A film which begins brightly but then outstays its welcome. Nigel Bell
Give credit to Drew Barrymore. She's made the transition from ET child star to serious actor via real life drug problems and all action movies like Charlie's Angels. Riding In Cars With Boys is her most demanding acting role yet and she almost pulls it off. Almost, because she doesn't yet have the life experiences to play the mother of an 18-year-old son, played by Garcia who is actually older than Barrymore.  | | Is everybody happy? |
Based on Beverly D'Onofrio's autobiography, the film begins in the 60s and it's almost a return to American Graffiti, with period clothes and plenty of period music. Bev is sweet 15 when she takes a ride in a car with a boy and ends up pregnant. Reluctantly she gives up her plans for a college writing career and marries. Dad James Woods is less than impressed.  | | Doesn't she look beautiful and, by the way, I'm pregnant too! |
Wedding guests virtually ignore her until her best friend (Murphy) tells them all off and promptly announces she's pregnant as well. Bev's husband is Ray, played by Zahn, who easily takes the acting honours as a not too bright, easy going fella who all too soon becomes hooked on heroin as the action switches to the 70s. What makes Riding With Boys In Cars less dramatic is the decision to film it in flashback.  | | And when I grow up mummy, I want to star in a science fiction film just like you |
Having begun in the 60s we suddenly come up to date with Bev and grown up son taking a drive in another car in the hope of firming up a publishing deal for the story of her life. So immediately you know she's had some success despite difficult years. In a sense this revelation destroys much of the film's impact. Indeed by the end, Bev has been such a pain to so many people, that despite all her hardships you actually don't feel for Barrymore's character. At more than two hours the film fails to hold you. But if you tire of the usual dose of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings you might want to chance it if only to take a trip down memory lane. 
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