Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-17 19:05:38

truly great

should have benn nominated for oscars. ok so im a guy who enjoyed this supposed chick flick. i rented this cause drew was in it and she graces the screen in every movie. boy was i surprised but i liked steve zahns charector more. he made a step up from saving silverman and became better. it starts off with bev telling her best friend faith how to kiss and then asking her father for a bra. its a good realistic true story and a big step up from the other sister. i dont know if penny or garry directed it but it was one of them. the end was great.

moomin_me 2012-05-17 04:48:23

one of my favourite films

This film has showed me what young single parents go through and thatit isn't just a walk in the park. i think that this is one of drewBarrymore's and Brittany Murphy's best performance's. it made merealise even if your 'smart' you can also be 'dumb'. even if somethinggoes wrong it can turn out alright if you try hard and put your mind toit. its nice that the film has a good ending as well, because i've seenfilms like this before that have bad endings which has ruined the film.if you like this film you should consider watching 'fiteen andpregnant' it has the same principle but it shows you what the mother'slife was like before the baby came along, not what the child's life waslike as well. Over all this film 'riding in cars with boys' has changedthe way i look at life and it makes me feel that i am glad and readynow, for what could happen, however unintentional.

2012-05-17 03:45:23

New Movie in my ALL TIME Top Ten!

What a wonderful surprise for what we anticipated, based on the coming attractions, to be a simple movie, to be an emotional roller coaster from the seemingly innocent pleasures of being a young teenager to the heavy responsibilities of parenthood and all the complex relationships that go with it. Penney Marshall is a genius, and Drew should get "Best Actress" for this one! I'm adding it to my all time top ten movies! The characters made me laugh through my own tears. From a chick's perspective, it doesn't get any better than that!

Roxburyfunny1 2012-05-16 13:04:30

Great Acting Nice Movie.

Good sit at home movie i probably wouldn't have enjoyed it as much in thetheatre then i did watching it in the own comfort of my home. Great actingDrew Barrymore is a wonderful and actress and a free spirit and she got towork with Adam Garcia i envy her beyond words. Steve Zahn is one of myfavorite actors and he once again proved himself to be. David Moscow andBrittany Murphy were terrific they added their great spark to the film. Even though Rosie Perez didn't have a big role she is a awesome actress andpulled through in her role. Adam Garcia was wonderful and very adorable andgreat acting in his role. James woods was awesome. He wasn't a bad guy hewas a good guy i really loved him in this role. This was a terrific movieand i recommend it to anyone with a free night to watch a movie. Caution abit of a tear jerker have tissues.

2012-05-11 20:34:06

An uplifting, hopeful and scalding story

A friend told me I would hate this movie. "It was supposed to be funny," she said, "but it was just awful. The character that Drew Barrymore plays is just a horrible, horrible mother."And it's true. Bev Donofrio, the main character played by Barrymore and the woman who penned the memoirs behind this movie, is not a "good" mother. She's a real mother, who approaches much of her life from the same self-absorbed perspective that she had when she was 15 and became pregnant. She's dramatic, possessed of a sense of self-importance and smugness that would never put her in running for Mother of the Year. She has said horrible, heartless things to her baby boy and instilled him with the sense that his arrival ruined his mother's life. And yet she was able to raise him, build her life, and evolve-at least a smidge-into a better person.When children take on the role of adult in the parent-child relationship, the responsibilities of caregiving become blurred. That dynamic is at the heart of this film. Jason, Bev's son, recognizes early on that he has to take the burden of responsibility in their relationship. Bev is a teenager for the first five years of his life, locked into a marriage with the man who knocked her up. He's a sweet, charming, drug-using dunce who doesn't understand or support Bev's strident desire to get an education and change her life. Bev chose to marry him because of pressure from her own father, who rejects her for her mistakes and who is largely unable to show his love for her. She recreates the same relationship with her son, not realizing until the end of the movie that she has done so.But through it all, Bev remains a force of nature. She stumbled along in her self-absorbed way, but learned enough about how to see other people that she could understand her effect on the lives of others. The movie isn't so much about becoming the perfect mother, but more about finding a sense of self-acceptance and clarity, and sharing that enveloping sense of acceptance with the people who need to know you love them. It's comedic, dramatic, and scalding-a truthful, well-acted story of mothers, sons, fathers and daughters. I didn't hate this movie, as my friend predicted. I admire it and respect its honesty, and would recommend it to anyone who has come to the stunning realization that their parents are not only people, but people who are growing and evolving alongside their children.

