| Harold & Maude-esque |  |
At age 17 (and a half), shy and gawky Ben (Rupert Grint) is under the thumb of his controlling and deeply religious mother (Laura Linney). Following the lead of his browbeaten and spineless father, the vicar (Nicholas Farrell), Ben constantly yields to his mother's demands without question, even when he wishes he could begin to take charge of his own life.
When he takes a job as a companion/assistant to an eccentric, aged and no-longer-popular actress, "Dame" Evie Walton (Julie Walters), his horizons are opened as they partake of various adventures together. Together they play lines from Shakespeare back and forth to each other while laying on a blanket in Evie's garden.
They visit an outdoor outfitter's shop and have fun trying out the equipment. Then she tricks him into a camping trip despite his mother's protests and his own apprehension. She further cons him into escorting her to Edinborough where she's been asked to read before an audience. She's terrified but has a need to do it -- but only if Ben will support her.
In Evie and her fears, Ben realizes his own fears and blossoms into a young man with opinions he's not afraid to state and the power to stand up to his mother.
While it's a tale that's been told before, Driving Lessons was nonetheless enjoyable and certainly enhanced by musical themes throughout the film. I was particularly pleased to be introduced to the charming music of the group Salsa Celtica ("The best Cuban band . . . in Scotland!").
For those unfamiliar with young Rupert Grint, he made his film claim as Harry Potter's best friend. And in this film, his father is played by Nicholas Ferrell who I'd not seen since his starring role in Chariots of Fire many years ago. It was a pleasure to see him again.
Directed by Jeremy Brock.
Rated PG-13 for language, sexual content and some thematic material.
viewed Jul-2007
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