“Riding in Cars with Boys” is not an easy film to watch. By that I mean the main character Beverly (played by Drew Barrymore) does not have it easy. The more she develops into a teenager the more distance comes between her and her father (played by James Woods.) Then at fifteen she gets pregnant by her boyfriend Raymond Hasek (played by Steve Zahn.) The year is 1968 so of course the only option for Beverly and her boyfriend is marriage.
In one of the most depressing scenes of the movie, Beverly is the most ignored bride in movie history. The words “teen bride” hang over the wedding like a thick cloud that no one wants to acknowledge. No one congratulates Beverly or even sits next to her. No one except for her best friend Faye (played by Brittany Murphy.) Faye announces her own upcoming nuptials at Beverly’s wedding. Faye is also fifteen and pregnant. In another sad moment in the film Faye and Beverly are eating ice cream as their friends drive by headed to Junior prom.
After that things start off well for the two newlyweds. Beverly and Raymond get a house together. He works a construction job while Beverly takes care of the house and gets ready to give birth. Raymond soon becomes an alcoholic and starts missing work. This causes a lot of tension between Beverly and Raymond. In the middle of a heated argument over his drinking Beverly’s water breaks and she is rushed to the hospital.
After Beverly gives birth to a boy, Raymond swears that he is a changed man and he will be a good father. His good intentions make her believe him. He disappoints her several more times throughout the film. Raymond forgets about his day to watch their son therefore Beverly misses her chance at a scholarship. He also becomes addicted to heroin. Eventually Beverly has to help him get through at home detox.
The movie is told through flash backs. Her son, Jason is all grown up and she has written a book about her experiences as teenage mother. Beverly resents her son because having him prevented her from going to college. He senses this and resents his mother back. This disturbing dynamic makes for a very unique relationship.
My main problem with this film is that it did drag a bit towards the middle. The cast does a good job throughout, however. Drew Barrymore, Brittany Murphy and Lorraine Bracco are the main bright spots in the cast. The ending does not settle everything neatly. It’s a lot like life, it’s both messy and confusing. If you’re looking for a movie to pick you up I’d rent another Drew Barrymore film. My favorite is Never Been kissed.