'Carpool'
(Tom Arnold, David Paymer, Rhea Pearlman, Rod Steiger, Kim Coates, et al / DVD / PG / (1996) 2016 / 20th Century Fox)
Overview: Tom Arnold (True Lies, Nine Months) takes the wheel of this zippy family romp directed by Arthur Hiller (Silver Streak, The In-Laws). Arnold plays happy-go-luckless Franklin, whose bungled attempt to get cash for his floundering carnival puts him on the lam and at the wheel of a full minivan.
DVD Verdict: Yes, I know I'm 20 years behind the eight ball here, but I watched this film for the first time tonight! So, sure, watched it on the small screen, not the big, but this did not detract at all from Arthur Hiller's obvious and superb genius comedic directing. The film just fills me with a gleeful warm sense of satisfaction. I particularly enjoy the Mall scene where Franklin drives the people carrier into the hordes of poor shoppers!
This film really does shine out from other genres within the mid-90's era of comedy. We see here a delightful microcosm, a delectable pastiche capturing the endless hilarity of two 'star crossed' people coping with the madcap situation which life has bestowed them on this darkest of days.
Hiller actually makes you care about the characters, crazy but lovable Franklin (Tom Arnold gives an outstanding performance) with his wacky driving, Daniel with his all so cautious but semi-professional 'keeping it together attitude.' The screaming kids in the back just add to the foreground of this delightful and mystical journey on which we are taken though 90 minutes of mayhem!
With a team of talented writers with the likes of Don Rhymer, you know you're just being given gold! I personally would rate this film top notch comedic quality and I would thoroughly recommend this film to any friend of mine (and yours, in truth). This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.
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