John DeSando 2012-05-11 06:40:33

What it does do well is show the eternal struggle between mother and child, between the desire to be loved and the need to let go.

The biggest caution in this film by Penny Marshall, who hasn't topped herimpressive `Awakenings" with Robert De Niro, is the boredom that sets inafter the first credits roll. Although Barrymore's Bev has a complicatedrelationship with her son, barely 15 or so years younger than she, thiscomplexity is weakened by the director's will to recreate the ‘60's, whichshe does well, and unwillingness to tackle larger issues associated withteenage pregnancy and drug addiction.Barrymore's self-centered Bev, who has a writing ability that doesn'ttranslate into the screenplay, is never sympathetic enough for us to care awhole lot about her cliched history. Marshall hints at subversion in hercrosscutting from the ‘60's to 1986 by tempting us to think mother and sonriding in their car could be lovers-but the Freudian undercurrent is lostamid the disturbing dysfunction of teenage father Steven Zahn's addiction toheroin and Barrymore's unbelievable stupidity about remaining in a nowhereplace.Based on the true story of writer Beverly Donofrio, this film could haveused Kirsten Dunst's knowing sarcasm and Madonna's charisma. What it does dowell, however, is show the eternal struggle between mother and child,between the desire to be loved and the need to let go.The film is a long ride to a place and time we all have been in bettermovies last summer like `Hearts in Atlantis' or `GhostWorld.'

sharkhead 2012-05-07 07:02:22

So Many Questions?

If a good movie raises gut wrenching questions, then this movie was verygood and because of that it is recommended. Would a husband and fatherreally choose his terrible addiction over his family that he so obviouslyloves deeply? Yes he would, as Ray (Steve Zahn) portrays in this film.Woulda wife and mother really give up on her addicted husband so easily topursuea better life? Yes again as Beverly (Drew Barrymore) demonstrates. Andfinally could a son survive these life changing events relativelyunscathed?Thankfully yes, Jason (Adam Garcia) does quite well in spite of suchheartache.These are only three of the huge questions I asked myself after thismovie.There are many more about the complicated relationships within familiesandfriendships. The portrayal will touch people for their own personalreasons.These are real people who make very real, and not always good, decisions.The actors succeed in making these characters believable, and in doing so,elicit strong emotions from the viewer. Whether you agree with theirchoicesor not, you care about the outcome. And just like the characters in themovie - you forgive.

rking2 2012-05-06 21:19:50

Depressing!

I kept waiting for SOMETHING good to happen in her life. Admittedly, shedidthe best she could in the various circumstances she encountered, but itseemed as if she couldn't escape. The relationships with her "boys,"father,husband, and son, too completely determined her existence.

2012-05-05 09:29:36

Riding anywhere with Drew is always a joy...

