Julie Walters and Rupert Grint make an unlikely pairing in British buddy movie Driving Lessons. It marks the directorial debut of screenwriter Jeremy Brock, who adapted the story from his own life experience working for Dame Peggy Ashcroft. While it "motors along likeably enough," the film hit a brick wall in terms of ticket sales. Unfortunately, it was up against NASCAR comedy Talladega Nights...

Looking In The Rear View Mirror

Interviewed in just under six minutes, Walters and Grint don't have much time to talk in-depth about the film. After giving a brief description of their characters - where Walters insists she is not playing Peggy Ashcroft - they attempt to sum up the story for those who haven't seen it. "I drink," says Walters, "and Rupert drives." Grint throws in a few mumbling comments about the contrast between working on a small independent film and the blockbusting behemoth that is the Harry Potter franchise. And that basically wraps up the conversation.

Stuck In Neutral

According to the film commentary, Brock obviously didn't take elocution lessons either. He mutters obvious information like "blue water, and cut to..." and "here's another shot..." between deep yawns and slurps of tea. Occasionally, he does offer a few interesting insights, like Grint finding his character with the help of a few physical quirks. "Rupert developed a walk," Brock explains, "almost a Chaplin walk... and slightly lap-doggy."

In passing, he also mentions that Walters had some involvement with the development of the script. Apparently she wanted to press the point about her character's lack of inhibitions, eg on the bus when Evie loudly speculates on Ben's sexual orientation. Disappointingly though (perhaps just being diplomatic), Brock doesn't talk about the personal experiences that sparked the project. Another slurp of tea...

Although the film is worth a look on a rainy Sunday afternoon, there's not a lot else to rev up your engine.

EXTRA FEATURES

Driving Lessons DVD is released on 26th December 2006.