could rarely give out perfect scores, while another group Critic B could give it out about 20 times a season. The Tomatometer attempts to create a consistent system: it's either + or -. And the higher you go, the more likely it is going to get a high mean score.

[@ClydeNut]

christy really needs to stop saying "self-serious". that's not a good criticism and it never will be

[@Brotherfease]

Correct. It's very deceptive of them. The Tomatometer is only an approval rating. It does not ask critics to rate movies from 0 to 10. If people want to know RT.com's critical mean score, then they need to look below the Tomatometer. At this point in time, it has a 7.1/10, which is good and in Oscar territory.

[@gillmaster96]

I actually agree with part of what Alonso was saying. this movie seem like it could've been split into multiple different movies. I really liked the movie they introduced to us at the beginning wit Gosling but when he died it took a whole new direction. then they got into the whole dirty cops thing and introducing us to Bradley Cooper. after that they introduced their kids. it all kinda came together but was somewhat unnecessary, they were just trying to do a little too much. 6.9/10

[@CryWolfFilms]

I've never seen you guys be more wrong about a movie. It was amazing. Better than Blue Valentine even.

[@RockBottomRiser21]

I'm only a minute and a half in and she spoiled to much. Go and see it knowing little, you'll be very pleasantly surprised.

[@dejavu4evrrr]

This was the best film I've seen in a LONG time."They Grey" is another film like this one, that really captures the human condition. If you missed the point of this film, then you should reevaluate yourself. Avery was not justified in killing Luke, and Luke was not justified in robbing banks.Killing Luke obviously haunted Avery for the rest of his life (which is why he had the picture among other things). The end was perfect, because the Glanton's (Luke and Jason)were NOT killers.Brilliant film.

[@moviehypno23]

I thought this film was outstanding, yet somewhat rushed. But I disagree about the characters: I thought they were exceptionally well done and rose above simple "types"

[@bigdaddychacha]

Love What The Flick, and more recently Breakfast All Day, but you guys are totally off on this one. I loved “The Place Beyond The Pines,” and I thought “Drive” was kind of even a poorer knockoff of this, although it was still pretty good. And “Blue Valentine” was such a snore fest, I couldn’t finish it! This director obviously has a huge man-crush on Ryan Gosling, which, okay, whatever, but this was an outstanding movie. I’ve known people in real life who were like Gosling’s character in this. I’ve had the festival/carnie people that roll through our small town once a year. I’ve often wondered whatever happened to the petty criminals of the 1990s. This movie was beautiful. I’ll make you guys a deal; you go back and rewatch this with a fresh mind and I’ll give “Blue Valentine” a second chance.

[@sebm3029]

Spring Breakers succeeded at what it wanted to be. The Place Beyond The Pines fell short. just because its a more 'epic' film, doesnt mean its better

[@kgdblade]

This has given me the info I need to anticipate this move quite a bit. My calibration with WTF states that they always get too caught up in character development and forget to let the visuals tell the story. They disliked Cloud Atlas for the exact same critique, but I loved that one for the ability to of the filmmakers to fill an entire backstory with just a bit of visual and emotion. This one seems like just the ticket!

[@IAmTheRealDrake]

This is the worst movie review I have ever seen. Quit comparing it to Blue Valentine and talking about how the actors look and open your eyes when you're watching a film as beautifully crafted as The Place Beyond the Pines.

[@42k78]

This made me feel like I'm bad at watching movies. This film was so entrancing and flawless to me but nothing you two said was really "wrong". I think you two did a great job bringing up imperfections that I never thought of. I can't NOT enjoy this movie for some reason. It's just so much fun to look at.

[@sebm3029]

Alonso couldnt be more spot on. if it wanted to keep the structure it had, it shouldve been an hour longer. it just skims the surface of the stories, and crappy haircuts and body tattoos arent a substitute for well developed characters. it doesnt give itself enough time to dig deep. as soon as it starts to invest some time, it immediately jumps to the next story. theres a really good film in here somewhere, but atm, this is just the 'cliff notes version', as Alonso puts it.

[@drkryan21]

This is the most unprofessional review i ever saw

[@anthonyyaboyant]

I loved Christy's laugh at the beginning. Made me laugh.

[@IainWhoCantSleep]

i had no idea that those two where gosling and coopers children until i seen it in the theater... show me a trailer where they reveal this.

[@GnosticAtheist]

Question; does WTF do series and if so, have they ever done shameless? I would want a shameless UK/US commentary. I am probably not going to like it, but I would still want to hear it.

[@TheTruthiest]

I finally got around to seeing this and I agree with Alonso. I loved Blue Valentine for its respect for realism and refusal to dumb itself down. I really liked parts of this for the same reasons, but I just don't think it came together in the end. The jump forward in time seemed rushed and the final act did not work as well as a result. If they had an extra hour or so, I think it would have been much better.

