Was it predictable? Yes. Was it simple? Yes. But I wasn't able to stop smiling through the whole film because it was so dang cute. Even though it was as I expected it to be, it was comforting. And definitely not the cheesiest young adult rom com, which is a huge plus.
69 Reviews
Nice little romance gem
MickyG33329 May 2022
This is a cute high school to college summertime romance. The usual out-of-place, uptight, smart, old soul, sad girl meets: gorgeous, aimless, despondent, biker-boy (BMX, not motorcycle). It did NOT fail to satisfy my appetite for honest, feel good young love. The cliché, of course, is the obvious message to the audience that teens are actually more intelligent and level-headed than their parents. This time I'm not so certain they aren't correct! Her parents are all a few eggs short of an omelette.
The insecurity and bursts of emotion are navigated quite superbly, not too overwhelming; but sufficient enough to taste the angst, frustration, and potential for regret. Oh, to be young again.
What happened to Kate Bosworth? She only seems to do trailer park these days...
The insecurity and bursts of emotion are navigated quite superbly, not too overwhelming; but sufficient enough to taste the angst, frustration, and potential for regret. Oh, to be young again.
What happened to Kate Bosworth? She only seems to do trailer park these days...
Nothing surprising, but still very watchable
mounthebron24 June 2022
"Teen goes to the beach town of 'the other parent' to learn who they really are" is a pretty standard movie set-up. Maybe the book the movie is based on has elements from the real life of its author so the trope is less stereotypical and more biographical. Regardless, I think my only harsh critique is in the casting of Andie McDowell & Dermot Mulroney as parents of an 18 year-old only child, when they both have a full head of gray hair and are clearly well past or pushing 60. Both talented legendary actors, but time for them to accept that that parental roles are behind them now. Other than that it's a perfectly watchable coming of age story where the quiet kid finally learns to speak up and figure out where they want to go in life.
Charming film
doujyr8 May 2022
Enjoyed this a lot. Believable characters, believable scenarios, nice locations. Of course few of us are as physically attractive as the characters, and a film exploring what happens to those not quite so blessed would be interesting, But this is film/fairy tale territory, so I guess that's unlikely to happen.
A tad disappointing
kelseyboyd-437811 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I loved this book when I was in high school so when I saw they made it into a movie I was naturally excited. Obviously as many movies lack the story of a good book, this one did not seem to grab the detail I wished it would. A few examples, for one, the girls at clementines did their 9-o'clock dance every night, why couldn't the movie just make it the 9-o'clock dance, instead it was day light out. A small yet stupid detail I don't understand why the movie couldn't add, was Auden's mother was pretentious and this character did a good way of portraying that, however, in the book, she is a Cabernet drinker but she's caught drinking white wine in the movie... why? Another, is Auden and Eli go bowling for her quest, something Auden did not know how to do. In the movie they go mini golfing instead and Eli even asks her if she's been bowling to which she replied, yes. Why? There are so many more examples, but then I would just write the whole book here. Idk, I am just a stickler for good portray of detail from a book to a movie. In my opinion, if you're going to spend the time on the scene, just do it right. Also the acting was very mediocre.
predictable but cute
sfyaltsha7 May 2022
Fell Flat
aristotle75756 May 2022
I definitely agree with the majority of reviewers who are giving this between a 6 and a 7. The storyline had the potential to be so much more but in general it, and the actors. Always fell a little flat to me. I gave it a 7 because I managed to get through it until the end, but I was never moved in the way I would like to be when watching a movie, and honestly, I could have just as easily given in a 6. So much could have been developed more - family dynamics, relationships, friendships. In short, watch this if you have nothing else to watch and you will probably feel a bit meh throughout. It was entirely surface and superficial.
Painful Acting
jenkerum15 June 2022
The 2 leads have absolutely no chemistry. So painful to watch.
Best acting in the entire movie is the gas station attendant. She created a character with more depth in her brief appearances. Her $1.75 line had more nuance and emotion than either main character throughout the entire film.
Best acting in the entire movie is the gas station attendant. She created a character with more depth in her brief appearances. Her $1.75 line had more nuance and emotion than either main character throughout the entire film.
Summer coming of age with deeper waters
ricdesan7 May 2022
I have seen many coming of age films that start like this and when it surprises enough to avoid cliched pitfalls ... I start to enjoy it. The leads bring a fresh chemistry of relaxed unpretentiousness that hints at the depths to be seen later.
The languid resort town pace and great direction by Sofia Alvarez bring this sweet movie to a genuine close that doesnt rely on the conventional and is all for the best of a heartfelt film.
