Riding In Cars With Boys Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Based on a true story.
The story of a girl who did everything wrong, but got everything right.
One day can make your life; one day can ruin your life. All life is is four or five big days that change everything.
Beverly could've had it all. Instead, she had a son.
Seriocomic story based on the memoir by Beverly Donofrio, the movie follows a young woman who finds her life radically altered by an event from her teen years. Born in 1950, Beverly grew up bright and ambitious in a working-class neighborhood in Connecticut; her father was a tough but good-hearted cop who listened to his daughter's problems, and her mother was a nervous woman eager to imagine the worst. From an early age, Beverly displays a keen intelligence and an interest in literature, and dreams of going to college in New York and becoming a writer. However, she also develops an early interest in boys, and at 15 finds herself madly in love with a boy from her high school. However, an attempt to get his attention leads to an embarassing incident at a party, and Ray, a sweet but thick-headed 18-year-old, steps forward to defend her. Beverly and Ray end up making out, and after one thing leads to another, Beverly discovers she's pregnant. Telling Ray is only marginally less difficult than informing her parents, and at 16, Beverly is a wife and mother. Against the odds, Beverly is determined to still finish high school and go on to college, but that goal becomes more difficult with time, especially after Beverly's marriage begins to fall apart. Ray tries to do the right thing but has trouble holding a job, and becomes addicted to heroin.
| Penny Marshall |
6.10 out of 10 (8847 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Dull and depressing
posted on 14 Aug 2009I hated this movie, I found it to be really depressing and boring. I was reading some of the other comments on here and I was just think how true it is that it was not a good idea to have a 35 year old playing a 15 year old, sure Olivia Newton John pulled off playing an 18 year old when she was in her early 30s but Barrymore just doesnt. This movie as I said its dull..it drags on a hell of a lot and I paused it and went out of the room several times just for a break from its depressing themes. Sure I feel sorry for teen mothers, in fact I know a couple, the thing is why make a movie based on such a depressing story about a really insecure, miserable woman who feel pregnant to a no-hoper and in the end did things really work out for the best? I dont think so..
An ultimately misguided work with some good things going for it
posted on 05 Jun 2009Penny Marshall is a competent director. It's such a RELIEF to be in the hands of a competent director! Even a director who's MERELY competent can, under the right circumstances, turn out a masterpiece (e.g.: Michael Curtiz, "Casablanca"). Each scene in "Riding in Cars with Boys", while it may not be inspired, WORKS.And gosh, Drew Barrymore. From the point of view of audiences, at any rate, it's a good thing for child actresses to attain minor celebrity. For ANY art, the practitioners who learn it as children are more likely to be good at it than those who learn it later; and indeed, Barrymore is as talented and versatile as anyone of her generation. Also, child actresses grow up to be the most attractive adult actresses, because nobody could predict their adult appearance at the point at which they became famous, and so the Hollywood process designed to screen out all but the blandest-looking near-anorexics has a chance of missing them. (To be fair, there are beautiful actresses who manage to get past the screening process by other means.) ...Anyway, my point is: I've never doubted her ability, and here she gives her best performance yet, playing someone who can be sweet, smart, blind, perceptive, articulate, immature, and is always, ALWAYS, the best thing going for the film.Which I didn't, in the final analysis, really like. Maybe it's just me.
Serious spoilers follow.At the end, Beverly (Barrymore) says to her son (I'm paraphrasing here): "Let me get one thing straight. I don't think that you were what destroyed my life. You were what saved me. You were the best thing that happened to me." This falsehood is so ludicrous that it left me, and surely everyone else watching as well, utterly floored. Where did it come from? The characters - Beverly IN PARTICULAR - had hitherto been remarkably honest.
Who would believe such rubbish? Beverly herself? Surely not. Was it a lie intended to convince the son? It didn't come across as such. (Although he seemed, for some bizarre reason, convinced.) Was it intended to fool the audience? If so, I take it as an insult.The truth, which it would be folly to attempt to deny, is that Jason was the WORST thing that happened to Beverly. The bulk of the film is a clear-as-glass demonstration of the need for the wide distribution of every kind of contraceptive, and legalised (and subsidised) abortion. Not just one or the other. Both. (I found myself warming towards infanticide, as well, but I suppose it's not just this particular boy who was an insufferable brat at an early age.) ...I have a wider criticism: the Beverly and Jason we see in the 1980s, both their relationship and their separate characters, seem to come from nowhere - certainly not from anything we see in the extended flashbacks to the 1960s. Everything that happens in the 1980s just feels irrelevant. The way the 1980s relationship is REVEALED to us is, of course, very clever, and carried off with perfect timing ... so much so that I'm already regretting having said anything unkind about the film at all. The direction is competent (I cannot stress enough how great a compliment I mean this to be), and Drew Barrymore brings us close to a wonderful character. But what can I say? All in all I wasn't persuaded.
