Average Rating: 6/10
Reviews Counted: 34
Fresh: 22 | Rotten: 12
No consensus yet.
Average Rating: 6.5/10
Critic Reviews: 11
Fresh: 9 | Rotten: 2
No consensus yet.
liked it
Average Rating: 3.1/5
User Ratings: 6,661
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
Dec 12, 2008 Wide
Apr 28, 2009
Yari Film Group
All Critics (34) | Top Critics (11) | Fresh (22) | Rotten (12) | DVD (1)
The overfamiliarity of What Doesn't Kill You is redeemed by a full-scale performance from Mark Ruffalo.
I 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.
It's admirable that Brian Goodman came back from life on the streets, two jail terms and a bad drug habit to make a movie, but considering its real life genesis the movie feels awfully warmed over
Interesting, and worth while, crime drama about small time thieves in Boston. This is well made, and the acting is very good. A little slow at times, but the overall story is decent. Bottom line: the moral of this story is - crime does not pay.
May 23, 2011Super Reviewer
Cast: Mark Ruffalo, Ethan Hawke, Amanda Peet, Will Lyman, Brian Goodman, Donnie Wahlberg, Angela Featherstone, Edward Lynch, Bates Wilder 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
August 25, 2009
Super Reviewer
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