The Place Beyond The Pines Review By: MattInRC Overly long and honestly dull, Pines violates a cardinal rule of film-making. Warning: major spoilers ahead. On paper, the character drama The Place Beyond The Pines seems to have a lot going for it: a deep and very talented excellent cast with a sharp director whose 2010 Blue Valentine was a critical success. But that's where this overly ambitious film about fathers, sons, and the strange path of life runs off the rails, while violating a cardinal rule of film-making along the way. When motorcycle daredevil Luke ( Ryan Gosling , Drive) learns that a one-night stand with fan Romina ( Eva Mendes , Training Day) has produced a son,. he quits the carnival and tries to make a normal life. Unfortunately, he soon realizes that his only option is to partner up for a series of bank heists with his boss. But a deadly meeting between he and newbie police officer Avery Cross ( Bradley Cooper , Limitless) ends with Luke in