Bobby Farrelly's "Drivers Ed" Falls Flat as a Tame Throwback to '90s Teen Comedies
TORONTO - The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) played host to the latest effort from director Bobby Farrelly, "Drivers Ed," a nominally modern-day high school road-trip movie that fails to revive the spirit of its '90s teen comedy heyday. Despite attempts to update the genre for contemporary audiences, the film's sensibilities remain stuck in the past.
According to TIFF attendees, the movie's reliance on outdated humor and lackluster plot twists left many underwhelmed. "It's like they took every tired trope from the '90s and mashed them together without any real effort to innovate or subvert expectations," said Emily Chen, a film critic for The Hollywood Reporter.
The screenplay, penned by Thomas Moffett, is similarly uninspired, relying on cringe-worthy dialogue and shallow character development. "I was expecting something fresh and exciting, but 'Drivers Ed' feels like a lazy rehashing of better films from the past," said David Jenkins, a film professor at the University of Toronto.
Background context reveals that Farrelly's heyday as part of the Farrelly Brothers duo, responsible for hits like "There's Something About Mary" and "Dumb and Dumber," has long since passed. Despite attempts to revive their signature brand of humor, recent efforts have been met with lukewarm reception.
Industry insiders point to a changing landscape in teen comedies, one that prioritizes authenticity and nuance over shallow laughs and juvenile antics. "The '90s were all about excess and irreverence, but today's audiences crave something more thoughtful and relatable," said Rachel Lee, a film producer with a focus on youth-oriented content.
As for Farrelly's future projects, it remains to be seen whether he will continue down this path or attempt to adapt to the shifting landscape of teen comedies. In the meantime, "Drivers Ed" will likely be remembered as a misfire in an era where audiences demand more from their entertainment.
Byline: Jessica Kiang, Film Correspondent
Date: September 12, 2025
Location: Toronto International Film Festival
*Reporting by Variety.*
