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"The place beyond the pines" is the gripping story of two families, whose destinies intermingle in the most painful of ways. Each character shows a faulty side that seems to overcome any other positive aspect, in a continuous personal fight against the temptations of wickedness.

Luke Glanton (Ryan Gosling) is a shady motor-racer, who appears lost and disinchanted. One day his ex lover Romina (Eva Mendes) shows up and he discovers he has a son with her, Jason. As a consequence, he tries to provide for them, choosing the worst of ways, that is robbing banks. His life path is crossed with the life of policeman Avery Cross (Bradley Cooper), who is later crowned as a hero for his brave work, in spite of hiding his true grim colours. His ambition makes him report the corrupted deeds carried out by his collegues. Even though this may seem as a remarkable act, it is actually yet another step to quench his thirst for power and fame.

The last part of the film focuses on the toxic relationship between the two main characters' sons, Jason and AJ, who have inherted the sins commited by their own fathers.

This film is extremely intense and it touches upon some important issues, such as pain, corruption, ambition, broken human relationships. The photography itself seems to mimic the intense emotions created by the devastating storyline of the film. All the characters are faulty and negative, as they are victims of their human weaknesses. This is made visible thanks to the amazing performances of all the main characters.

A must watch, when you are feeling strong enough!

The Vow is based on a true story and it narrates the relationship between Paige (Rachel McAdams) and Leo (Channing Tatum), a happily married couple whose love bond is deep and intense. Their relationship has brought immense success to their careers too, thanks to their support for one another: Paige is a blossoming artist and Leo has managed to open his own recording studio.

Everything changes when one night they are in a car crash and Paige wakes up with severe memory loss, she cannot remember the last years and she cannot recognise her husband either. Leo will do anything possible to get her back, but the task is an almost impossible one.

What I enjoyed the most is Rachel McAdams, she is charmingly sparkling. Also there are some scenes which are quite funny and bizarre. The portrayal of how their relationship changed, even in their phisicality, is spot on.

However, I didn't like Channing Tatum very much, he seems expressionless throughout the film and most of the time he appears naked to show off his wonderful bodyshape... I felt it was a bit too much.

I didn't quite get the ending either, as it seemed very quick and sudden, especially considering everything that had happened before.

A simple favor is supposed to be a catchy thriller, taking the form of a dark comedy. Unfortunately the real mistery behind this film is the enigma regarding what it really is: a thriller or a comedy? Neither of them, but rather a terrible mix.

The "friendship" between the two main characters, Stephanie, an awkward perfectionist and Emily, a stunning mum suffering from some sort of psychological disorder, is just disturbing and completely unrealistic. Their actions don't make sense, in the same way as the plot itself doesn't.

What I found the most incomprehensible was the subplot regarding Stephanie's relationship with her half-brother: it is completely misplaced and it does not have any connection with the rest of the film. On top of that their scandalous dynamics are just hinted at... there is no depth.

There are far too many things, twists, problems that clash with apparent perfect looks and life styles. It is seriously too much and it just makes the film as a whole grotesque.

Furthermore all the characters are off-putting, I couldn't sympathise with anyone, as I felt they were all fake and annoying.