Review of Driving Lessons (2006) by Andy S — 22 May 2009

I'll admit that I'm not even slightly partial to Rupert Grint's acting. He's most assuredly the weakest link in the three-fold strand of friends in the Harry Potter films. For this reason, I had avoided jumping in his car in Driving Lessons. Still, I can't resist a coming of age story as it seems that no matter the age we've gotten to, we are oft ill prepared to meet the challenges presented us. For this reason (and, yes, for Julie Walters), I buckled in for what I feared would be a bumpy lesson.

I'm happy to report that not only do I give Driving Lesson a passing grade, I genuinely enjoyed a few of its left turns. Grint was solid while Walters couldn't find her gear. Now, I can't say it was all her fault (the screenplay threw her some serious speed bumps), but I felt (at times) that she was over-acting. Granted, that may have been the point, her playing a washed-out actress and all.

Acting aside, I did really enjoy the friendship developed between the older Walters and the younger Grint. I found it touching even if it was a bit contrived at times. I thought it weird, however, that they sort of "broke up" at the end when he got a new job. He just lives up the street for crying out loud, if they were such good friends I'm sure he could visit her on a semi-regular basis.

My biggest grip against the film (besides its rather outlandish storyline) is its presentation of Christianity. I did think Linney was great (by the way), but I have rarely (if ever) met a "Christian" like her. Yes, I realize the story needed an antagonist, but why is that so often the crazy Christian?

That pothole aside, this is still a fine little film worthy of a drive around the block. Enjoy the lazy Sunday afternoon ride.