My wife loves this movie, and I have to say that I find it quite enjoyable myself. Surprisingly, `Riding in Cars with Boys' is a decent dramatic comedy that touches the heart and pleases the viewer. I say surprisingly because it never generated any buzz and thus became a forgotten film. I love Drew Barrymore; I find her as talented as she is beautiful and I can't really get enough of her. Here she shines brightly, as always, and adds layers to the film. In fact, the acting across the board is extremely strong here and is a huge selling point. The film has a few drawbacks; especially the ending, but there are enough highlights to make up for a few disappointing turns.The film tells the true story of young Beverly D'Onofrio who wound up pregnant at 15, married to a loser and living the life she never dreamed she'd live. Beverly meets Ray after her failed attempt at seducing the handsome jock at a party turns embarrassing and humiliating. Ray defends her and she is instantly smitten. Of course we know what comes next, and once her parents find out she is pregnant she is forced to marry Ray. Beverly wants to go to school, get her degree, become a writer; but being married and raising a child damper that drastically. What makes things worse is when she discovers that her husband is abusing drugs and refuses to get help. Beverly soon realizes that she has to help herself, and her son, and while things may not always be perfect she tries her hardest to make them work.Of course some of the facts have been tainted to add dramatic effect. Beverly wasn't 15 when she gave birth to her son, she was 17; and she was not a high school dropout, as she is portrayed as in the film; but this is Hollywood and Hollywood likes to make things seem as hopeless as possible in order to garner the audiences deepest sympathies. It works here.Barrymore is wonderful as Beverly, especially in her teenage years. She develops a very believable and sympathetic character that is distressed, overwhelmed, overjoyed and scared all at the same time. She has impeccable comedic delivery, but what makes her performance so warm and enjoyable is her ability to add the right amount of dramatic flare to her characters every action. Steve Zahn was a total surprise for me. I generally am not too impressed with his work but I found him to be flawless here; especially his `goodbye' scene with his young son. I actually cried it was so touching. Brittany Murphy has been on my radar for a while and she delivers yet again here as Fay, Beverly's best friend; and of course the likes of James Woods and Lorraine Bracco are nothing but brilliant; as to be expected. Rosie Perez has a memorable cameo towards the end of the film as well. Adam Garcia is one of my disappointments. His acting is decent but his narrative is annoying; in my opinion. The narrative though is nothing compared to the jip I felt when the credits began to roll. The film is so well constructed throughout, giving us a complete look at Beverly's life leading up to the conclusion and then it just lets go of everything without tying up those loose ends properly. You can feel the tension between Beverly and her teenage son Jason throughout but in the final frames when he finally confronts her there is no real resolution. They give it a very `Hollywood' resolution, painting a happy ending far too quickly for it to be believable or even understandable. They could have easily added a good ten minutes or so to flesh that out.The ending aside, `Riding in Cars with Boys' is a very enjoyable ride. I recommend this to any fan of Barrymore, for it's one of her finest turns, but also to any fan of the genre. It is not the best of its breed but it is warm and touching and uplifting; a film that aspires to be great, settles on very good, and manages to be much better than expected.

Brigid O Sullivan 2012-05-04 20:36:10

Drew Barrymore really acts in this one but Steve Zahn steals the show...

Most of the plot rings true but there was one obvious omission. Caution******minor spoiler ahead**** and it is a major one. the movie, which isbased on a true story, hinges on the raw ambition of Beverly in getting intoa place of higher learning, it shows all the trials toward that end, but itnever shows her achieving it even though it shows the RESULTS, in that yesshe does get published.I also thought Adam Garcia who plays her son Jason at the age of 21 lookedfar too old for the part but that could have been deliberate as for a whilein the flash forward, it looked like he was her boyfriend.Steve Zahn is just amazing in this. He nails the character, ages him, drugshim up, stupifies him, and you still wind up just loving the guy. Anawesome performance.The depiction of a highly flawed, enmeshed mother-son relationship isbeautifully done. I was absorbed and did not expect tobe.7 out 10. Kudos to all.

famousgir1 2012-04-29 15:45:18

One Great Movie!

Riding In Cars With Boys is the true story of Beverly D'Onofrio, who dreamsof becoming a writer. Those dreams are shattered when at just 15 years old,she becomes pregnant. When her baby boy, Jason is born, as well as having tolook after him, she has to try and save her marriage to her husband, Raywho's on drugs and to try and show her father that she is a gooddaughter.Riding In Cars With Boys features good performances from everyone, includingDrew Barrymore, Steve Zahn, Adam Garcia, Brittany MurphyandJames Woods.This movie which is directed by Penny Marshall is a brilliant and inspiringtrue-story of a young girl's struggle to look after her child and trying toachieve her dream. It's a real shame that Bev's [ex-] husband Ray ends upthe way he does though. It was nice that Jason and Amelia go together. I'mactually going to try and get hold of the book, written of course by thereal Beverly D'Onofrio. (Who also produced this great movie.) Anyway, seeRiding In Cars With Boys if you want to see a good movie. You won't bedisappointed.

