This naturalistic drama is ambitious to the point of being unwieldy... But once the story has advanced from one generation to the next and its thematic sweep has become apparent, these flaws seem much more tolerable. J. R. Jones-Chicago Reader
"Pines" is hardy stuff, but it's at its toughest when Gosling's on screen. Tom Long-Detroit News
The Place Beyond the Pines is hackneyed and dull: Not a single moment rings true. Rene Rodriguez-Miami Herald
This is a story about legacy, the sins of the father, the restlessness in our souls. It's powerful, it's bold, it hits you hard. Steven Rea-Philadelphia Inquirer
Cianfrance and his sterling cast keep it all together, vanquishing doubt and soap suds. There's a palpable sense of teamwork that brings out the best in all of these players. Peter Howell-Toronto Star
Its three stories are so loosely connected, its themes so scattered -- morality, justice, fate, fatherhood -- that it never manages to make a point. Rafer Guzman-Newsday
A film of two distinct halves and it works to provide a dual character study of paternity and legacy Cameron Williams-The Popcorn Junkie
The most satisfying cinematic experience we've had at the multiplex thus far this year, and largely through its disinterest in playing along with movie trends. Peter Canavese-Groucho Reviews
Not since Steve McQueen has any man looked cooler on a motorbike. Men admire him, women adore him, Ryan Gosling proves again, he is the most dynamic film star working in cinema today. Brian Henry Martin-UTV
Great cast but the script meanders and ends up nowhere. Jackie K. Cooper-jackiekcooper.com
It allows you to really observe its characters and to ponder the themes that fuel the plot. For that reason, it is a film that makes a deeply emotional impact. Mike McGranaghan-Aisle Seat
The mythically tinged final scene brings events full circle in a way that is superficially satisfying while also conceding that the movie's chief concern is men and the art of motorcycle maintenance. Ryan Gilbey-New Statesman
"It's up to the actors to figure this out, and they try...but The Place Beyond the Pines displays a strange paternalistic streak." Richard von Busack-MetroActive
Dove into deep psychological turf but without coming up with significant insights. Dennis Schwartz-Ozus' World Movie Reviews
By the time director and co-writer Derek Cianfrance gets to the third act, it's a soap opera and not a very good one. Gary Wolcott-Tri-City Herald
Gosling and Cooper in a movie? Yeah, you should go. Bob Grimm-Tucson Weekly
Pines Intrigues then Pulls its Punches Charles Koplinski-Illinois Times
Basically a two act play, "The Place Beyond the Pines" attempts to be a clever puzzle but by the time the pieces are put into place you just want to sweep the whole thing off the table Michael A. Smith-MediaMikes
Somehow, perhaps to the credit of the disarming Gosling and even Cooper, who perfectly delivers the hero-cop-turned-pariah, Cianfrance keeps us absorbed through three very intimate and heart-rending character studies. Manori Ravindran-National Post
The actors lift the story above and beyond. Kelly Vance-East Bay Express
Like Cianfrance's Blue Valentine, which also starred Gosling, this film deepens with a second viewing, the repeats, coincidences and echoes in scenes creating almost a genetic memory of a previous life. Kate Muir-Times [UK]
Duck out at the 110 minute mark and don't look back. Ed Whitfield-The Ooh Tray
Roger Ebert once said, 'It's not what a movie is about, it's how it is about it,' and that applies 100 percent to this movie, a haunting film that makes something new out of the tradition of sprawling epic tragedies told in linear fashion. Eric Melin-Scene-Stealers.com
A great film that captures how every decision you make has its repercussions. Jolene Mendez-Entertainment Spectrum
a film for sinners that can't even bother to see the fun and comfort in sinning. Chris Cabin-Film Racket
The Place Beyond the Pines is an engrossing, extremely well designed and acted film. Philip French-Observer [UK]
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