This is a movie for film buffs, not for car lovers. As you've probably noticed, the bad reviews come from car lovers who were hoping for a car chase movie. This isn't that movie.
This is a movie about characters; people who draw you in and who you want to know more about.
It's also a movie about the art of film making and how style can deliver substance. The director, Nicolas Winding Refn, brings a vision to this movie that is both fresh and yet familiar. Film noir meets street style.
This is also an actors movie. The sparse dialog means they bring their characters to us through the play of emotions on their faces as much as through their words. Carey Mulligan and Ryan Gosling have a great chemistry and they really don't need to say anything because you can see what they're feeling.
I also have to say that the "extras" that come with this edition are among the best I've ever seen. The interview with Nicolas Winding Refn is really great and the fact is, I've watched the extras more times than the movie.
If you're a film buff, you will want to own this movie.
What's great about it: The acting, the style, the way this movie takes you out of yourself and into a different world.
What's not so great: Not for everyone, but that's not a bad thing.