If you enjoy a subtle play on theme where Emma channels a wonderful and nuanced Jennifer Connelly in the character you will love this! As do I.
The languid resort town pace and great direction by Sofia Alvarez bring this sweet movie to a genuine close that doesnt rely on the conventional and is all for the best of a heartfelt film.
If you enjoy a subtle play on theme where Emma channels a wonderful and nuanced Jennifer Connelly in the character you will love this! As do I.
A charming film featuring promising turns by Emma Pasarow and Belmont Cameli
IonicBreezeMachine7 May 2022
Auden West (Emma Pasrow) having finished her senior year of High school opts to spend her Summer away from her mother Victoria (Andie MacDowell) in the beach town of Colby with her father Robert (Dermot Mulroney) and his new wife Heidi (Kate Bosworth) working in Heidi's beach shop. After getting off on the wrong foot with local girl Maggie (Laura Kriuki), Auden finds herself unable to sleep and wanders the town late at night where she meets fellow insomniac Eli (Belmont Cameli) and the two form a friendship that turns into a romance as they learn more about each other.
Along for the Ride is an adaptation of the novel by Sarah Dressen from 2009. The movie is the first in a three film deal with Netflix along with fellow Dressen novels The Lullaby and Once and for All. The movie comes to us from playwright turned screenwriter Sofia Alvarez who began her career on the TV series Man Seeking Woman and adapting the novels To All The Boys I've Loved Before and its sequel To All The Boys: P. S. I Still Love You also for Netflix and here makes her directorial debut. Along for the Ride hits all the beats you know from this type of grounded youthful romance story, but thanks to the strength of its two leads and Alverez' strong writing and direction, Along for the Ride makes for a pleasant bit of low-key distraction viewing.
Emma Pasarow makes her first appearance as a lead as does Belmont Cameli who appeared as part of the ensemble in the Peacock revival of Saved by the Bell. Both are likable and attractive leads and the two have a natural chemistry that builds nicely throughout the movie as we dig into their lives and see their relationship develop. The supporting cast are also really good with Laura Kariuki really good as Auden's eventual friend Maggie (following a brief misunderstanding) and Andie MacDowell and Dermot Mulroney are both good as Auden's now divorced parents who each have their own issues that affected Auden both for the better and the worse. Kate Bosworth is quite good as Robert's new-wife and Auden's stepmother and there's a warmth to her performance that exudes nicely in her interactions with Emma Pasarow as well as a quiet sadness in her scenes with Mulroney.
The story follows familiar beats of this type of narrative with both Auden and Eli's insomnia stemming from deep seated personal issues with Auden's being her family dynamic and Eli's being survivor's guilt for the loss of a friend and per the standards of this type of story it's pretty clear where it'll go and it hits many of the beats you've come to expect including the third act "on the outs" nadir, but the cast and writing earn the movie a decent amount of leeway.
Along for the Ride doesn't reinvent the genre but it is a pleasant sit for romantics. There's a sense of warmth, humor, and likability to the movie that won me over. I was honestly teetering between a 6 and 7 before ultimately giving it a seven, but maybe that's because the last movie like this I saw was the God awful Moonshot so it's possible I'm grading on a curve. From the description I've given of this movie as well as the trailer, you already know whether or not you'll like this movie.
Along for the Ride is an adaptation of the novel by Sarah Dressen from 2009. The movie is the first in a three film deal with Netflix along with fellow Dressen novels The Lullaby and Once and for All. The movie comes to us from playwright turned screenwriter Sofia Alvarez who began her career on the TV series Man Seeking Woman and adapting the novels To All The Boys I've Loved Before and its sequel To All The Boys: P. S. I Still Love You also for Netflix and here makes her directorial debut. Along for the Ride hits all the beats you know from this type of grounded youthful romance story, but thanks to the strength of its two leads and Alverez' strong writing and direction, Along for the Ride makes for a pleasant bit of low-key distraction viewing.
Emma Pasarow makes her first appearance as a lead as does Belmont Cameli who appeared as part of the ensemble in the Peacock revival of Saved by the Bell. Both are likable and attractive leads and the two have a natural chemistry that builds nicely throughout the movie as we dig into their lives and see their relationship develop. The supporting cast are also really good with Laura Kariuki really good as Auden's eventual friend Maggie (following a brief misunderstanding) and Andie MacDowell and Dermot Mulroney are both good as Auden's now divorced parents who each have their own issues that affected Auden both for the better and the worse. Kate Bosworth is quite good as Robert's new-wife and Auden's stepmother and there's a warmth to her performance that exudes nicely in her interactions with Emma Pasarow as well as a quiet sadness in her scenes with Mulroney.
