Good concept, poorly executed.

Clever, believable, and super fun to watch. It totally has replay value.

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

"What Doesn't Kill You" is apparently based on the life of the writer/director of the film, Brian Goodman. I assume the character Brian Reilly (Mark Ruffalo) in the film is supposed to be Goodman.The first 80% of the film is unpleasant....you should be aware of this. It follows the low-life exploits of Brian and his pal, Paulie (Ethan Hawke). When I say exploits, I mostly mean criminal behaviors as the pair were apparently low-level hoods in Boston years ago. Their crimes included mostly shakedowns as well as drug use...but they even were involved in the kidnapping...of a dog! Because their actions were so violent and selfish, I really disliked this film...and it wasn't until later in the picture, when Brian got tired of the life, that it became interesting and involved me. The bottom line is that the movie is very well made and the acting quite nice. It's just that wading through the awfulness of Brian and Paulie's lives...that takes a lot of patience. If you stick with it, you will, fortunately, be rewarded.

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.

this is a very well done film in all aspects.the look of the film,the tone,the acting.it's based on a true story,but how much is true and how much has been tweaked for dramatic purposes is anyone's guess.regardless,it's a good film.Ethan Hake and Mark Ruffalo play two lifelong friends who grow up on the tough streets of Boston and turn to petty crime early on.eventually things spiral out of control,and one of of the friends is faced with a moral dilemma and makes a hard choice.there have been a few films set in Boston,The Departed(which i loved)being one,and Gone,Baby Gone,which was disappointing.Boston certainly has a unique look to it,which lends itself to these types of movies.both Hawke and Ruffalo are great as is Amanda Peet.for me,What Doesn't Kill you is a solid 8/10