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critics consensus

Though it has charm, Driving Lessons is a middling offering in the genre where the youngster coming of age meets a quirky senior who teaches valuable lessons about life. Read critic reviews

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Driving Lessons Photos

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Movie Info

Teenage Ben (Rupert Grint) lives a sheltered life thanks to an overprotective mother (Laura Linney) and a weak-willed father (Nicholas Farrell). The youth takes a summer job as the assistant to Evie Walton (Julie Walters), an aging actress. At first the job is simple, but then Evie presses Ben into service as her chauffeur, even though he lacks a license. Ben must take the first step into adulthood, and learns how to have fun along the way.
  • Rating:
    PG-13 (Some Thematic Material|Sexual Content|Language)
  • Genre:
    comedy, drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Jeremy Brock
  • Producer:
    Julia Chasman
  • Writer:
    Jeremy Brock
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $238.8K
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Rubber Tree Plant, United Casting

Cast & Crew

Laura Linney
Laura Marshall
Julie Walters
Evie Walter
Rupert Grint
Ben Marshall
Tamsin Egerton
Sarah
Michelle Duncan
Bryony
Nicholas Farrell
Ben's Father
Oliver Milburn
Peter
Jim Norton
Mr. Fincham
Jeremy Brock
Director
Jeremy Brock
Writer
Julia Chasman
Producer
Edward R. Pressman
Executive Producer
Alessandro Camon
Executive Producer
Clive Carroll
Original Music
John Renbourn
Original Music
David Katznelson
Cinematographer
Amanda McArthur
Production Design
Robin Fraser-Paye
Costume Designer
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News & Interviews for Driving Lessons

Critical Consensus: "Man of the Year" A Weak Candidate, But At Least It Was Screened For Critics
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Critic Reviews for Driving Lessons

All Critics (75) | Top Critics (31) | Fresh (36) | Rotten (39)

  • Brock subscribes to the new school of British Imperialism: crafting cozy little trifles that conquer foreigners with preciousness.

    July 2, 2009 | Rating: C | Full Review…

    Amy Nicholson

    I.E. Weekly

  • Writer-director Jeremy Brock has backloaded much of the hero's family conflict into the final scenes, which collapse under the weight.

    December 18, 2006 | Full Review…

    J. R. Jones

    Chicago Reader

  • Driving Lessons is a poignant miniature that offers [Julie] Walters a chance to be typically wonderful - saucy but deep - and [Rupert] Grint to stretch quite commendably.

    December 8, 2006 | Rating: 3/4

    Tom Keogh

    Seattle Times

  • ... the film hardly resonates five minutes after it's over.

    November 18, 2006 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review…

    Steve Davis

    Austin Chronicle

  • Barely worth the trip.

    November 17, 2006 | Rating: 2/5

    Roger Moore

    Orlando Sentinel

  • It's an exercise in calculated high-quirk in which the most egregious forms of stereotyping -- particularly along gender and religious lines -- attempt to pass for 'human' behaviour.

    November 10, 2006 | Rating: 1.5/4 | Full Review…

    Geoff Pevere

    Toronto Star
View All Critic Reviews (75)

Audience Reviews for Driving Lessons

  • Sep 05, 2014
    It's nice to see Walters and Grint have more screen time than their Potter films and they work well off each other but the whole film is too calculated and Linney's annoying character doesn't get the comeuppance she deserves. Walters is on the verge of hamming the whole thing up but pulls it back enough at certain times to remind you how great she can be with the right material. Unfortunately this isn't it. Lightweight British comedy (?) fare.
    David S Super Reviewer
  • Jul 06, 2011
    An interesting British movie about one boy and his struggle with his overly religious family. He finds refuge with an elderly woman who teaches him all about life and how to live it. Featuring a great performance by Julie Walters this is a film that starts off slow but captures you and has you hooked by the end.
    Ian W Super Reviewer
  • Oct 22, 2009
    Great movie but I didnt care to much for the ending
    Brody M Super Reviewer
  • Oct 10, 2009
    very charming! rupert grint comin into his own. Julie Walters was GREAT!
    Morgan S Super Reviewer
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