What Doesn't Kill You (2008)
Average Rating: 6/10
Reviews Counted: 34
Fresh: 22 | Rotten: 12
No consensus yet.
Average Rating: 6.3/10
Critic Reviews: 13
Fresh: 11 | Rotten: 2
No consensus yet.
liked it
Average Rating: 3.1/5
User Ratings: 6,908
My Rating
Movie Info
Inspired by his own tough childhood on the unforgiving streets of South Boston, director/co-screenwriter (along with Paul T. Murray and Donnie Wahlberg) Brian Goodman's tough-talking crime drama follows the journey of two childhood friends as they attempt to sever their powerful underworld ties. Ever since they were just young kids, Brian (Mark Ruffalo) and Paulie (Ethan Hawke) have always watched out for one another. From the petty crimes and misdemeanors of childhood to more serious criminal
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Cast
-
Mark Ruffalo
Brian -
Ethan Hawke
Paulie -
Amanda Peet
Stacy -
Donnie Wahlberg
Detective Moran -
Brian Goodman
Pat Kelly
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What Doesn't Kill You Trailer & Photos
All Critics (35) | Top Critics (13) | Fresh (22) | Rotten (12) | DVD (1)
The overfamiliarity of What Doesn't Kill You is redeemed by a full-scale performance from Mark Ruffalo.
Top CriticI thought that Brian Goodman managed to put us in this hardscrabble South Boston neighborhood.
Nothing really going on here
It feels, if not like real life, at least like a movie you haven't seen before.
This is a rare case of a movie that improves dramatically as it goes along.
The territory is familiar, both geographically and thematically. But that doesn't detract from its authenticity and power.
For a true-crime story, there's surprisingly little dramatic arc.
Kill You, while stewing in the juices of unapologetic formula, is a more of a direct injection of stark criminal behavior punctuated by exhilarating performances and a soulful dedication to the moody rhythms of despair.
A mostly gripping, well-acted and surprisingly engrossing crime drama. Mark Ruffalo delivers an Oscar worthy performance that's both sensitive and surprisingly moving.
The film is caught in the tension between wanting to provide depth of social implication and gunplay action but the symbiosis doesn't multiply the effect.
Goodman doesn't allow even a hint of postmodernism or self-consciousness to creep into What Doesn't Kill You, and though the movie's various heists and shootouts are gripping, they aren't especially kinetic or stylish.
Been there, seen that-many times-is the best one can say for this wholly predictable autobiographical account of a life in crime.
...undoubtedly benefits from Ruffalo's electrifying turn as Brian...
The film is well done, gritty and raw, clearly showing the desperation in a city where opportunities are limited and crime is just another job. Ethan Hawke is a pretty risky choice as he just screams supermodel, not gangster, but after a bit of drooling,
I guess I should just be happy it didn't end up worse and hope these guys don't come hurt me for saying all this.
Audience Reviews for What Doesn't Kill You
Super Reviewer
Director: Brian Goodman
Summary: Partners in crime Paulie (Ethan Hawke) and Brian (Mark Ruffalo) find themselves at odds after years of pulling dangerous jobs, surviving turf wars and evading a determined detective (Donnie Wahlberg) in this gritty crime drama set in South Boston. The childhood buddies have gone through the wringer together, but when Brian's relationship with his wife (Amanda Peet) begins to fall apart, their loyal friendship is tested.
My Thoughts: "It's a true story that is a bit of a gangster film, but more of a film based on friendship, and a father trying to make the right choices for his family. I really enjoyed Mark Ruffalo and Ethan Hawke together on screen. They were so good together. Very believable as long time besties. I also enjoyed Amanda Peet in this as well. Her screen time with Mark Ruffalo was very emotional and raw. She gave a great performance. It's not a great crime story, but the character's and the performances make up were the story lacks. A good watch on a slow moving night."
Super Reviewer
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