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The story of a young Connecticut woman, Beverly Donofrio (Drew Barrymore), and her attempts to get an education and win the freedom to be all that she can be. As a teenager Beverly hopes to go and study at New York University, but when she gets pregnant her parents persuade her to marry the father, Ray Hasek (Steve Zahn), and put aside her plans for higher education. Some years later, Beverly still hopes to attend NYU, but when the chance of a scholarship comes along, it is ruined by Ray's negligence. Will Beverly ever find a way of breaking free from her circumstances and realising her dream?
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Paul Arkless
Format:DVD
Drew Barrymore stars in this witty yet heartbreaking story as Beverly, a girl who goes, well, Riding in Cars with Boys. The story chronicles her life from the age of 15 up to 35 and excellently portrays young Beverly's heartache at falling pregnant and being railroaded into marriage to a lovable junkie (Steve Zahn) by her father. As opportunities seem to always fall through or pass her by, Beverly sees no-one else to blame but her unwanted son, who grows up to despise his mother (played by Adam Garcia).
This film sounds a little wishy-washy, but is in fact both interesting and at times very touching. Barrymore is excellent, especially as a young misguided teen who happens to make one wrong decision that changes her life. As the 35 year old, she is a little less believable, but still seems to have the strong and forceful personality that only a mother can have. Zahn is superb as the useless but lovable rogue and Garcia plays the role of disgruntled son well too, despite the fact he is a year older than Barrymore in real life!
Hats off to director Penny Marshall who gives the film a fast paced feel, even when the story seems to be going nowhere. It is difficult to make comparisons to any other films, but in some ways it is similar to Erin Brockovich, both of them being based on true stories about struggling women.
I would most definitely recommend this title, it is thoroughly enjoyable and worth a look.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Movie Lover
Format:DVD
Before watching this I was told it was an ideal movie for a rainy Sunday afternoon. However I disagree - it's much more than that.
It doesn't sound like much ... young girl gets pregnant, drops out of school, marries the father who is an irresponsible young man himself and so on. It feels like a story you've heard time and again and maybe it wouldn't stand out if it wasn't for the great characters and cast.
Bev (Drew Barrymore)'s father, brilliantly played by James Woods, is a police officer in their small town and is humiliated at the shame his daughter has brought down on his family. It's to try and make up for this that Bev decides to give up on her plans for university and marries the father of her child, Steve Zahn.
Various opportunities arise for her to fulfil her dream of completing her education and moving away but each is thwarted by means outside her own control.
Barrymore's performance is first-rate and you feel with her the frustration and crushing acceptance of her circumstances with which she meets each downfall.
Zahn as her young husband is also superb although it's hard to say too much about him without ruining the plot. Even Logan Lerman as her son Jason (aged 8) puts in a good performance.
In the wrong hands this could have been a humdrum 'made-for-TV' drama but the zeal with which this is written and acted makes it into so much more. It's a shining example of how a great script well acted with good character development can be a great movie rather than the soulless CGI-reliant pap that seems to be the general order of the day.
Highly recommended - and not just for a rainy Sunday!
It doesn't sound like much ... young girl gets pregnant, drops out of school, marries the father who is an irresponsible young man himself and so on. It feels like a story you've heard time and again and maybe it wouldn't stand out if it wasn't for the great characters and cast.
Bev (Drew Barrymore)'s father, brilliantly played by James Woods, is a police officer in their small town and is humiliated at the shame his daughter has brought down on his family. It's to try and make up for this that Bev decides to give up on her plans for university and marries the father of her child, Steve Zahn.
Various opportunities arise for her to fulfil her dream of completing her education and moving away but each is thwarted by means outside her own control.
Barrymore's performance is first-rate and you feel with her the frustration and crushing acceptance of her circumstances with which she meets each downfall.
Zahn as her young husband is also superb although it's hard to say too much about him without ruining the plot. Even Logan Lerman as her son Jason (aged 8) puts in a good performance.
In the wrong hands this could have been a humdrum 'made-for-TV' drama but the zeal with which this is written and acted makes it into so much more. It's a shining example of how a great script well acted with good character development can be a great movie rather than the soulless CGI-reliant pap that seems to be the general order of the day.
Highly recommended - and not just for a rainy Sunday!
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By "paulwood36"
Format:DVD
Without going over the storyline again Drew Barrymore fans should be made aware that this is the only DVD title to feature a commentary by the star along with 5 featurettes as bonuses.
The film is moving and funny and boasts some good supporting performances from Steve Zahn ( a name to look out for) and James Woods. Barrymore emersed herself in this film and worked closely with the author to get things right. Drew found however that her own family problems were mirrored in the story and she effectively played her own Mother.
If the film is funny and moving the commentary is too especially at the end where Drew has to hold back the tears as she watches the final scene with James Woods who played her father in the film. Its sad to think that after filming this Drews House Burnt down and she split with her husband.
Riding In Cars With Boys is more a womans film than a mans but I loved it and if your looking for an amusing drama with unconventional characters and an emotional ending youll have a job to find anything to beat this.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Strong performances
Based upon Beverly D'Onofrio's autobiographical book of the same name, Riding in Cars with Boys is a rather formulaic drama that becomes above average by being well structured and... Read more
Published 15 months ago by BPR
5.0 out of 5 stars
Why isn't this more famous?
This is such a beautifully written, wonderfully casted film. Although it is quite long this really isn't a criticism and in fact now I've finished watching it I wish it had been... Read more
Published on 30 April 2011 by Chloe M. Tomlinson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Darling Drew Does it Again
If you like Drew Barrymore, you will treasure this movie like 'Home Fries'. It's quirky, funny, tragic, and a bite of life based on a true story. Read more
Published on 14 Feb 2011 by Rita J Taylor
5.0 out of 5 stars
A DEEP FILM!
This is such a great film! A friend of mine recommended it and now i am recommending it to single mothers out there. YOU WILL SERIOUSLY RELATE! Get the tissues out
Published on 4 Feb 2011 by YourLuckyDay
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drew at her best
great mvoie, always one of my favs. has really funny moments and sweet moving moments aswell. yet is true to life. a good watch! Read more
Published on 22 Nov 2010 by Ms. Amelia Dyer
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Unsung Classic
I really didn't think much of the title - and I suspected it was going to be a daft teen movie which I wouldn't enjoy, how wrong I was - Riding In Cars With Boys is Penny... Read more
Published on 20 July 2009 by DL Productions UK
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great film with a valuable message
This film, based on the true story of Bev Donofrio, is no mere 'chic flic'. Touching and funny, we found ourselves involved with the characters and the problems they faced,... Read more
Published on 8 Jun 2009 by Peter Buckley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
Zahn outstanding in his role
Well what a good film what more can I add to all other postive reviews. Read more
Well what a good film what more can I add to all other postive reviews. Read more
Published on 25 Oct 2007 by Eye Can
5.0 out of 5 stars
Surprisingly good
This is the type of film that focusses you onto a downfal life situation and shows the troubles in womanhood. This ones especially for the ladies. Read more
Published on 9 April 2007 by crazykat
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Riding In Cars With Boys"
Well, i was up late one night (could'nt sleep) and i saw this fil advertising, and i thought oh it mite get me to sleep. Read more
Published on 21 Aug 2005 by Faye
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