What bugs me the most about this movie is not that it is cynical, synthetic, exploitative, and lazy, though it is all of those things. It is not that it alternates being dull with being both painful and dull, though it is both of those things. What bugs me the most is that it has no idea who its audience is and does not seem to care.
A successful G-rated movie can be for all ages but it must by definition have a plot and characters with some appeal for children. Usually, the best way to do this is to have a significant and engaging character who is a child. This is a movie about a high school senior (TV star Raven-Symone as Mel) who wants to go to college far away from home. The whole issue of this major separation that feels so natural at age 17 is something that young children not only do not identify with easily; some may find it downright disturbing.
The major idea of the movie, played for high humor, is Mel's over-protective father (Martin Lawrence James, a cop). This can be done in a way that is illuminating and resonant (see Finding Nemo
This plays out over a driving-from-Illinois-to-Washington plot that would make even the lightweight storylines of That's So Raven
This is the kind of baloney that a pre-sold brand produces because no one cares whether it is any good. But parents should insist on better than this condescending pre-fab fan-fodder. Movies, like doctors, should pledge to first do no harm. This one will leave anyone who is looking for comedy, heart, or story a little bruised.
Parents should know that while this movie is rated G it does have some mild potty humor and bad teenage and adult behavior. Characters lie, steal, housebreak, and cause a good deal of chaos and destruction without any consequences. A character uses a gun for target practice and two characters get tased.
Families who see this movie should talk about why it was hard for Mel to talk to her father. Why was it hard for her father to let her go?
Families who enjoy this movie will also enjoy Dr. Dolittle
Add to Del.icio.us
Add to Technorati
Add to Digg
Add to Newsvine
Add to Facebook
Add to StumbleUpon
Subscribe
Thanks very much, Trista and Sherri! As I have said before, I am always glad when someone sees more in a movie than I do. All any critic can do is explain his or her own reaction to a movie and I am very happy that this format gives people who disagree the opportunity to give their views as well. I appreciate your comments and hope you will post again any time you disagree with me -- or even if you agree!
"How many times has there been the pet pig who runs the wedding of the plus-size bride with a life-size butter statue of her in her wedding dress?" If 'runs' is meant to be ruins, I may have caught my first typo!
I feel like Martin Lawrence has made his own genre of lackluster movies. Keep up the good work, Nell!
You got one, Jon! Just nine more to go for a copy of my book. And you are so right about Martin Lawrence, who has made a string of disappointing movies. Thanks for the kind words!
Well i
loved the movie
becuase i am in 6 grade
i love raven so
college road trip was the best movie
i saw it will all of my best friends
and we loved it
Thanks for writing, Alex and I'm glad you and your friends enjoyed the movie!
Post a Comment
By submitting these comments, I agree to the beliefnet.com terms of service, rules of conduct and privacy policy (the "agreements"). I understand and agree that any content I post is licensed to beliefnet.com and may be used by beliefnet.com in accordance with the agreements.