WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU (2008)

Cast: Mark Ruffalo, Ethan Hawke, Amamda Peet, Angela Featherstone, Lindsay McKeon, Brian Goodman, Donnie Wahlberg, Eddie Lynch, Will Lyman

Directed By: Brian Goodman
Written By: Brian Goodman & Donnie Wahlberg & Paul T. Murray
Cinematography By: Chris Norr
Editor: Robert Hoffman

The problem with this film is that since it is based on a true story there are only a certain amount of liberties you can take with the story.

It would have been nice to learn a bit more about the side characters who are actually more interesting then the lead character but we only get slight glimpses into there lives which leaves you wanting more.

That alas is the movies big problem it is interesting and you can get into it but it feels like a story you have seen plenty of times before and the things that could set it apart isn’t going to be in it because it is based on the director’s life and wants to stay as true to the situations that it allows. So whle you would expect more sex and or violence it remains rather tame in both.

This film doesn’t glamorize the criminal life but shows it’s more mundane day to day existence there are some joys but many lows and not as much money as you would expect and you have to keep hustling and making deals just to make a nice chunk of change and have a continuing income.

The film does have it’s dramatic scenes as it tells of criminal life redemption addiction and trying to do what’s right by friends and family due to obligations and getting clean and your life in order. Mostly through one character’s eyes but you always have a sense of what’s going to happen next there is little to no surprise in the film.

It doesn’t help that the film and it’s story is presented it comes off devoid of color and bland. Since it is a story of redemption if you are looking for a violent gangster story this is not the type of film for you. It tells one characters story who is not that deep into the gangster life.

It tries to tell the life story of the lead but the early scenes while defining the code of the streets goes by so fast you don’t really feel it gives any deeper insights into the characters plus the film jumps around in times a few times that it leaves you to wonder what exactly happened during those years and how it may have changed them. Like for instance when he becomes addicted to drugs I understand it is from the pressure but they could have explained it a little better because it seems he just drinks then the next scene he just want to get high no build-up at all. One scene while in prison with a child molester and there beating him up seems more like a scene there to make the characters sympathetic and just.


Donnie Wahlberg who has proven himself a good actor after moving on from his music group the new kids on the block not only appears in the film but also helped co-write it. The film feels authentic but not a story that seems that filmable. It is a nice attempt and it has potential but turns about disappointing.

Mark Ruffalo is a actor I always though of as dependent but has never impressed me that may be the allure of him as a actor to critics and filmmakers he doesn’t showboat but you totally believe him as the character he is playing because he easily immerses himself so thoroughly and doesn’t take away from his fellow actors while garnering attention for himself at the same time.

Ethan Hawke seems to be making a habit at this point in his career by playing criminals, hoods or cops. Much more dangerous characters then when his career first started and he is good at it. I really liked his character and wished he was in more of the film.

It’s a ok rental

GRADE: C