Carpool (1996)
by Greg Score: 3/10
As it goes for crap-tastic films this ranks up there. I know, I know, why did it get a 3. Well, collective its crappyness does relate to over the top hi jinks with brief moments of humor where I did indeed laugh. Plus my son watched it with me and he giggled at the slapstick, physical comedy and cringed when something dangerous happened. He's 3.First we meet Daniel Miller (David Paymer), an overworked individual with an uber-important presentation at work, but his wife is ill and needs Daniel to take her turn as the Carpool driver. After brief negotiations he agrees and the adventure begins. Upon picking up the kids, David drives to Hammermans, an upscale convenience store. Now we meet Franklin Laszlo (Tom Arnold) who is there for donuts, but in classic 90's trend, they don't have donuts. Donuts are for heathens, uncivilized folk, at Hammermans they serve croissants, danishes, scones, etc. (Personally I love all pastries) Franklin has a heated discussion at the checkout with an employee. Meanwhile, thieves Neil and Jerry interrupt Franklin, who is then interrupted by an elderly bystander brandishing a gun. Franklin not wanting to feel left out pulls out his own pistol, battles Detective Erdman(Kim Coates) when he tries to leave the store and taking David as hostage. Now fleeing the scene, he takes Davids van and the five kids from the carpool. Its all typical fare from here; car chases, eluding police, disguising the van with purple spray paint, a chase scene in a mall from meter maid(Rhea Perlman). Eventually David pleas to Franklin to let him make his important presentation to Mr. Hammerman( Rod Steiger). (yep, he owns the convenience store that Franklin robbed earlier) So, Franklin wants to help David with the presentation. Of course, they nail it despite David's boss cringing. Ultimately David quits his job to work along side Franklin in their own business.
It's a vehicle film for Arnold and he's better as a supporting cast. It worked in "Roseanne" or "True Lies" as comic relief or bumbling moron, here, he's just an unfunny moron. Bottom line, David finds his journey of self discovery about friendship, parenting and working for yourself with a job you'll enjoy. Too bad over the top childish acting from Arnold and weak plot structure ruins the film. Another note, Rachel Leigh Cook of "She's All That" fame is one of the carpool kids.
Starring: Tom Arnold, David Paymer, Rhea Perlman, Rod Steiger and Kim Coates
Directed by: Arthur Hiller
Budget/Gross: $17,000,000(estimated)/ $3,308,758 (USA)
IMDB Rating: 4/10
Tomatometer: N/A critics/ 39% audience liked it
