Bobby Farrelly's "Driver's Ed" Falls Flat as a Nostalgic Throwback
TORONTO - The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) saw the release of Bobby Farrelly's latest film, "Driver's Ed," which has been met with lukewarm reception from critics and audiences alike. The movie, a nominally modern-day high school road-trip comedy, attempts to revive the spirit of the 1990s teen comedies that made the Farrelly Brothers household names.
According to Jessica Kiang, film critic for a leading publication, "Driver's Ed" is a "tame throwback" that fails to capture the essence of its predecessors. "The sensibilities of both director and screenplay are so trapped in the past that the whole movie feels like a defrosted relic from another era," she noted.
Set in the current day, with nods to modern technology such as smartphones and Ritalin, the film's anachronistic tone has been criticized for being out of touch. "It's clear that Farrelly is trying to summon the spirit of his heyday, but it comes across as forced and artificial," said Kiang.
The movie follows a group of high school students on a road trip, exploring themes of friendship and coming-of-age. However, critics argue that the film's tone is too sanitized and lacks the edge that made Farrelly Brothers' films like "Dumb and Dumber" and "There's Something About Mary" so beloved.
Farrelly's attempt to revive the 1990s teen comedy genre has been met with skepticism by some industry insiders. "The problem with 'Driver's Ed' is that it tries too hard to be nostalgic," said a film executive, who wished to remain anonymous. "It's like trying to put the genie back in the bottle – it just doesn't work."
Despite its lackluster reception, "Driver's Ed" has sparked conversations about the evolution of teen comedies and the challenges of adapting to changing times. As Kiang noted, "The film may not be a success, but it's an interesting case study on how nostalgia can both inspire and stifle creativity."
In related news, Farrelly is set to attend the upcoming Venice Film Festival, where his latest project will be showcased alongside other notable films from around the world. As the industry continues to grapple with the complexities of nostalgia and innovation, one thing is clear: "Driver's Ed" may not have driven audiences wild, but it has certainly sparked a conversation about the future of teen comedies.
Background: The Farrelly Brothers rose to fame in the 1990s with their irreverent and often raunchy comedies. Their films, such as "Dumb and Dumber" and "There's Something About Mary," became cult classics and influenced a generation of filmmakers. However, since their heyday, the brothers have struggled to replicate their success.
Additional Perspectives: Industry insiders point out that the film industry is constantly evolving, and what worked in the 1990s may not work today. As one executive noted, "The key to success lies in being able to adapt to changing times and tastes."
Current Status: "Driver's Ed" has been met with mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. While some have praised its nostalgic value, others have criticized its sanitized tone and lack of edge.
Next Developments: Farrelly is set to attend the Venice Film Festival, where his latest project will be showcased alongside other notable films from around the world. The festival will run from September 5-14, 2023.
*Reporting by Variety.*