2012-04-29 03:27:58

Based on a true story

This film takes you through Beverly Donfrio's life as she gets pregnant at 16, marries, and then tries to live her life with husband and child always in the way. Drew Barrymore does an excellent job as Beverly, though her accent sometimes gets in the way and distracts. Brittany Murpy is wonderful as her best friend Fay.....Murpy has been up to a lot lately and getting better and better as she goes. The child actors that play Beverly's sons, Jason, are absolutely terrific and a joy to watch. Steve Zahn plays her husband Ray, and he makes this character lovable, yet hateable at the same time, as Ray prevents Beverly from becoming what she truly wants at every turn. But Beverly's character isn't that lovable at times either, as you see her not being the best mother to Jason. It's fun to watch the time go by from the '60s to the '80s and how the characters change and grow with the passing years. James Woods and Lorraine Bracco support the film with their imense talent as Beverly's ever loving and ever present parents. It's a funny and touching movie at times, heartbreaking at others, but excellent acted throughout by such a fine cast.

Luke 2012-04-26 20:05:38

Drew Barrymore deserves an oscar!! Must-See!!!

Beverly falls for a popular jock that has no interest in her. She is devastated and heart broken over this that she falls for the next guy she meets. Her involvement with him lands her pregnant. Trying to make the right choice she decides to have the baby. Her family then insists that she marry the guy. She doesn't want to marry him and has a very miserable wedding. Beverly is then a very unhappy teenage mother with a drug-addicted husband who blames her baby boy for the terrible life that she has. The story shows the happy, terrible and disappointing times in their lives. This movie is based on what happens when you make the right and the wrong choices. It shows how the different relationships in your life can influence the choices that you make.I feel this is a great drama-comedy to watch

mad_janssen 2012-04-26 08:51:33

Drew at her (probable) best

I made the regular mistake of thinking this movie was one of those reallygreat fact-based life stories. Well, it's not far off; it is still a goodmovie especially if you want to try and realistically scare your teenagerdaughter into celibacy. But it's not great so I was actually a littledisappointed that this was just one of the ordinary run-of-the-mill stories.It's alright that it's not tragic or anything but there wasn't really muchambition in the direction.Drew Barrymore pulled off playing a teenager, on the most part but shedidn't really look like a 35 year old, even with all the make up on herface. Either Adam Garcia was too old to be acting as her 20 year old son orshe was too young to be acting like his 35 year old mother. Steve Zahn couldbe one of those actors we see all his life acting one role after another andnever get the recognition he deserves. He was pretty good but I felt thestory centred too much about Drew's character. Yeah, it is her life storybut there should have been some balance to it as well. It seemed like thewhole world revolved around her and no one else, not even the baby.Good movie to watch with the whole family but warn mum and dad to save itfor later.

2012-04-26 11:51:14

Great fun

My sister told me about this movie. And i'm glad she did. I really enjoyed. From start to finish it's a winner. Drew character finally grew up in the movie.

Paul Evans 2012-04-26 02:57:38

A little disappointing...

I greatly anticipated this film based on the trailer and advertising.Havingnot read the book on which this is based, I had no idea what to expect.First, let me say that the actors, for the most part, were excellent, withBrittany Murphy (Fay) and Steve Zahn (Ray) particular stand-outs. DrewBarrymore is fine in the lead (Beverly), but, unfortunately, she is themainproblem with the film. She is supposed to age from 15 to 36 in this film.Icould easily buy her in the flashback scenes to her teenage and youngmotheryears, but I just could not buy her as a thirty-six year old mother of atwenty-year old. It was just too distracting; they appeared more likeboyfriend and girlfriend and that just nearly ruined the film for me.Drew'sacting is fine, but she just doesn't look the part in the latter dayscenes.A more mature actress was needed. Still, the movie was entertaining,thougha bit too long. Penny Marshall's direction was fine, but she's a long wayfrom "A League Of Their Own" and "Big". I rated this 6/10, mainly for theperformances of Murphy, Zahn, Lorraine Bracco and James Woods (asBeverly'sparents) and Cody Arens (as the 6-year-old Jason, Bev's son) who were alloutstanding.

