Sam Nivola Hits the Open Road in Bobby Farrelly's Lovable but Lackluster 'Driver's Ed

'Driver's Ed' Review: Sam Nivola Stars in Bobby Farrelly's Genial but Uninspired Road Trip Comedy TORONTO - In a world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, director Bobby Farrelly brought his latest comedy, "Driver's Ed," to audiences eager for a laugh. The film, starring Sam Nivola as an anxious high school senior, follows a group of friends on a road trip from New York to Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The movie, which premiered at TIFF on September 10, has been met with mixed reviews, with some critics praising its lighthearted humor and others finding it uninspired. "Driver's Ed" marks Farrelly's first solo effort since the success of "Dumb and Dumber," a road movie that helped establish his brand in the comedy genre. In an interview ahead of the premiere, Farrelly acknowledged the comparison to his earlier work, saying, "I think people are always looking for something new from me, but I'm just trying to make a funny movie." He added, "Road movies have been done before, but I wanted to do one that was more about the journey than the destination." The film's protagonist, played by Nivola, is a high school senior who embarks on a three-hour drive with his friends to ensure his college girlfriend hasn't broken up with him. The movie cruises along pleasantly, but without much tension or excitement. Industry insiders note that "Driver's Ed" may not be as edgy or gross as some of Farrelly's earlier work, but it still has its moments. "It's a fun, lighthearted movie that will appeal to a younger audience," said one industry expert. "While it may not break new ground in the comedy genre, it's a solid addition to Farrelly's filmography." The film's release comes at a time when road trip comedies are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. With the success of movies like "Superbad" and "The Hangover," studios are looking for the next big hit in the genre. As for what's next, Farrelly has hinted that he may be working on another comedy project, but details are scarce. For now, audiences will have to settle for "Driver's Ed," a genial but uninspired road trip comedy that fails to live up to its predecessor's standards. Background: Bobby Farrelly is known for his work in the comedy genre, particularly with his brother Peter on films like "Dumb and Dumber" and "There's Something About Mary." The director has been working on "Driver's Ed" for several years, but the project has faced delays and setbacks. Industry Impact: The release of "Driver's Ed" is expected to have a moderate impact on the box office, with some industry insiders predicting it will perform well among younger audiences. However, others are skeptical about its long-term success. Audience Appeal: "Driver's Ed" is likely to appeal to fans of lighthearted comedies and road trip movies. With its genial humor and relatable characters, the film may find a niche audience among those looking for a fun, easy watch. Next Developments: Farrelly has hinted that he may be working on another comedy project, but details are scarce. As for "Driver's Ed," it will continue to play in select theaters before its wider release later this year. *Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*