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Review of “The Place Beyond the Pines”

Andrew Morales
Staff Writer

Photo By Focus Features
Photo By Focus Features

“The Place Beyond the Pines” is an unforgettable drama that truly captures the essence of the bond between father and son. It delivers three authentic stories that each connect to the last. In each of the stories, we learn that choices change lives.

Ryan Gosling plays Luke, a traveling motorcyclist who, after returning to Schenectady, New York, after a year on the road, finds out he has a son with a former lover, Romina (Eva Mendes). To provide for his son, he uses his only skill set: robbing banks and using his motorcycle for a quick getaway. Halfway through the movie, Bradley Cooper is introduced as Avery Cross, a cop fresh on the scene, who tried to tail Luke. After a confrontation between the two, the consequences reverberate into the next generation. Their sons, Jason (Dane DeHaan) and A.J. (Emory Cohen), must face their fateful, shared legacy.

Each character has their own agenda, although the mindset of providing for the family is what keeps them going. Both Gosling and Cooper have a huge presence on screen and they really do a great job at portraying their characters. The movie is much more interesting than I make it seem, trust me. Choices do not only change your life, but the choices you make pass on down to your children. “The Place Beyond The Pines” nails this theme right on head. The movie is from Derek Cianfrance, the director of Blue Valentine.

“The Place Beyond The Pines” is a new, fresh drama that deserves attention. With a strong cast, moving score and pure cinematic genius, it is definitely something worth experiencing. “The Place Beyond the Pines” hits select theaters this Friday.

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