Riding in Cars with Boys

Review by Clint Morris

Having a child out of wedlock has long been a controversial subject over the years. It's even frowned upon more if the mother is still in her teens. One would like to say that such discrimination and negative view on young single mothers has dissolved in these modern times, but that wouldn't be completely true. If Penny Marshall was trying to accomplish anything by helming "Riding in Cars with Boys" it was to show these young women in a more heroic and positive light.

"All life is, is four or five big days that change everything," says Beverly Donofrio, the central figure in Riding in Cars with Boys. The enjoyable new comedy-drama explores those days in epic detail.

Based on the memoir of Beverly Donofrio, the film's heart lies in a performance by Drew Barrymore as the young woman whose life comes crushing down around her. Through 20 years, we experience Beverly's first loves, first heartaches, first born and relinquishing goals.

Steve Zahn portrays Ray, a none-too-bright high-schooler who takes an instant shine to the young Beverly. Pretty soon they are in the family way, much to the resentment of her father, a straight-laced police offer (James Woods).

Forced into a marriage of convenience, Beverly comes to the realization that her goal of becoming a writer is looking less and less likely the older her son gets.

"Riding in Cars with Boys" pushes all the right buttons. Just as she has in her previous movies, Director Marshall ("Big", "A League of their own") manages to run the waterworks tap on at all the right moments. Without such perfect casting one wonders what this film might have ended up like in the arms of others.

Drew Barrymore manages to combine a performance with a touching, funny and affecting take on Beverly. Yet, in some respects, although we are witnessing the deterioration of a young girl who once had dreams only to have them crushed overnight, Barrymore plays the character a little too straight and sour in some scenes.

Steve Zahn, well known for his comedy roles, proves he can swim in the water of dramatic actors with his weighty support role. At the same time, he also utilizes those skills as a comic to portray his husband and father as a highly likable, yet flawed man. He is especially effective in a scene where his character is forced to leave his family, saying that final goodbye to his beloved son.

Brittany Murphy once again displays her versatility in the role of Beverly's long-time friend whilst veteran James Woods credibly portrays Beverly's insensitive father. Additionally, the child actors who provide most of the movie's tenderness are exquisite.

"Riding in Cars with Boys" is essentially a showcase for the underrated Drew Barrymore, and combined with Morgan Upton Ward's tender screenplay; it's a trip worth riding shotgun for.

4 out of 5

Riding in Cars with Boys
Australian release: Commences November 22nd
Cast: Drew Barrymore, James Woods, Brittany Murphy, Steve Zahn, Lorraine Bracco, Adam Garcia.
Director: Penny Marshall.
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