Three films for the price of one: The Place Beyond The Pines offers indie entertainment

PUBLISHED: 18:16 EST, 11 April 2013 | UPDATED: 06:15 EST, 12 April 2013

The Place Beyond The Pines (15)

Verdict: Over-ambitious U.S. indie

Rating:

At 140 minutes, but a safe bet if you’re in search of entertainment, is The Place Beyond The Pines.

Three films for the price of one, the first stars the capable Ryan Gosling as a motorbike stunt-rider who turns bank-robber to support his illegitimate baby son, born after a one-night stand.

The scenes between Gosling and Eva Mendes (now his real-life girlfriend) have chemistry, and there’s pathos in the way Gosling’s none-too-bright character tries and fails to do the right thing, like the doomed Billy Bigelow in Carousel.

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The Place Beyond the Pines, starring Ryan Gosling as Luke, offers the audience a variety of films

The Place Beyond the Pines, starring Ryan Gosling as Luke, offers the audience a variety of different stories

Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling have chemistry in the film - but cannot save it from its overly ambitious intentions

The second part traces the career of a cop (Bradley Cooper), who again tries to do the right thing when he becomes a hero within his department and attempts to blow the whistle on police corruption.

The third part of the triptych occurs years later, when the cop’s and robber’s sons become friends at high school. Neither tries very hard to do the right thing.

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Derek Cianfrance’s second film is more ambitious than his first, Blue Valentine, and has the sweep of a blockbuster novel.

Unfortunately, Gosling’s charisma unbalances the three stories, making the second and third feel anti-climactic.

Either of the first two sections could have been deepened and expanded to make a decent movie. The third is nowhere near as well acted, and seems tacked on to please a teenage demographic that won’t like the movie anyway.

First Position (U)

Verdict: Moving and inspiring

Four stars

Easily the most rewarding film of the week is this little documentary about children attempting to become ballet dancers.

First Position won’t last long in cinemas, but is well worth catching, whether or not you love dance.

It’s humane, involving and inspirational.

The Place Beyond The Pines Official Trailer

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Comments (10)

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saw this...I thought it was pretty darn good.

- LauraJP , Groveland Florida, United States, 12/4/2013 21:10

Click to rate Rating 2

Great, entertaining movie. Both actors are good.

- Bunnie , Hutch, 12/4/2013 19:50

Click to rate Rating 2

I saw this film last night. It was very good. I've never liked using the term "over-ambitious" to describe a film because most great films are very ambitious, and they should be. The acting is extremely strong, and I liked the feel of the motorcycle scenes. Also, the score is great. As far as the length, it didn't feel too long because as the author of this article states, there are three complex plot lines that all intersect. I highly recommend this film.

- vandywisky , Houston, United States, 12/4/2013 18:54

Click to rate Rating 8

OK I know this is nothing to do with the film, but I do not get the attraction to Ryan Gosling? When I saw the small pic I honestly thought it was a grown up Draco Malfoy?!

- HLo25 , Redruth, United Kingdom, 12/4/2013 17:22

Click to rate Rating 13

Lush!

- Mrs nae offence , Glasgow, United Kingdom, 12/4/2013 14:36

Click to rate Rating 4

This guy is a dreadful actor, they should have awarded the role to a baked potato instead.>>> >>>>>> You clearly havent seen Fracture or Drive then, as his performance in both of those films is mesmerising!

- bishbashbosh , Swindon, United Kingdom, 12/4/2013 11:41

Click to rate Rating 79

The film could of been great but oh my god the ending was so bad and cheesy.

- NMH , In the aeroplane over the sea, 12/4/2013 10:11

Click to rate Rating 10

I'm sorry but he does nothing for me, either as an actor or a so called 'heart throb'. Very ordinary looking, goofy even, young chap.

- daphnegabalot , Dublin, Ireland, 12/4/2013 09:57

Click to rate Rating 48

just one picture :'(???

- lydz22 , London, United Kingdom, 12/4/2013 09:16

Click to rate Rating 50

This guy is a dreadful actor, they should have awarded the role to a baked potato instead.