The story follows familiar beats of this type of narrative with both Auden and Eli's insomnia stemming from deep seated personal issues with Auden's being her family dynamic and Eli's being survivor's guilt for the loss of a friend and per the standards of this type of story it's pretty clear where it'll go and it hits many of the beats you've come to expect including the third act "on the outs" nadir, but the cast and writing earn the movie a decent amount of leeway.
Along for the Ride doesn't reinvent the genre but it is a pleasant sit for romantics. There's a sense of warmth, humor, and likability to the movie that won me over. I was honestly teetering between a 6 and 7 before ultimately giving it a seven, but maybe that's because the last movie like this I saw was the God awful Moonshot so it's possible I'm grading on a curve. From the description I've given of this movie as well as the trailer, you already know whether or not you'll like this movie.
Bland characters in an incomplete or badly edited semi-romantic movie
foxie-eskelinen6 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I'm a sucker for any kind of romance movies, but lately it's been hard to find good ones. This one isn't it. Fair enough, the movie is more about two people pushing each other to do new things or get out of their comfort zone and in a way helping each other grow, instead of being a full on romantic teenage movie. I get the message the movie is trying to convey, but the medium is seriously flawed.
The plot seems rushed, one moment the protagonist meets a guy (we see about 3 seconds of them exchanging words) and literally 10 seconds later (counting from the initial meetup) the scene cuts to them kissing somewhere private? I don't think the script was made up that way, because that would be some incredibly lazy and bad writing. My guess it was edited that way for time? They really should've made the movie at least 30 mins longer, as these kinds of noticeable editing choices and inconsistencies happen several times and makes the experience of watching the movie a bit jagged.
The protagonists seem bland, something that is trying to be compensated by the actors' attractiveness. If you enjoy seeing two good looking people creating some sort of a bond on screen, I believe you'll like this movie and get some sort of pleasure from it. The final revelations also seem to happen suddenly, there isn't any real character development, dialogues seems a bit clunky and forced at times and the themes aren't being explored properly. All in all, an okay movie for someone's who's feeling a little lovesick and has nothing better to do. 5/10.
The plot seems rushed, one moment the protagonist meets a guy (we see about 3 seconds of them exchanging words) and literally 10 seconds later (counting from the initial meetup) the scene cuts to them kissing somewhere private? I don't think the script was made up that way, because that would be some incredibly lazy and bad writing. My guess it was edited that way for time? They really should've made the movie at least 30 mins longer, as these kinds of noticeable editing choices and inconsistencies happen several times and makes the experience of watching the movie a bit jagged.
The protagonists seem bland, something that is trying to be compensated by the actors' attractiveness. If you enjoy seeing two good looking people creating some sort of a bond on screen, I believe you'll like this movie and get some sort of pleasure from it. The final revelations also seem to happen suddenly, there isn't any real character development, dialogues seems a bit clunky and forced at times and the themes aren't being explored properly. All in all, an okay movie for someone's who's feeling a little lovesick and has nothing better to do. 5/10.
This was totally Adorbz!
juanmuscle9 May 2022
Pretty good adaptation
lauradt6 May 2022
I was a big Sarah Dessen fan in my youth and Along for the Ride was probably the most memorable of her novels for me. I reread it in the weeks leading up to the movie coming out and still really enjoyed it.
The adaptation is pretty close - obviously things need to be condensed or moved around for the screen - but I think it basically captured the novels essence.
I guess my biggest gripe with the movie is that the insomnia thing is kind of downplayed. Auden is certainly seen out and about at night time a lot, then at the halfway mark or so she talks about it a bit, but I just felt like it wasn't clear enough that it was a huge part of her routine even before staying with her dad. Considering it's the kind of 'hook' of the novel, I thought it could have been more prominent in the movie.
Ultimately I enjoyed this movie and will watch it again in the future. The music was great and the overall vibe is one I generally enjoy.
The adaptation is pretty close - obviously things need to be condensed or moved around for the screen - but I think it basically captured the novels essence.
I guess my biggest gripe with the movie is that the insomnia thing is kind of downplayed. Auden is certainly seen out and about at night time a lot, then at the halfway mark or so she talks about it a bit, but I just felt like it wasn't clear enough that it was a huge part of her routine even before staying with her dad. Considering it's the kind of 'hook' of the novel, I thought it could have been more prominent in the movie.
Ultimately I enjoyed this movie and will watch it again in the future. The music was great and the overall vibe is one I generally enjoy.
Exactly what you might expect
bosporan7 May 2022
A holiday teen-romance coming-of-age movie centering on Auden (Emma Pasarow), a socially-awkward people-watcher who dreams of being somebody else. She moves to her father's home by the sea for summer and meets his new trophy wife and baby. While there she meets Eli (Belmont Cameli), a freewheeling spirit and polar opposite to Auden.
