Riding in Cars With Boys

Starring: Drew Barrymore, Steve Zahn, James Woods, Adam Garcia, Brittany Murphy
Directed by: Penny Marshall
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
2001

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Based on Beverly Donofrio's memoir by the same name, it follows the story of Bev's pregnancy at 15 (its 17 in the book) over twenty years, while she struggles to raise a son, deal with a drug-addicted husband, and with the realization that she lost everything she could have had in her life.

Review:

Tim: I mean this as no offense to Beverly Donofrio, or to the countless people who find themselves in a similar situation, but this movie is basically about losers. That is strike one right off the bat. I absolutely hate movies about losers. When I see a film, I want to see heroes, action, honor- I don't want to watch the crummy existence of a family falling apart. Its just not my idea of entertainment.

That being said, this movie is actually quite good. Despite my best efforts to hate it, it possesses a great deal of charm. I'm not a huge Drew Barrymore fan (except for The Wedding Singer), but she gives an incredible performance here, perhaps her best to date. She's called upon to show a wide range of emotions as she finds her life going down the toilet, and wakes up one day to realize she is living a crummy life, even though she has the talent to live a much better one.

Steve Zahn gave a great performance here, basically as the biggest loser in the movie. Despite having that against him, there is something touching in watching a man who I had no respect for, dealing with his son, whom he obviously loved very much. This film calls upon a wide range of emotions from the viewer, and this is one of the times when you just don't know what you're feeling.

I was very impressed with Adam Garcia, who plays Barrymore's semi-adult son, and narrates much of the story. He was quite excellent in his role, and pulled off the heartache and confusion that comes from knowing your life isn't perfect, and wondering who to blame for that. He is great to see onscreen, and I found my favorite parts of the movie are the times when he's present. It's nice to see that despite the messed up life of Barrymore's character, she managed to raise a very polite and likeable son.

This film is not the type of movie I enjoy, and is a film about losers, which I absolutely abhor. That being said, it's quite remarkable that I somewhat enjoyed this film. I think it gives a powerful message to young boys and girls, and entertains you as well. Its not really a bad film at all- coming from me, that is quite a compliment.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Wedding Singer, Joy Ride, Anywhere But Here