[@austinmk]

I agree with your review of this movie. I think there is something missing from the story. I cant say that at the end of the movie I cared about any of the characters. I think Charlize Theron did an amazing job in Monster. Her portrayal of Aileen was spot on. I think it also says something about her courage. She easily could have stuck with more glamorous roles.

[@KydzPlays]

You should watch this movie again.

[@BuncleRuntz]

I don't ever comment on youtube, but you guys are considered movie critics? The fact that y'all spent a whole minute talking about how dumb it is that attractive actors are trying to play lower class citizens in movies is absolutely idiotic. Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper are incredible actors. Just because the media makes them out to be sex symbols doesn't mean they can't be great actors.

[@theguy134]

I come to what the flick to disagree with Christy... I usually disagree with everything she says on every review. I wish Matt saw it so I could listen to his opinion. His reviews of movies are the best in my opinion.

[@Brotherfease]

RT.com provides both. You can see a film's approval rating and critical mean. I am not a big fan of Metacritic. They double count reviews, only have about 28 to 43 reviews total, provide grades for reviews without critical grades, and count a 2.5/4 as a positive review, even though critics like Ebert and Travers consider them negative. To be continued.

[@sammci]

Why do these guys always have to criticise the length of the film if it is over 90 minutes?

[@jakejonescomedy]

Wow, I thought this was gonna be like the next No Country for Old Men from the trailers, some existentialist masterpiece.

[@TaylorG0014]

Couldn't agree more. I felt emotionally affected by the characters situations. I honestly feel bad for these guys that they couldn't see the point of the movie or take part in the characters.

[@phoenixrising7777]

I agree with this. A great movie is in there but it just wasn't executed quite right. Bradley never truly comes out with the truth and characters walk around just doing things because the plot requires it but doesn't really explain it. The story lends itself more to the novel to the point that I thought this movie was an adaptation. Perhaps inter-splicing the stories or just having a 5 minute hint of third act or skip the third act completely would have been better.

[@nestorm4]

Horrible review. This is one of the best movies in a while. So powerful.

[@johnfee2000]

this movie was amazing and I thought they did almost everything right.

[@TorusSaper]

Loved this movie. I'm from Schenectady, and It's neat when I go get ice cream from Dairy Circus

[@Saarsalem]

Did anyone notice the puppet in the red shirt on the left?

[@ret6578]

I have to kind of agree with Alonso. It feels like it should have been split into about 2 or 3 different movies, or maybe a TV mini series. There was just too much stuff they tried to fit into 1 movie. Then the third part seems like it was too much of a coincidence. I still liked the movie but it could have been brilliant.

[@asdesai-93]

Even thought I don't agree with any of these guys on any thing they're saying regarding the film. But the fact Alonso doesn't like the fact that any attractive person can't play a role of working class baffles me. It's not really a good criticism, what are they suppose to play horrible rich pricks who win all the time?

[@GnosticAtheist]

Fuck glamorous. The original shameless (UK) shows the difference between charisma and "glamour".

[@dwnlg565]

watch this review if you want spoilers. I feel as if these reviewers are too caught up with the looks of these characters & aren't concentrating on what the movie is really about.

[@xKOBEisKiNGx24x]

Terrific movie. Outstanding acting and cinimatogrophy. Even the music was great. Very unpredictable movie , definently deserves attention in the awards this year

[@dlson65]

If they got the movie they were explaining they'd talk about how it should be more like place beyond the pines

[@musicmann1967]

I actually liked this one better than "Blue Valentine", but I know that puts me in the minority. BV just seemed like a Method Actors workshop to me. TPBTP seemed a bit more real to me. i dug it.

[@OsheaReignMusic]

I dislike watching the "Whattheflick" reviews because it usually seems that these people are LOOKING for a reason to dislike the movies they review. Who knows, maybe they genuinely dislike the films they're so negative about but their negativity towards many of the movies they've reviewed from this generation seems. . . well. . . spiteful. . .

[@k8ieedits]

Could you guys touch on other aspects other than the plot of the movie, like I don't know, the amazing fucking acting that went on. Dane DeHaan obviously being the best actor in this movie.. is just amazing and you guys mention once but you never touch on his performance. You guys need a more structured review show if you guys are actually gonna be a review show. You guys literally said one thing about the movie and then danced around that one subject the whole time without touching on anything at all. Like.. costume design was the only thing you guys could talk about and the fact that it had more than one storyline, god forbid.

