And change it did. Film clicked with me a whole deal more than during my first viewing. The "drag" I described in my first review, that half-hour of scenes in The Capitol of Panem before the "games" start, serves as both lovely character and momentum build-up. Such hauntingly beautiful moments of ambiguity and resignation (and truth). Very good film.

The best film I saw in 2011 was, fittingly, a 2011 film. 'Drive' just doesn't force you to stare at its impossibly-beautiful shots and tap to its slick, pulsating soundtrack... No, it literally demands you to buckle up for your dear life - and the life of Irene and her "Driver" - or else you'll break through the windshield once this car begins to violently tumble down the hill.

Highly recommended for (very) cool people, only.

Brimming with youth and heart, this tale of a young couple defending what is rightfully theirs sparks with tremendous visual audacity (with the best work in cinematography I've seen so far this year), sharp editing, a sumptuous musical score (provided by the enormously-talented Alexandre Desplat) and that familiar, warm and fuzzy "Wes Anderson touch".

The adult cast of industry veterans will surprise you.