THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES

This enthralling new movie from filmmaker Derek Cianfrance (BLUE VALENTINE) is a thriller in three acts which link together to tell an engrossing story.  The first part .... by far the strongest .... is the story of Luke a stunt motorcyclist in a travelling carnival who discovers he has a bad son.  This tattooed covered toughie wants to give up on his life on the road and become a dad.  Snag is that Romina, the son's mother. has a new man, and also raising a family takes money. Luke intends to deal with his replacement, but first he sets about trying to get some big money quick.  He is encouraged by a new friend to utilize his biking skills to become a Bank robber which ultimately leads  to his downfall.

The second section is the story of rookie Policeman Avery Cross who is hailed as a hero for a deed he is not particularly proud off.  Avery is a complex man who really didn't know what he wanted out of life before the incident, and is totally confused now.  He is also the father of a new baby, and his wife wants him to leave the Police force and start a new life.  Avery is the son of a State Supreme Court and he read for the Bar but then gave it up to get his hands dirty working on the Beat.  When he uncovers widespread corruption amongst his colleagues he realizes that this is too dirty for him, especially when his Chief tells him to turn a blind an eye to it all.   He can't, and for once he asserts himself and reports the bent cops to the District Attorney in exchange for immunity and a job back in Law.

The final part of the story takes place 15 years later.  Avery is divorced, very successful and is now running for election to be Attorney General.  His 16 year old son A.J. has been left to run wild and now living at his father's house often on his own and he has developed more than a passing liking for drugs.  He has been transferred to another high school for his final year and he seeks out another loner to score some 'supplies' and they strike up a fledgling friendship.  His new pal is Jason, who is Luke's son.  Jason had always been told that his father died in car accident many years ago, but when he discovers the truth, and the part that A.J's father played in it, he seeks to settle some scores to pay for depriving him of a father.

I've been deliberately cagey in my synopsis for fear of giving too many spoilers, because the element of surprise is rather a crucial part of enjoying this movie.  And the story is after all the star of the piece.  Closely followed by the actor's rather electric performances naturally.  Ryan Gosling reunited with Mr Cianfrance is completely mesmerising as the tough looking Luke with the compassionate heart that really wants to make life perfect for Romina and baby Jason.  Bradley Cooper as Avery Cross proves that his exciting performance in 'Silver Linings Paybook' was no fluke, and that he can even top that!  The beautiful Eva Mendes played Romina, Ray Liotta was perfectly menacing as a bent Detective, Harris Yulin as Judge Cross ... but the other actor that really grabbed my attention was young Dane DeHaan with his sensitive portrayal of Jason.  Mr DeHaan also stars in 'Kill Your Darlings' that I saw in Sundance this year and which will be hitting theaters soon ..... he has the makings of a major star, remember you heard it here first!

The film starts with a bang and kind of ends with a whimper with with its third act full of revenge and redemption that runs a tad off the rails.  There was also one minor puzzling element that is still with me now : the fact that AJ who had been brought up in Upstate New York by his well-spoken mother has somehow ended up talking like a thug from some ghetto!

That said these are minor niggles in an excellent movie that was one of those rarities that actually was as good as the hype that preceded it.  Maybe even better.

★★★★★★★★★