Adrenaline Drive (1999)

Good movie but grossly overrated

As Good As It Gets

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

Rented this from Netflix. The look of this film is slightly low budget, but it complements the bizarre situations in the movie well. Think "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" only in Japanese and less overt violence. The acting is good and the story is very very good and funny. Cinematic ally, it's not much to look at. The movie concentrates on telling the story as clearly as possible and it does a good job doing it. Although the movie itself is pretty tame, there is some strong language in the subtitles that younger children probably shouldn't be exposed to. Another movie that you may like if you like this one is "Wasabi" with Jean Reno and Ryoko Hirosue. It's worth a rent!

I have to give "Adrenaline Drive" a lot of credit. There were a lot of amusing moments and the numerous shifts in alliances was unexpected. But the central characters of the movie, a young couple, didn't work for me at all. First of all, neither character was very bright. Why would you steal a load of money and then "hide" in a glamorous hotel, making phone calls and telling people where you are? Furthermore, the young man was a walking doormat. It's very irritating to watch a movie centered around a guy who is a pushover. Most of the film he is being pushed around by everyone he comes in contact with, including the young nurse who is the one person you'd think he'd manage to stand up to. Speaking of the nurse, she naturally goes through one of those magical "makeovers" where a pretty girl wearing glasses transforms into a beautiful one with contact lenses.And I had a lot of trouble accepting how much these people accomplished while seriously injured. The guy nearly breaks his leg in the early accident yet is able to outrun a pack of Yakuza thugs? The gangster manages to survive THREE major, life-threatening events and within a week or two he's merely on crutches, fighting with people. By the end of the film I was just waiting for the end. I won't say I hated it but I can't recommend it either.

Don't be fooled by the title. This film is in no way an "adrenaline drive." It moves slowly with the romantic comedy far apart. But thats not a reason not to watch this movie. Don't think of it as a "movie" but as a look into Japanese life. This movie centers around a rental car guy and a shy nurse. When they find a case of money they decide to run away together. But when Yakuza gang members find out they go after. This is a great movie to watch because you find out how the Japanese think and their culture. And how much similar they are to Americans in terms of how they live,their shops,etc. This is more than enough reason to watch this movie.

Though fluffy and lacking purpose, Adrenaline Drive is extremely enjoyable. A parody of popular Japanese movies, it pokes fun at nearly every aspect of the typical take-the-money-and-run film. It simultaneously made me cringe and laugh out loud. Definitely not to be missed by anyone who can stand the familiar plot.