ShareThisBy PHIL VILLARREAL
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
"Driving Lessons" is one of those mentor-neophyte dramas that mashes together an outcast old youngster with an outcast young oldster, has them hit it off after they discover they have a lot in common, then tries to jerk tears out of your eyes when death or cruel society severs the misunderstood relationship.
Usually, it's the old character who's slow and stodgy yet inspired by the impulsive joy of the youngster, who in turn benefits from the oldster's wisdom. The twist in "Driving Lessons" is that 17-year-old Ben (Rupert Grint) is a repressed lad from a fanatically conservative household who hooks up with Evie (Julie Walters), an easygoing retiree who teaches him to let the starch out of his collar.
There's nothing wrong with "Driving Lessons," but you feel like you've seen it seven times already and it was at least a little better each time before.
Ben, looking for any escape from his domineering mom, Laura (Laura Linney), takes a job assisting Evie, who insists he drive her around, even though he doesn't have a license. She gives him advice on dating and self-determination, and he makes her feel young and involved again. In each other, they both find their best friends. (Go, awww here).
Strong performances deserve better than this weak, played-out material.
Walters was twice nominated for Oscars ("Educating Rita," 1983; "Billy Elliot," 2000).
Grint, who plays Harry's freckled best pal Ron Weasley in all the "Harry Potter" flicks, takes baby steps toward distancing himself from the boy-wizard typecast.
Linney, whose overprotective character is way over the top, is at least a joy to appreciate in the manner of a Disney cartoon villain.
Writer/director Jeremy Brock chose a lame, threadbare premise for his debut.
A first film, at least from someone looking to make an impact, should be a daring leap that's an explosion of burning creativity. Such a cautious and lackadaisical effort as this would be understandable coming from a well-established filmmaker who's playing out the string.
Maybe it's Brock who needs lessons.
2 stars out of 4
Rated: PG-13 for language, sexual content and some thematic material.
Cast: Julie Walters, Rupert Grint, Laura Linney.
Writer/director: Jeremy Brock.
Family call: If you let your kids watch network TV at night, you can let them see this.
Running time: 98 minutes.
(Read Phil Villarreal's blog at scrippsnews.com/philmguy and contact him at pvillarreal(at)azstarnet.com.)
