What Doesn't Kill You

“The story you are about to see is true,” proclaims the opening titles of this semi-autobiographical film from actor-turned-filmmaker Brian Goodman, before dropping the viewer right into the middle of an armored car heist in a snowy Boston parking lot. But the scene is just foreshadowing, with the narrative circling back to chronicle the small-time scams, schemes, and hold-ups conducted by a pair of childhood buddies who “grow up” into adult child-men scratching out a life on the edges of the South Boston underworld. Mark Ruffalo plays Brian Reilly, an erratic character who all but abandons his wife (Amanda Peet, sadly wasted in the part) and two young sons to engage in the hustle of street crime and the escape of drugs. Ethan Hawke costars as his loyal pal Paulie McDougan, who is a little smarter but no genius himself. Both inevitably wind up in prison, but have a tough time trying to go straight once they are released. Goodwin (who gives himself a small role as an Irish crime boss who also lands in prison) never glamorizes the life or code of loyalty and refuses to play the criminal activity for action-movie thrills. Unfortunately, however, this portrait of lowlife hoods that takes a redemptive turn will feel very familiar to many viewers. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)