Riding in Cars with Boys

Name: Riding in Cars with Boys
Genre: Biography, Drama, Comedy
Released: October 19, 2001
Duration: 132 min
Rating: 43
Cast: Drew Barrymore, Steve Zahn

2001

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 31 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 19 Ratings

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7.7

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7.7	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 19 Ratings

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Riding In Cars With Boys

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Movie Details & Credits

Columbia Pictures | Release Date: October 19, 2001 | PG-13

Starring: Drew Barrymore, Steve Zahn

Summary: The fresh, funny, touching and unbelievably true story of writer Beverly D'Onofrio (played by Barrymore, who ages from 15 to 35 in the role) and her often irreverent, always unique personal journey. (Columbia Pictures)

Director: Penny Marshall

Genre(s): Biography, Drama, Comedy

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 132 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

Jay Carr

As a flawed but lovably lionhearted woman, Barrymore triumphantly comes of age as an actress.

Carrie Rickey

It's the kind of film -- like Diane Keaton's "Hanging Up" -- that even as it dissolves narratively, still makes you dissolve emotionally. Read full review

Claudia Puig

It's Barrymore's most ambitious role to date. She proves she is maturing as an actress. Read full review

Lisa Alspector

It's a bitter story played for humor, in which a callous character is never quite allowed to see herself as such. Read full review

Chuck Wilson

In many ways, Marshall and Barrymore are an equal match -- while both have a flair for the small touches that build a good comic scene, each lacks the complex layering of motive and emotion that make a human life believably real. Read full review

TV Guide Magazine Steve Simels

Added bonuses: A nice selection of oldies on the soundtrack, and an amusing third-act cameo by Rosie Perez as Ray's second wife. Read full review

New Times (L.A.) Robert Wilonsky

An overlong compendium of Oprah moments meant to move and inspire, even if, by the end, it's too exhausted with itself to offer up a single authentic tear or revelation. Read full review

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User Reviews

breakfastsalad

Jan 28, 2018

Recently aired to universal acclaim, critics deemed this film "a triumph". A feel-good yet highly suspenseful endeavor, "Riding in Cars with Boys" is a cinematic masterpiece that transcends its budgetary constraints and tight shooting schedule. The cinematography is peerless, featuringRecently aired to universal acclaim, critics deemed this film "a triumph". A feel-good yet highly suspenseful endeavor, "Riding in Cars with Boys" is a cinematic masterpiece that transcends its budgetary constraints and tight shooting schedule. The cinematography is peerless, featuring groundbreaking avant-garde camera angles and primarily non-diegetic narration provided by an enigmatic multitasking driver. This latter performer manages to skillfully navigate the freeway while simultaneously posing Life’s Big Questions to the film’s star, such as “what defines right” and “how are you feeling”. The narrator’s performance is furthered by a first-rate supporting cast of background (read: backseat) extras, who dazzle onscreen with poignant pauses and robust facial hair.

As for the film’s leading man, MK gives a riveting performance, at once moving and profoundly sensitive. The zenith of his 2-minute powerhouse portrayal lies in his monologue about Brazilian drum circles, in which MK reflects on his past experiences with a theatrical command that is all the more charismatic for its deep humility. While numerous critics bemoaned his substandard triceps, MK's multifaceted and gripping performance had us shifting into high gear. The film’s only weakness was the puzzling absence of Drew Barrymore, who appeared on all of its promotional material. Nevertheless, audiences worldwide are in for a treat this coming Tuesday, as “Riding in Cars with Boys” hits the big screen.… Expand

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Habibiehakim

Jun 17, 2021

Riding In Cars With Boys is not only fills with Barrymore and Steve Zahn excellent performance, but the child actor who is doing one of the best child actor performance i've ever seen in movies, it's powerful, it's realistic, it's an incredible piece of work, really worth watching, i highlyRiding In Cars With Boys is not only fills with Barrymore and Steve Zahn excellent performance, but the child actor who is doing one of the best child actor performance i've ever seen in movies, it's powerful, it's realistic, it's an incredible piece of work, really worth watching, i highly recommended.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

EmilyH.

May 25, 2007

Boring at times but one of my favourite movies for it's acting. A great piece by Drew Barrymore and truly shows how she works in both a comedic and serious role.

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pmcco

Dec 28, 2022

Slow at times, and a bit depressing, but really satisfyingly brilliant. Many critics of this film overload their grievances with some sort of personal disdain for Penny Marshall, but I think the movie is able to be enjoyed more when you understand Penny is not a director, but that's OK. TheSlow at times, and a bit depressing, but really satisfyingly brilliant. Many critics of this film overload their grievances with some sort of personal disdain for Penny Marshall, but I think the movie is able to be enjoyed more when you understand Penny is not a director, but that's OK. The movie serves as an in depth character study of Beverly, who is a young girl. Many critics of the film seem to find discomfort in her strange moments and goofs, but I believe they make her character all the more realistic, believable, and tragic. Beverly truly is still the 15 year old naive girl who dreamed of college in New York, now overloaded with responsibilities and resentment. My biggest grievance with the movie, that was overlooked by many, was the sheer distress some scenes caused. Although it adds to the realism of the movie, seeing Jason grow from an innocent ignored boy into a scornful young man is nothing short of cringeworthy. At times I found myself not wanting to watch, I believe the sad regression with his character that erupted out of the trauma depicted throughout the movie was almost unwatchable, I think it could have been shown in a much more palatable manner. The movie, though, was ahead of its time. Despite my reservations it is truly an underrated triumph. It represents familial relationships better than I've ever seen in a movie, and resonates much more for me than modern adaptations like ladybird.… Expand

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beingryanjude

Aug 28, 2014

Riding in Cars with Boys is dark. Much darker than you'd think with Drew Barrymore leading a film about a single-Mother. The harsh realities of life and Motherhood are addressed, and we are impressed with Ms. Barrymore. But it's Steve Zahn who breaks our hearts.

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