Driving Lessons -- Review

Driving Lessons (2006) is a British movie that features Rupert Grint (better known as Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films) as an Anglican Preacher's Kid who faces the daunting prospect of a suffocating and domineering mother who is not just a clergy wife, but a religious fanatic. Her husband, the kindly vicar spends his time in his study dreaming about birds he's never seen. She's a real nut case! It's fortunate that my son, the PK doesn't have to deal with parents such as these!

In search of a job Ben (Rupert Grint) encounters an eccentric former actress Evie Walton (Julie Walters). Taking on the job of a sort of assistant to Dame Evie, Ben takes a journey -- both symbolically and literally that frees him from his mother's grip and allows him to come of age. A poet at heart, his mother destines him for the priesthood. But Evie in her dementia draws him into an adventure that begins with a camping trip he assumes is a drive in the country. He's driving despite the fact he's just a learner and in fact failed his driving test miserably. Evie has a car but no license. The camping trip leads to a further trip to Edinburgh, where Ben has his "first time" but misses Evie's recitation (her comeback), which so befuddles Evie that she can't continue.

Well, the story continues from there and due to his mother's flight with Peter, the Charismatic assistant pastor, he is free. There is a bit of Ron Weasley in this character -- but it's a delightful coming of age story that mixes comedy with a story of how friendship between generations can transform lives.

Now on DVD, this little film that apparently did little business at the cinema is quite worth seeing.

Watch the trailer -- to get a sense of the brilliant little film: