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Dome Pondering Movie Review: The Place Beyond The Pines (2012)

What is it about?

The life of two  men and their eventual encounter causes a ripple effect in their lives, in the lives of their loved ones, and in the lives of their children.

Who is in it?

Ryan Gosling - Luke

Bradley Cooper - Avery

Eva Mendez - Romina

Favorite Scene:

[Spoiler Alert!]

After robbing one too many banks, Luke ends up in a high speed chase which ends in a random neighborhood house, determining his fate and causing a ripple effect in the lives of many.

Favorite Quote:

"Got a kid? You wanna provide for that kid? You want to edge out your competition? You gotta do that using your skill set. And your skill set? Very unique."

Review:

The Place Beyond The Pines is probably one of the best movies you will never hear about. I know I never heard abut it until I randomly came upon it and decied to give it a try.  After all, with star talent like Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, and Eva Mendez in one film, one would think it would be pretty decent, right? 

This film is fantastic. A bit slow in the first half-hour as you attempt to foreshadow the story, but the film's beauty comes with it's storytelling. The Place Beyond The Pines is a combination of three distinct stories in one - starting with the life of "Luke", then moving to that of "Avery", ending fifteen years later with the offspring of both men. 

This film is utterly wonderful because of said storytelling, and for the deep characters and though-provoking ethics it provides. With good people doing bad things, and perceived bad people being good people. It dives into the different shades of characteristics, emotions, and life decisions that make up the human race, and often, how ill-perceived we are in our judgments. 

Again, this film is fantastic. I recommend seeking this one out from under the crushing egos of other well-known, disappointing films. 

Review: 4.25/5

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