What Doesn't Kill You (2008)

That was an excellent one.

Perfect cast and a good story

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

I liked this more than I expected to. It's a story that's been told many times before but the great performances from Ethan Hawke and especially Mark Ruffalo -whose struggle going straight (and clean) both really captured me.It's the story of two childhood friends from South Boston who graduate from a life of petty crime to working for a local organized crime boss and then after a stint in jail try to go straight. I liked how this was filmed to appear gritty and cold all the time, really adding to the mood.My only real problem would have to be the ending which could have been better. At first I was confused by 'Brian's' view of what could happen, thinking it did happen, and then after everything all we get is a written epilogue as to the fate of Paulie, what a wasted opportunity that was. I wanted to see how "that" played out, not just get a by-the-way.This story also wouldn't be complete without a Wahlberg (they seem to be in all things Boston) and here Donnie plays a detective. 10/13

First time ever to see Ethan, he was outstanding. Have liked Ruffalo's acting since Zodiac, have seen very few actors with the on-screen believability portrayed here, he was spot-on as a tough kid, temperamental, mean on the outside, soft underneath when it came to friends and their family. As a crime kid, he knows no other way, and of course feels screwed when life comes up short. the only think that holds Brian together is his kids once he realizes how bad he has let them and their Mother down. Storyline is very good, acting superb down to the bit actors, and the Boston landscape and people are what I would picture them to be in these neighborhoods. Would love to see where the filming was done some day. Reall an underrated film I caught a part of one night and got the DVD and have seen it at least ten times, each time gets better. Love Amanda Peet. she too was the first time ever seeing her in a movie. Such dedication to put up with a guy like Brian all those years. Definitely worth watching at least once. Maybe ten times?

This is a down to earth movie in ways the average person cannot know about. There is a way to make a living going day to day lying, cheating, robbing and stealing and this movie keys into it. What you will see here is nothing new. The actors and story effectively convey the hopelessness and no future in this street fighting life. The film captures how you live from one problem to the next buying time in between. Child hood friends growing up with dysfunction is well portrayed here. When love and stability are missing at home, the streets serve as a pseudo mother and father loving you for all the wrong reasons. Getting high, drunk, showing off, bullying people and wanton disregard for woman and authority is in your face showing itself to be not acceptable, but that is all there is in this life. The prison scenes were mild compared to what really happens in there. The actors and the plot effectively convey that it takes more courage to not live this life than to live correctly and earn your right day by day. We are also reminded that when one of the lead actors to atttempts break free, he definitely changes the course for the better for all people in his life. This film will convey a sobering thought. We may not know what things are and which way to always go, but we sure know what they are not and what not to do...Popcorn, a tasty drink and some snack for this one...and look forward to some quality acting by both lead players...Well done

This is a very underrated film. I think its a shame it never has gotten publicity. I randomly picked it up on the fly for free a local library on DVD and was amazed that I never even have heard of it. There are no gimmicks or high wire stunts this was true to life. We need more of these films to rejuvenate what the cinema has become lately. I was thoroughly impressed on all levels with this film. This could of done very well in the box office if it had marketing at the time. Sadly CGI and fake acting has trumped modern cinema lately. This gritty true to life story beats them all hands down. I give it an 8/10, simply based upon the rehashing of older story-lines together. It still holds its own charm. Rent this movie and you will be surprised how well it was done.