2012-04-19 18:23:58

Slice of life.

Riding in Cars with Boys is definitely Director Penny Marshall's best film. I loved the story of Beverly played brilliantly by Drew Barrymore who gets pregnant at age 15, and how her life as an aspiring writer and mother unfolds through many decades. Brittany Murphy is a hoot as Beverly's best friend, she steals every scene she's in. Steve Zahn is also wonderful, he never gets the respect he deserved as an actor, so underrated! This movie is based on a true story, I highly recommend this hearfelt and painfully honest look at motherhood, warts and all. Enjoy!

kippardue_luvr21 2012-04-19 06:47:32

Depressing

This movie is build up to be a romantic fun little comedy but it turns outto be one of the most depressing movies ever made! Sure Drew Barrymore wasperfect for the role but all through out the movie the thought was nothingworse could happen to her and believe it or not- IT DID! However, it wasvery remarkable how Drew Barrymore character kept strong and got throughthem but like I said- very depressing.

David Patrick O'Shea McCabe 2012-04-18 11:30:25

First-rate drama about growing up, choices, and their consequences.

"Riding in Cars with Boys" is a story about choices. Choices in personalrelationships, family and, their defining moments. Inherent withresponsibility, these choices are intractable, shaping the players pursuitof doing what is right for their children and parents; whilst they allendure the angst of "what could have been", but for the poor choices made inthe heat of passion and, promises in the dark. "Riding" is told in a series of lengthy flashbacks by Jason Donofrio (AdamGarcia), the son (likely conceived in a green and white '55 Chevvy 2-doorsedan) of Beverly Ann Donofrio (Drew Barrymore) and, Raymond Hasek (SteveZahn). Beverly (Bev) grows up a precocious, engaging and, impatient"boomer," in a 60's middle-class, small town in Connecticut, with bestfriend, Fay Hope Forrester (Brittany Murphy). Beverly's Dad, Leonard (JamesWoods), is a cop and, somewhat sensitive father who, with wife, Teresa(Lorraine Bracco), are Mr. and Mrs. Average-Italian-American mom and pop.Bev is anything but average and, therein lies "Riding's" catalyst for spark,conflict, and change. She is a young literary and budding writer, withideas of continuing education, sights above the ordinary and, has dreams ofcollege and bright future. She could no doubt succeed, but for those peskychoices.Actually, the act of riding in cars with boys by itself is somewhatinnocuous, i.e., if all one did in them was "ride." It's the activitieswhen the vehicle is not moving (or moving up and down), that becomes bothBev's and Fay's problem.Bev is rather forward thinking when the ultimate problem for a young girlmanifests, deciding at first to become a single-parent and continue hereducation. But in a major defining moment, she defers to her father'sconservative wishes, agreeing to marry the "lovable loser" boyfriend in avain attempt to placate and assuage her father's hurt and anger. She reallydoes love her father and, to a lessor degree her boyfriend, Ray, a nowhereNeanderthal (played masterfully by Steve Zahn).And so it goes. The harder Bev tries to continue the path to her dreams, themore she becomes mired in a dead-end, nowhere existence. And while herchallenges are continuous, unending and, inexorable, she is intransigent inher determination to make something of her life and, the life of herson's."Riding in Cars with Boys" is the story of Bev's quest against adversity dueto poor choices and, she is strong and willful and, will not give up. Theconflict of her relationships with her parents, child and, husband, drive"Riding" and its poignant message of implacable effort and, inevitabledisappointments.Drew Barrymore shines in this first-rate flick of Penny Marshall's that hasfine attention to detail and, solid supporting performances especially, MikaBoorem, who plays the precocious-adolescent Beverly. Coupled with a somewhatsoothing soundtrack of "period" rock and roll, "Riding" is good drama withcomedic relief and, ever-present irony built on the wrong side of thosepesky choices.

Jes 2012-04-18 01:43:17

I love this movie!!

It was funny and sad at the same time!!!I think steve zahn and drew barrymore were great in this movie,I can never get tired of watching it!!Its worth seeing