[@jazhou83]

this is one of the worst reviews i’ve ever seen. first of all, they need to give spoiler warnings. second of all, they need to rethink their profession. one of their criticism is that the actors are too good looking. seriously don’t listen to anything they say.

[@FredSlyFinger]

at 2:21 i disagree i have seen this movie and i felt the charaters were very well done, for example i was very attached as a observers of this movie to luke

[@MrHOFFA10]

I was born an raised in Schenectady. And yes We say fuck you as a term of affection. But all the same Pines is Mohawk for Schenectady. Please correct ur self.

[@dannyapeshit]

Who cares what the critics' consensus thinks. Most of them seem to eventually jump in the band wagon to be in the safe zone. I remember taking script writing classes and they really want to force you to follow a specific set of rules to gain the critic consensus. Which is conflict-resolution redundancy, character arc, etc. Looking to see if movies "work" according to those guide lines gets boring. Don't get me wrong, I still look at the critics' consensus but only with a grain of salt.

[@Ha1frican]

Having lived in schenectady my whole life its wierd having a movie set here because normally its set in NYC

[@AliHSyed]

they seriously gave this a lower score than spring breakers.?? you've got to be kidding me..

[@thearchangel518]

These people are bashing the movie when in reality it is the best movie i have ever seen.

[@lancecameron183]

It's already been done before in Woody Allen's TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN (1969). Sadly, I can't find a clip but you should look out for the film.

[@basquat76]

Gosling must have been a mechanic in a previous life. That or he's found his niche and milking for everything it's worth.

[@thecowardford]

What The Flick has got to be the most picky critique show ever. Not once did you mention performances other than insignificant ones that weren't on the marquee. You also didn't mention the flawlessness of the soundtrack and atmosphere, as well the gripping feeling that goes through the entire movie. I wish I could become a critic and go on to your show and just disagree with you guys on everything. Seriously, you need a wake up call on how shallow you guys are.

[@joshuafletcher4501]

Why review movies if you clearly don’t like good movie? This is a very good film it’s disgusting to see all three of these clowns completely not get it.

[@Shiggystardust]

yeah but the last bit wasn't. even if u get past the fact that cooper and mendez where in the same city by coincidence. why would cooper send his son to shitty public school when you know he would be sent to some high class private school. because for that part the writing was lazy and wanted some way for the two sons to meet.

[@Shiggystardust]

this movie is for anyone who enjoys movies like a guide to recognising your saints. it's an acquired taste of cinema and not for everyone

[@mactrickson7581]

Wow you didn't even let the third guy talk

[@CJOkeke27]

Anna Mendes?

[@Kawa11g1rl]

I'm so surprised that they didn't like it. Wow

[@wackolantern]

What the Flick indeed! How can that guy critique the casting and make up of these characters? The clothing and make up were of an era, as the woman pointed out, it was set in the 90s. What did he expect them to wear? That is one of the weakest reviews I've ever watched.

[@trmnatr21]

wait... Did Matt say anything???

[@Davyleek]

gotta admit this movie creeps up on you , i seen it advertised and never bothered with it and just watched it because i had nothing else to see , great movie , its almost like a trilogy in one movie , the first hour could be made into a movie on its own and half way it turns into a different movie and by the end you are satisfied with an end

[@OlympicPlatinum]

Drive 2. Half the Wheels. Twice the Action.

[@OLuckyMan1973]

I named it Best Film of 2010, but to each his fucking own, right?

[@sonicman52]

Hardly a review . . .

[@WelcomeToThe92503]

Ryan Gosling got the Isiah Toothtaker eye tat. Machina Muerte!!!!

[@hkmrsrg1367]

I really like Blue Valentine, it felt so real.

[@SuperLLL]

Would have worked much better had it been set up as a TV series

[@cjwright79]

Damn, Christy looks good in those jeans.

[@alex93md]

Leave the theatre at the 110 min mark and you'll enjoy it more the conclusion with the sons is really terrible

[@mcwarhol17]

Alright you guys let me down; your reviewing the "potential" of the film, the clothing of the actors and the actor's career?!?!?!?! The film was phenomenal and amazing story telling. Please respectfully stfu

[@fliiguy247]

this was a horrible review. the movie was great. notice how critics down a movie for being too stylistic or not stylistic enough. overthinking things as if their refined taste allows them to see beyond what a normal moviegoer might see. pointless

[@captcrais101]

There are the Schmoes, Jeremy Jahns, Chris Stuckman, and other critics on youtube

[@alex93md]

Really I think the middle part with cooper is the best stuff, the conclusion with gosling's son is really terrible and ruins the movie, but thats only in the last 20 mins

[@ClydeNut]

3:50 so....they're too attractive for you to believe them? that's just a stupid argument from front to back -_____-