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Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week!

Drive
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Albert Brooks, Oscar Isaac, and Bryan Cranston

Synopsis: “Drive” is an interesting film. It’s got a simple plot, simple but sturdy performances, and a sparse cinematic sense thanks to director Nicolas Winding Refn. It’ also one of the better films to be released in the past few months. Refn and star Ryan Gosling keep it simple throughout most of the film so that when the big moments come, they land with extreme intensity. The film, based on a novel from James Sallis, centers on Driver (Gosling) who is incredible at what he does. He is a stunt driver for films, a mechanic, and the best getaway driver available. There is a sparseness to this production that works in its favor. The dialogue is simple and a good deal of the film is told visually — including a great opening sequence that sets the tone for the film and sets the tone for Driver as a character. That is a credit to Refn. One of the aspects of the Coen Brothers’ “No Country For Old Men” I liked best was the way it relied on simple dialogue and almost no music to draw you in before hitting you with action sequences. Though Refn stylized this film differently, he uses the same techniques. The film is fairly quiet and thoughtfully paced, but when the action sequences come they are brutal and striking. Particularly striking is how quickly Driver is drawn into violence. During a couple key sequences — one set in a motel and the other in an elevator — Refn uses slow motion and stillness to create a stark contrast to the quick, brutal violence necessary for Driver to escape and protect those he cares about. As you’d expect, the driving sequences are engrossing and well done also. The opening sequence showcases Driver’s skill while serving as a compelling chase sequence that gets you into the world. There are several other fascinating chase sequences that follow that add to the dynamic presentation here. What finally helps the film work are the performances. Gosling is great in the lead role, using facial expressions and physical action to convey a great deal of his character’s internal dialogue and intensity. Gosling is surrounded by a good group of supporting actors as well. Cranston does a nice job as his friend and partner in crime, Mulligan does a nice job of creating dramatic romantic tension in his personal life, and Issac, in limited work, does well to make Standard a three-dimensional character. In the role as the main villain, Brooks demonstrates a good deal of range. He has some of the most fascinating dialogue sequences but also does well when Bernie gets into the action. “Drive” is certainly a film that benefited from the cast, crew and director working toward a singular vision. You can see how all the pieces fit together, and it takes a story that is good and turns it into a film that is visually engaging and compelling.

Rating: R for strong brutal bloody violence, language and some nudity. Enter with caution.

Verdict: Four stars out of four.

I Don't Know How She Does It

Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Greg Kinnear, Pierce Brosnan, Kelsey Grammer, Seth Meyers, Christina Hendricks, and Olivia Munn

Synopsis: Ugh... Where to begin. This movie is fine. For a certain group of viewers, it will probably even be a pleasant experience. It is also nice to see Sarah Jessica Parker in a more normal role following her "Sex and the City" experience. But there are a couple problems with this film. First, it's way too predictable. There's not a lot of mystery to the story, which means you are relying solely on execution to nail the jokes. That's not great here either. That's not to say there aren't some funny moments and scenes — there are — it's just not sustained throughout. There's also another part to the plot, the part that focuses on telling an honest, emotionally riveting story about changing perceptions and the struggles of working women. This, in theory, is a noble pursuit. However, this film seems to marginalize all the male characters, making them predominantly two-dimensional, in order to drive home a point. And that point, sadly, is based on cliches that I don't totally buy into in 2011. So what the film has to say is true, but the way it goes about saying it, and the way the film depicts societal norms in 2011, doesn't strike me as particularly accurate. And, in some ways, I think this film is unkind to women. There are some hideous cliches about women who work, and women who don't work, that made me cringe. Overall, there have been far worse films this year, but this film isn't compelling and isn't memorable.

Rating: PG-13 for sexual references

Verdict: Two stars out of four.

Coming Soon:

Friday, Sept. 23 — "Abduction," "Moneyball," "Killer Elite," "A Dolphin's Tale"

Friday, Sept. 30 — "50/50," "Courageous," "Dream House," "What's Your Number"