Drew Barrymore attempts to really branch out dramatically in Penny Marshall's latest film, "RIDING IN CARS WITH BOYS".  Based on the memoir of Beverly Donofrio, Marshal and Barrymore make a major mistake in trying to temper Donofrio as a troubled mom rather than what she really was, just plain lousy!  The film, told in flashback, follows Donofrio from an early age to the point where she's about to get her autobiography published.  As is made evident early on, her promiscuity at an early age does lead to problems later on, affecting not just her life, but that of her child as well.  Her character certainly isn't "evil", but it's hard to sit through a movie where the main character is as genuinely unsympathetic, stupid, and selfish as this one is!  Still, the acting is outstanding!  Steve Zahn as the young man unfortunate enough to get her pregnant, is almost Oscar worthy!  But, the acting can't make up for the mediocrity of the script or the sluggish direction of Marshall.  Barrymore succeeds in her performance here, aging from adolescent to adulthood with "acting" rather than relying on makeup! 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has presented the film with its proper 1.85:1 aspect ratio and 16:9 enhancement.  The image is sharp throughout.  It has a well polished look to it and colors are generally vibrant.  When they're restrained, it's obviously intentional due to Marshall trying to convey a different time period through cinematography rather than direction, which is still a major hurtle for her to achieve!  The contrast is excellent, with deep blacks and grays.  Fleshtones appear natural throughout. 

While the dvd's Dolby Digital 5.1 soundmix is fine, it's not aggressive!   The surrounds are used mostly for atmospheric affect, and front directional effects are used adequately but without much creativity.  All speakers and Bass come into play whenever the songs selected to identify a period in the film's chronology, is used. 
 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has offered a running commentary with Drew Barrymore.  Barrymore does a competent job with her first endeavor, but focuses mostly on her character motivation rather than revealing any real technical information regarding the film's development or production.  Being that she's also producer of the film, we found this a little disappointing.

There are several featurettes offered.  One of them, while brief, allows for quick interviews with Barrymore and the real-life Donofrio. There are also photos of Donofrio and her son to compare with the film characters.
 

Another featurette, "BEV AND RAY'S HOUSE" explores the development of the house built for the film, meant to replicate the actual one given to the real-life Donofrio on her wedding night. It's about as interesting as it sounds!

An even briefer featurette focuses on the period cars used in the film. 

"BEVERLY AND JASON:SONS AND LOVERS" is another brief featurette, focusing on Donofrio and her son.  Both are featured in interviews, as are Marshall, Barrymore, the scriptwriter and producers of the film.

Add to this another "HBO MAKING OF" and you've got a pretty large amount of supplements!