A furball of tropes then, yet despite that the setup is well done and shows promise. The cinematography is excellent, overarchingly pastel with some beautiful shots, particularly the color coordination choices. Synthpop music also supports the narrative and seaside theme.
Inevitably this is a derivative story, loosely based on all other young romantic fiction, and that begins to show through. The key criticism is the lack of chemistry between the two protagonists. Naturally that shatters the core love story; add to that the generic and formulaic plot, it rapidly becomes easy to predict and its charm fades.
An ok romantic movie to pass the time, do not expect to be wowed by it.
A furball of tropes then, yet despite that the setup is well done and shows promise. The cinematography is excellent, overarchingly pastel with some beautiful shots, particularly the color coordination choices. Synthpop music also supports the narrative and seaside theme.
Inevitably this is a derivative story, loosely based on all other young romantic fiction, and that begins to show through. The key criticism is the lack of chemistry between the two protagonists. Naturally that shatters the core love story; add to that the generic and formulaic plot, it rapidly becomes easy to predict and its charm fades.
An ok romantic movie to pass the time, do not expect to be wowed by it.
An unexpected gem!
maitrilovesmovies2 March 2023
I could not stop smiling!!! Really enjoyed it! It's sweet and lighthearted and I would recommend if you want something playful and adventurous. Don't expect any unpredictable turns but it's comforting and enjoyable. The story is simple and similar to many others but the characters are relatable and genuine. It has an indie feel and captures teen angst. The story is thoughtful, fun and energetic. My only criticism is that the actors don't have the most natural chemistry and there is not a lot of depth or character development. In any case, it's for sure a perfect pick if you want a good smile and sweet teen romance!
One-time-watch movie with beautiful picture
polinaaa22 May 2022
I wanted to watch something light and feel-good. Along for the ride, directed by Sofia Alvarez and based on Sarah Dessen's novel is just that movie. I got interested in it due to the fact that the main female role was played by a debutante Emma Pasarow.
This romantic with notes of drama movie tells about Auden who decides to spend the summer before college in Colby in order to get in touch with her dad and change her outlook on life. There she meets Eli and the time of night adventures begins.
I was into simplicity and cuteness of an actress. However, I didn't enjoy her and Belmont Cameli's acting together. Despite the fact that the movie is cliched, I was keen on its atmosphere. But no more..
All in all, it's visually great, although being typical coming-of-age movie. I can recommend Along for the ride to anyone who don't have high expectations of such type of movies.
This romantic with notes of drama movie tells about Auden who decides to spend the summer before college in Colby in order to get in touch with her dad and change her outlook on life. There she meets Eli and the time of night adventures begins.
I was into simplicity and cuteness of an actress. However, I didn't enjoy her and Belmont Cameli's acting together. Despite the fact that the movie is cliched, I was keen on its atmosphere. But no more..
All in all, it's visually great, although being typical coming-of-age movie. I can recommend Along for the ride to anyone who don't have high expectations of such type of movies.
Film for a teenage audience ?
flejklw21 October 2022
I found this film to be sometimes funny and dramatic, but overall I think it was worth the watch.
I am sure a lot of teenagers can relate to " Auden" played by Emma Pasarow when they feel they dont fit in at their school, but the story, going to see her father and stepmother for the summer was a great storyline.
There are a lot of sentimental threads throughout the film involving the main characters "Auden and Eli" which i found came across very well. I think for the older viewer, might find it boring, but good to see a film that was honest and entertaining with some funny one liners.
Thing to mention , my thoughts on a teenage audience is that even with the established Andie Mcdowell and Dermot Mulroney in the cast, the teenage cast made the film.
7/10.
I am sure a lot of teenagers can relate to " Auden" played by Emma Pasarow when they feel they dont fit in at their school, but the story, going to see her father and stepmother for the summer was a great storyline.
There are a lot of sentimental threads throughout the film involving the main characters "Auden and Eli" which i found came across very well. I think for the older viewer, might find it boring, but good to see a film that was honest and entertaining with some funny one liners.
Thing to mention , my thoughts on a teenage audience is that even with the established Andie Mcdowell and Dermot Mulroney in the cast, the teenage cast made the film.
7/10.
Could have been much better
marebear36510 May 2022
As someone who read the book, this was disappointing. The pacing was off, causing the plot to feel off and very rushed towards the end. I think the protagonist was poorly portrayed, and the acting was not quite up to par, creating a rigid and seemingly inauthentic character.
