Most of the plot rings true but there was one obvious omission. Caution ******minor spoiler ahead**** and it is a major one. the movie, which is based on a true story, hinges on the raw ambition of Beverly in getting into a place of higher learning, it shows all the trials toward that end, but it never shows her achieving it even though it shows the RESULTS, in that yes she does get published. I also thought Adam Garcia who plays her son Jason at the age of 21 looked far too old for the part but that could have been deliberate as for a while in the flash forward, it looked like he was her boyfriend. Steve Zahn is just amazing in this. He nails the character, ages him, drugs him up, stupifies him, and you still wind up just loving the guy. An awesome performance. The depiction of a highly flawed, enmeshed mother-son relationship is beautifully done. I was absorbed and did not expect to be. 7 out 10. Kudos to all.
Review of Riding in Cars with Boys
Riding in Cars with Boys
(2001)
Drew Barrymore really acts in this one but Steve Zahn steals the show...
30 December 2002
Warning: Spoilers