The new film “Riding In Cars With Boys” shows growing up is a never-ending process and every choice made makes an impact.
The film, directed by Penny Marshall, is based on the real-life experiences of Beverly Donofrio, who wrote a novel with the same title. Marshall directs the film with a lot of heart and humor. One cannot help but think of “Laverne and Shirley” when watching all the physical comedy Marshall puts her actors through.
Drew Barrymore stars as Beverly Donofrio, a mother at 15 and an author at 35. In one of the first scenes of the movie, Bev’s father, played by James Woods, says to Beverly, “Mind your books, not boys.” This proves to be good advice, not taken when Beverly is a married mother at 15 years old.
Beverly is not prepared for motherhood or marriage. The film shows her failing time after time until she takes a stand to goes for what she wants.
“Riding In Cars With Boys” is told in flashback through Beverly’s son Jason. Jason and Beverly are on a trip to see Jason’s father, who Jason has not seen since he was five or six. Beverly and Jason are nervous, but for different reasons. Beverly thinks this trip is a life-changing event, but Jason has an even greater secret to share with her.
The performances are all strong, especially Barrymore who plays another likable loser. This time, she is able to shake her own personality and become a frustrated teenage mother. Barrymore plays a more convincing 15-year-old than 35-year-old. The extra makeup, shorter hair and New York accent do not necessarily add up to 20 years older.
Steve Zahn plays Beverly’s husband and father of her child, Ray Hasek. His character is supposed to be dumb but lovable. He’s a high school drop-out and a self-proclaimed screw-up. Zahn’s knack for humor propels what could be annoying into funny yet sad.
Brittany Murphy gives a strong performance as Bev’s best friend Fay Forrester. Fay also becomes pregnant and announces it at a very impromptu time. Fay’s family is more supportive of her than Beverly’s, but they do not support Fay and Beverly’s relationship.
Murphy, who played the suicidal Daisy Randone in “Girl Interrupted,” is a wonderful character actor on the verge of greatness. She showcases her comedic talent extremely well throughout the film.
“The Sopranos” Lorraine Bracco plays Bev’s mother. While the part is not large, she plays the overworked, under-appreciated mother to a tee. Adam Garcia, from “Coyote Ugly,” plays the grown Jason.
Other familiar faces show up in “Riding In Cars With Boys.” “Roseanne’s” Sara Gilbert plays Bev and Fay’s friend. Peter Facinelli, who has been in both independent and studio films, plays Tommy Butcher, a friend from Beverly’s past who helps open her eyes to her future. Finally, David Moscow, who played young Tom Hanks in Marshall’s “Big,” plays Lizard, a character as slimy as his name.
A problem the film does not address is how and where Beverly finally attends college. It is her dream to have a formal education, but that dream is never fully recognized in the film.
Most of the time, the funniest scenes of a film are shown in the movie’s trailer. The opposite is true of “Riding In Cars With Boys.” The trailer does not do justice to the laugh-out-loud comedy this film contains.