A good try by Drew
posted on 22 May 2009I was surprised by how much I actually liked this film. It took awhile for me to get used to the idea of Drew Barrymore as someone that was not only portraying a mother but that the film also uses flashbacks to show her life and thus, we see Drew next to a 20 year old son. At first, this was very difficult for me to accept and my suspension of disbelief was just not happening. However, the longer I stayed with the film, the more I forgot about Drew's age and started to see her character take over. This was also helped largely by Brittany Murphy's performance, which was so utterly convincing and true that it was hard not to believe in whatever she did, thus strengthening Drew's character. I avoided this film like the plague in theaters but I was very impressed by how much Drew Barrymore invested of herself into the film. She just kind of leapt in and gave it her all and in the end, if there is a fault with this film, it is not with actors but perhaps with the director. Don't get me wrong, it's a decent film and it does have heart, but there was something missing that I couldn't quite put my finger on and it was in the way the director chose to sculpt her film. The end was a little bit stilted - all is resolved rather quickly and rather abruptly, given that we listen to harping for decades about the ruins of the lead character's life. I would have enjoyed a little more insight in the resolve at the end. But all in all, an enjoyable film with the two young actresses really applying themselves.
This movie is HILARIOUS!!!
posted on 29 Mar 2009Get a sense of humour you zealots who just like to go watch a movie just so you can complain about it. Why you go to the movies in the first place is beyond me, if all you can do is find ten thousand things wrong with it.I thought the movie was hilarious and I had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard. When Drew was sliding down the stairs was a great moment and another was when she was with her best friend practising on the street about how to give her parents the news of her pregnancy. The reactions of the people on the sidewalk were brilliant. There were so many funny and real moments in this film I for one bought the DVD. If people can't see the humour in this movie then I suggest they stop eating lemons before the movie starts, it will give you a whole new perspective on what comedy really is.The only thing that irked me was the ending, IT CAME TO SOON!!!!
Drew at her (probable) best
posted on 27 Mar 2009I made the regular mistake of thinking this movie was one of those really great fact-based life stories. Well, it's not far off; it is still a good movie especially if you want to try and realistically scare your teenager daughter into celibacy. But it's not great so I was actually a little disappointed 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 much ambition in the direction.Drew Barrymore pulled off playing a teenager, on the most part but she didn't really look like a 35 year old, even with all the make up on her face. Either Adam Garcia was too old to be acting as her 20 year old son or she was too young to be acting like his 35 year old mother. Steve Zahn could be one of those actors we see all his life acting one role after another and never get the recognition he deserves. He was pretty good but I felt the story centred too much about Drew's character. Yeah, it is her life story but there should have been some balance to it as well. It seemed like the whole 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 it for later.
Enjoyed it
posted on 09 Mar 2009Good character-driven film with no violence, what a nice change! Kudos to Penny Marshall for making great movies that do not leave me feeling violated after leaving the theater. Drew Barrymore and Steve Zahn were better than the movie, especially Steve as a likeable druggie. It's hard for me to believe that I liked Steve as a druggie, since I fell in love with Steve eons ago as the squeaky-clean Hugo F. Peabody in "Bye, Bye, Birdie" on Broadway. But, a good actor should not let himself be type-cast. Drew plays a character that is hard to like, and that's impressive, since she is usually so effortlessly likeable. I recommend Riding in Cars... to everybody unless they need carchases and violence in their films to enjoy them.
