Review of Riding in Cars with Boys (2001) by Pmcco — 28 Dec 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.

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.