Riding in Cars with Boys

Columbia Pictures | Release Date: October 19, 2001

7.7	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 19 Ratings

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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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beingryanjudeAug 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 ZahnRiding 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.… Expand

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breakfastsaladJan 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 shootingRecently 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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HabibiehakimJun 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 anRiding 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

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pmccoDec 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 youSlow 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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