Driving Lessons
User Score
7.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 2 out of 13

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  1. SydneyR.
    Jul 20, 2007
    9
    In about the first third of the movie, Grint's character has very little lines. He portrays his emotions very well without words. But not in a very obvious and blunt way. It's over all a really cute story even if it's been done before.
  2. a
    Jul 9, 2007
    5
    Average film - Grint stumbles awkwardly through the film while Walters shines.
  3. JohnM.
    Jul 7, 2007
    1
    Good idea and good cast, but poorly implemented. Disjointed and frankly just not interesting to watch, comedically or dramatically
  4. LesleyY.
    Dec 3, 2006
    10
    I have seen this film numerous times, and while the US version is still good, it's highly lacking in the fact that the swear words were dubbed. That said, the film is highly underrated by critics in that they can't seem to get past the fact that conceptually, it's been done before. Yes, we know that the road-trip has been done, we know the parallels to Harold and Maude, we know, we know, we know. What the critics are overlooking is one of the hardest things to do with a film, that Brock has managed to execute immculately: deep, intimate character development with very little blatant exposition. It gives its audience a lot of credit, showing us the characters and allowing us to realise who they are instead of shoving their attributes down our throats. Definitely of note are the performances by the actors and actresses, all able to pull off Brock's vision of characterisation flawlessly. Laura Linney was perfect, just the right blend of totally out-there crazy and believably broken; Julie Walters shone in her best role since Billy Elliot. And then there's Rupert Grint. This kid is so beyond Potter. His ability to get into the head of the character of Ben, and to show that to us in such an honest and unpretentious way, had me seeing stars. Both he and Walters deserve Oscar nods for this work. The movie is heavy, but not heavy-handed; it's light without being trite. (No, the rhyme was not intentional.) Go see it. You'll be glad you did.… Expand
  5. MarcusP.
    Nov 17, 2006
    10
    In my opinion, this is one of those movies that only comes around once about every 5 years or so. It is definately a movie that I have added to my top ten list of all time. I pray that this movie, JULIE WALTERS, or RUBERT GRINT (from the Harry Potter movies) don't get overlooked for an Oscar nomination.
  6. CraigB.
    Oct 31, 2006
    10
    A great ride. Hop aboard, really!
  7. AidaA.
    Oct 9, 2006
    10
    This movie is soooo great! Rupert Grint (the love of my life awww) captures the audience with his charm and peculiar acting! It leads us to see how teenage life can be so complex and strange and how we can take it, just like Ben did. Julie is a master! Luv her! Also Laura Linney. In few words a spectacular movie.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
56 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Variety
    Reviewed by: Ronnie Scheib
    70
    Basically conservative yet titillatingly "eccentric" British laffer could succeed in the "Full Monty" import slot.
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  2. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Luke Y. Thompson
    70
    The sentiment's a bit thick sometimes, but Walters remains sharp, and is sure to inspire drag queens everywhere.
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  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Gregory Kirshling
    42
    Linney is too sensitive and capable an actress to play a stock villain like this. That everyone in the movie dislikes her makes you dislike everyone in the movie.
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