NOT a chick-flick!
posted on 25 Feb 2009I LOVED this movie. So much so, that I felt I had to write my own summary on here after seeing it. (A first!) Nice seeing a movie these days with a good story, and NO special effects! The acting, directing and the story line was the glue that held this film together and gave it it's substance. Penny Marshall has certainly proven herself as a director with this film. The acting was very good! Oh yeah... and in two words I'd like to sum up what I thought about Adam Garcia........ KA-YOOT! Hollywood... sit up and take notice of this hottie! Those eyes!!!
an honest movie
posted on 21 Feb 2009I did not begin watching this movie with high expectations. Even throughout the beginning of the movie I was not sure what to make of it. But after watching the whole thing, I am very impressed with it. Both the writing and the directing is amazing. The characters are real and true to life and remind me very much of people I actually know. The family dynamic is something I have experienced first hand and it is almost eerie how well it was brought to life. It's not often a movie is this honest and real. My favorite scene is the final scene--it is so simple and warm an ending, yet true to the characters.
this cured me of my need to see Drew Barrymore movies
posted on 09 Feb 2009This was one of the worst movies I have seen in years. And I am (was?) a fan of Drew Barrymore. The movie was boring, long, and as much as I can tell, completely without a point. There was no character in the entire movie that you could identify with at all. All I can say is do not waste your time or money. (and Drew did not even look good in this one!)
Outstanding for a true story
posted on 30 Jan 2009this is a pretty outstanding movie for a true story - which is something very hard to produce. it details what can happen to your life if you make a huge mistake at the age of 15. i think it was probably a very difficult screenplay to write, since a large chunk of the book probably had to be skipped. penny marshall (A League of Their Own) does a great job of adding enough cinematic touches - the focus on automobiles and some contrived, probably invented humor - to keep the viewer interested during slow parts of the story. the friendship and mother-son relationship in the movie are portrayed with excellent acting and feeling.I watched all the specials about this film before watching the film. I am very impressed with drew barrymore's ability and skill in playing a person who ages from 15 to 35 in one movie.
Do not watch this film
posted on 22 Jan 2009...unless you want to be depressed for 2 hours. Like many other trailers for recent films, the one for this film told me that with my ticket price, I would be enjoying another light-hearted Drew Barrymore film, something along the same lines as Never Been Kissed. After a few minutes of watching, however, I realized that, once again, a modern Hollywood preview duped me into wasting my money on a film such as this. It's not that this film is horrible; it's just that there is no cohesion to the story and the only character with whom the audience sympathizes is the husband - the one we, the audience, are not supposed to like. Moreover, I think that Ms. Barrymore should be more careful putting her name on a film that delivers none of what the trailer promises. If I can stop one person from watching this film, then I feel I've done that individual a great service.
I was laughing the whole time!
posted on 10 Jan 2009Yes, this was a drama and not as much a romance or comedy but there were just so many comedic scenes I was laughing alot. I later talked to another friend who saw it and she felt it was dreary and sad; I didn't see those elements. James Woods is a fine actor and makes an awesome supporting role. Drew Barrymore is awesome period. Steve Zahn is another fine albeit quirky actor in his roles. Here they all come together to make chemistry. Check it out.
Standout performance for Steve Zahn.
posted on 31 Dec 2008This movie was overall pretty depressing, but the acting of Steve
Zahn stood out as he played a heroin-addicted yet loving father and husband. It was really awesome to see Steve's character progress from a young man to an old man, every step of the way so believable and sincere.
Funny, sobby and moving.
posted on 31 Dec 2008Penny Marshall delivers yet another great drama, this time with the help of Drew Barrymore. The movie is about prenthood, how easy it is to mess it up, and how easy it is to grow up to become your parents. It's an excellent movie in most ways, but primarily it has a good story and some really good acting.You'll laugh, and you probably will cry, and you might even call your mother. :)If you have a chance, go through the movie a second time with Drew Barrymores excellent DVD commentary.
Love Penny Marshall but just sort of liked this one.
posted on 17 Dec 2008Penny Marshall is one of the few commercially successful female directors, and in general I think she is wonderful. This particular film has several good moments, but on the whole was a rather drab affair.Drew Barrymore certainly had her part down. She shows much versatility with her acting abilities in this movie. I have not read this book, but watching the film I couldn't help thinking this would be an interesting read but it didn't translate well onto the big screen. Though there is high drama in many spots, the movie overall just drizzled along and then petered out in the end, with an unsatisfying final scene between the lead character and her father (played exceedingly well by the way by James Woods). The best I can possibly say about this film is the acting is very good throughout and Ms. Marshall's direction is terrific in spots, less so in others, and you might want to wait 'til this one's at Blockbuster to view it.