No sweet stickiness... no silly over the top antics.. just a great story well told and acted
dhanison90007 May 2022
So often coming of age movies follow the tried and tested path, but this one certainly does not. It is funny, realistic. Gentle at times and a very good story told by some very good actors - and not just the BIG named stars like Mulroney and Macdowell, but the entire group.
In the end it is clearly a feel good movie that will leave you with a smile and a desire to see it again some day.
So rare nowadays to find something this fresh.
In the end it is clearly a feel good movie that will leave you with a smile and a desire to see it again some day.
So rare nowadays to find something this fresh.
A decent summer popcorn movie
LA_Musicworks1 July 2022
A decent summer popcorn movie - overall it was pretty well done, just a bit predictable but that goes with the genre. We found the music to be substandard in some spots, and even distracting at points. It's not an earth shattering monumental film - just consider it to be a light easy-going filler kind of movie.
Had such high hopes, but was very lackluster
jlsmithgrad9 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Sarah Dessen is my favorite author, and Along for the Ride is one of my favorite books. I reread it in anticipation for this, and was so excited for it to come out. Unfortunately though I'm very disappointed as the movie fell flat. Really didn't feel any connections to the characters.
The movies was slow in places it didn't need to be (actually boring in some spots) and zipped through other important storylines. The struggle of Heidi raising Thisbe all on her own, and Auden stepping in to help on numerous occasions was completely non existent here, and it's a major plot point of the book. Thisbe was barely even crying in this movie. I get that it's a movie and things need to be condensed and changed, but I just feel like they did it so much that it kind of ruined the story. Auden and Heidi didn't really get along at first, Auden judged Heidi like her mom did, but in the movie they were close the whole time. Eli and Auden's relationship too was also pretty dry here, don't really get to connect with them and watch their feelings grow. I had such high hopes because it's my favorite book, Netflix, and was directed by the writer of the screenplay for To All the Boys I've Loved Before, but it didn't have that same spark as I hoped it would.
The movies was slow in places it didn't need to be (actually boring in some spots) and zipped through other important storylines. The struggle of Heidi raising Thisbe all on her own, and Auden stepping in to help on numerous occasions was completely non existent here, and it's a major plot point of the book. Thisbe was barely even crying in this movie. I get that it's a movie and things need to be condensed and changed, but I just feel like they did it so much that it kind of ruined the story. Auden and Heidi didn't really get along at first, Auden judged Heidi like her mom did, but in the movie they were close the whole time. Eli and Auden's relationship too was also pretty dry here, don't really get to connect with them and watch their feelings grow. I had such high hopes because it's my favorite book, Netflix, and was directed by the writer of the screenplay for To All the Boys I've Loved Before, but it didn't have that same spark as I hoped it would.
Sarah Dressen's book come to life.
ttvync7 May 2022
As someone that grew up reading Sarah Dressen's novels I was extremely excited when i saw this on Netflix. Watching this transported me to my younger self. I felt myself goofy smiling the whole way through it. Yes it's a cliche teenage rom com but that's the point! Even if it's not exactly true to book it hits all the right points and brings a little bit of nostalgia to the small screen. Even loved how they managed to bring out the pastels in the cinematography just like how I imagined it when I read it. Loved it and I hope Netflix decides to adapt more of her stories if this is the outcome.
Not the worst book adaptation I've ever seen
cerapeck15 May 2022
That award would probably be given to The Longest Ride.
Sarah Desson is my favorite young adult author, so I was pleased to see one of her books made into a movie. The book is quite involved, so I understand that they had to make cuts to get it down to a feature length film. They kept enough to make it a good story but I did miss a lot of the book details. They added in new things that could have easily been replaced with the original book content.
Sarah Desson is my favorite young adult author, so I was pleased to see one of her books made into a movie. The book is quite involved, so I understand that they had to make cuts to get it down to a feature length film. They kept enough to make it a good story but I did miss a lot of the book details. They added in new things that could have easily been replaced with the original book content.
Goes through the motions
Calicodreamin10 May 2022
Pleasantly Surprised
marissawharton18 September 2022
You know what, I was very pleasantly surprised. I was expecting a very predictable, cheesy coming of age Netflix movie, and that's exactly what I got. But the chemistry between the cast, especially the two leads, was fantastic. They created a fun, heartfelt story in a cute setting and it was certainly a bit different than most of the other Netflix teenage romcoms out there. Not an award winning film perhaps, but they don't all have to be. It was time well spent in my opinion.
Adding another sentence or two to appease the idmb character count. Nevermind this statement written purely for fluff.
Adding another sentence or two to appease the idmb character count. Nevermind this statement written purely for fluff.
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