Great movie!
posted on 15 Dec 2008I think that this is a great movie! Nice story, stellar cast, and just overall... a very great movie. Steve Zahn gives the best performance in the film. I think that this is his breakout performance. Which is not to say that the rest of the cast didn't do a terrific job. They ALL did!Thanks to Penny Marshall and the REAL Beverly D'Onofrio for making this movie happen!
Real life is brutal.
posted on 05 Dec 2008I admit that I watched this movie for the most frivolous of reasons: I liked Brittany Murphy's performance in the trailer ("My daughta's a tramp!"). I really never cared for Drew Barrymore, before. However, my opinion of her has changed. Drew put in an INCREDIBLE performance in this movie. She really nailed it. In fact, all of the actors gave commendable performances. I was so moved that I was quite uncomfortable for much of the movie. The pain that was portrayed was so real that I almost regretted purchasing what I thought was supposed to be a comedy. I'm glad I got through it - and an hour later I'm still stunned by what I saw. This movie is well worth seeing. Perhaps the reviewers who hated it don't understand that you can be repulsed by another person's behavior, but you don't have to agree with them. You don't have to accept their morals (or lack thereof) in order to recognize what they are going through. And perhaps in seeing these roles acted out, you will see someone you know who has touched your life. Perhaps you'll even see yourself. I profess to have high moral standards, but I was not offended by this movie. I just felt very sad. I've known people like these characters. I don't feel that they were trying to justify their decisions.They were just telling a story. I also think that this movie was a kind of therapy for Beverly, who is standing up, triumphantly, shouting, "I went through a lot of crap and I made it!" Sure the viewer gets beaten up by this movie, but in a respectful way. This isn't a fairy tale. This is a story about real life. And real life is brutal.
Movie with a lot of heart !!
posted on 29 Nov 2008This movie title was not the best because you judge it because of the title, or at least I did. My daughter wanted me to buy this movie for her for Xmas. I told her she was crazy. What mother wants to get a movie for their daughter that would be a mother's nightmare. My daughter ask me to trust her and get the movie. I did. We watched it together. It did not take long for me to relate to this movie on several areas.The Dad asking his daughter what she wanted for Xmas and then listen and not get her a bra was so sad. You could see he lost her for many years after that. The movie was filled with humor and very touching scenes. When the Dad has to leave his son was so sad. I cried. I love this movie. I own it. It is not giving up on your dreams and the struggle with relationships. We all can relate somewhere. I watch this movie when I miss my daughter. I learned to trust her a lot more after this movie. She wanted the book too. I had no problem with it. I recommend this movie to anyone. It is a real gem.
are we there yet??? (one boring ride)
posted on 25 Nov 2008I think Drew Barrymore is great, and I really tried to like this movie. However, I didn't find it very affecting. I feel I never got to know the characters and didn't care that much about them and their situations. The going back and forth in time was a bit confusing. Also I didn't feel the story was making a point. Maybe I dozed off and missed something. Many times in the movie things were presented as if they would surprise the audience, but I was not surprised at all. It reminded me of two other recent films, Erin Brokovich and Where the Heart Is. It is based on a true story like Erin B., but nothing really compelling happens to Beverly (Drew's character). I like Where the Heart Is and fully admit it was a predictable and manipulative tear jerker, but still fun to go along for the ride. Riding in Cars with Boys had me asking myself, "are we there yet?"
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.
posted on 28 Aug 2009The biggest caution in this film by Penny Marshall, who hasn't topped her impressive `Awakenings" with Robert De Niro, is the boredom that sets in after the first credits roll. Although Barrymore's Bev has a complicated relationship with her son, barely 15 or so years younger than she, this complexity is weakened by the director's will to recreate the ‘60's, which she does well, and unwillingness to tackle larger issues associated with teenage pregnancy and drug addiction.Barrymore's self-centered Bev, who has a writing ability that doesn't translate into the screenplay, is never sympathetic enough for us to care a whole lot about her cliched history. Marshall hints at subversion in her crosscutting from the ‘60's to 1986 by tempting us to think mother and son riding in their car could be lovers-but the Freudian undercurrent is lost amid the disturbing dysfunction of teenage father Steven Zahn's addiction to heroin and Barrymore's unbelievable stupidity about remaining in a nowhere place.Based on the true story of writer Beverly Donofrio, this film could have used Kirsten Dunst's knowing sarcasm and Madonna's charisma. What it does do well, 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 better movies last summer like `Hearts in Atlantis' or `Ghost World.'