Carpool (1996) User Reviews

It's fair

[meloda · 5/10 · 21 November 2016]

I liked this movie when it came out, but I was a pre-teen. Now, it's fair. No classic and no extreme adventure; and definitely very unrealistic with kid jokes to make matters worse. However, it does have it's exciting parts that keep you on the edge of your seat. A few times it really does get you going. I wouldn't recommend see it without kids around, and would only see it if there really is nothing better to see. However, it is better than a lot of family movies, and is worth a try if you're willing to lower your standards.

All the more, and on the plus side; it really has a good plot and good moments. If you really give it a fair chance and "read between the lines," there are hidden messages about team work and self-development. The man on the run has a good heart, but is facing lots of problems. People (even the kids and witnesses) like Arnold's character better than the Dad. The Dad, selfish in the beginning, really learns a lot about putting others before himself - while making a new friend and bettering himself. The kids, who argue in the beginning, also form a bond, and have some good learning moments. They all work together as a team, and it leads to a surprise ending.

No classic, and probably only a 5/10, with just a C grade; but that's better than rock-bottom, and is an all-around adequate movie worth one watch if there truly is nothing better on TV or anything better to do.

Kinda fun, but forgettable

[Tito-8 · 5/10 · 17 April 1999]

This film was about what I was expecting, although perhaps a little better. I was surprised that things never got TOO stupid, but that's not to say that it wasn't a piece of fluff. There were a few times when I laughed, and I wasn't watching the clock all that much, but that is about as high as my praise can get for this movie. Basically, it's just another forgettable movie that is an adequate time killer, but has fairly little entertainment value.

Average comedy that makes for a good rental

[nucksfan4life · 5/10 · 26 May 2002]

"Carpool" wasn't all that bad. I think Tom Arnold can be very funny at times and he came through here. The stars of this movie however were the children. They provide most of the laughs. Maybe my one quarrel with the film was Paymer's character's constant whining about being late for his meeting. The movie is nothing special, but its also not terrible. "Carpool" is harmless family fun.

Better than you think, which doesn't help much.

[willprindi · 2/10 · 18 March 2000]

This is your common family comedy: a lack of realism, fart jokes, kids and dopey adults taking control, more bad jokes, and a busy parent with a struggling relationship with his/her child.

What is with the last item on that list? All these family movies have the boilerplate `'I hate you, Dad/Mom'…'save me, Dad/Mom'…'I love you, Dad/Mom'' subplots, as if they're required by law. I thought such subplots were dumb when I was young enough to appreciate family movies. As an 18-year-old, they look even stupider. I don't think anyone truly gets anything from them. Even the dumbest jokes were a better investment of time.

Still, it's not all bad. Silly movies like this can be much worse. The acting was decent, assuming that several actors were still kids. It's sad that they did a career-crushing film like this. Of the five kids, only Rachael Leigh Cook has had a remotely notable role since (`She's All That,' almost three years later). As for the adults, I was impressed with Rod Steiger and David Paymer, but couldn't they find something better?

Most would be horrified to think about a sequel, but with so much to improve, I doubt it could be worse. (Maybe Kayla, now in her late teens, fills in for the carpool and Chelsea and Travis are now teens, with new little kids to take their place. The hijacker could be an early-20's guy so he can have a love/hate relationship with Kayla. You groan, but would you rather a cheesy parent/child relationship?) These are just my ravings: even if you could get the actors to return, the reputation of the original would still be there. Then again, maybe the public has forgotten after four years.

My overall impression: this movie is as mediocre as it gets; just how so depends on your age group. Kids will enjoy the bad jokes. Adolescent boys will enjoy Kayla's outfit. Everyone else: it won't kill you, but there has to be at least one better tape in the store.

Parents: be advised that family movies are not the best way to spend time with your kids; this one is no exception.

My rating: 5.

Couldn't The Studios Come Up With Something Better Than This ?

[Theo Robertson · 4/10 · 20 November 2005]

CARPOOL was produced by Warner Bros , a film studio with a long history of movie making . You'd think the studio heads would know what makes a successful entertaining film so couldn't have come up with something better than this ?

What's that old saying " Never work with children or animals " ? The studio broke one of the rules by employing children as main protagonists and while we don't have much in the way of animals we see another golden rule broken , the one that states " Never work with a duff script " . A man drives his children to school only to get kidnapped by a desperate robber . You probably think you've seen this premise a million times before but it's not really a plot that's been filmed all that many times , probably because it's so weak and obvious which leads me to be confused as to how it survived its pitch . I guess the studio must have been really short of good ideas that month . The already weak plot is brought done even more by the way the actors mug for the camera and the really weak situations: " You put the gun down - No you put the gun down " which means it's not really worth your time seeing

Seen it all before.

[=G= · 4/10 · 26 October 2002]

The biggest problem with the critically slammed "Car Pool" is its lack of originality. The affable Arnold plays a likeable two-bit carnival owner in need of money who carjacks a gaggle of kids on their way to school in a van driven by Paymer. What ensues are the usual chases and sophomoric nonsense. A busy flick with lots going on, "Car Pool" is a regurgitation of hackneyed stunts and gags which have been done many times before. An okay diversion for the vegetating sofa spud and little more. (D)

Note - IMHO Arnold's Razzie is undeserved. It's hard to look good in a really bad film.

Classic 90s screwball comedy

[Sweetigal85 · 7/10 · 9 June 2018]

This movie is definitely reminiscent of the glorious 90s. The clothes, the hairstyles, the scenery, the attitudes...the complete and utter lack of iphones or cell phones at all haha. In fact, if cell phones had been mainstream at this point the movie would have ended rather quickly!

This movie is obviously very far-fetched as most screwball comedies are. One of my favorite story lines though are ones that take place in a day's time like this and which start from something simple which escalates ridiculously.

Aside from being very funny it is also heartfelt at times. It is interesting how this chaotic and seemingly dangerous experience strengthened the relationship between the main workaholic character and his emotionally neglected children. He was not a bad guy and he was obviously working so hard to keep them in the lap of luxury but it was clear that along the way he forgot what was important. This hectic day reforged the bond he once had with his children or perhaps never had at all.

Some elements with the gun violence/comedy are difficult to watch now as the world has become a much more dangerous place since 1996. If you have never seen this movie before, try to keep that in mind that this is 1996. I do not think a family comedy made now would make light of using guns in a funny way.

Perfect movie for people who grew up in the 90s, not sure if modern day people who have not seen it already would enjoy it as thoroughly. Check it out and see!

Stuck in traffic....

[Mister-6 · 2/10 · 1 September 1999]

There were a million different ways this film could have gone and, subsequently, improved. However, this "Carpool" runs out of gas early on.

Tom Arnold can be funny, I've seen him do it. And there are parts in "Carpool" where he is, in fact, funny. But the whole storyline is just a line of desperation on which this movie hangs situations that just don't stay up.

And what in all that is holy's name are actual actors like Paymer and Steiger doing here? They can be funny on occasion, but not here; you just spend your time scratching your head, wondering how bad they needed the money.

As it is, one long car chase, punctuated by the kids thinking Arnold isn't such a bad guy after all while dad Paymer insists they "stop being nice to the criminal" (okay, I liked that part).

Two stars. And if I never see Steiger dressed like a clown again, that's fine with me.

Not a pool of cars

[kosmasp · 7/10 · 17 March 2021]

Now you may not be aware of the term carpool ... or maybe you are. But just in case, it means that one car is being used to transport many individuals. In this case it is a carpool to school. So you get kids from different families being driven to school by one dad. So you know the other parents have not to worry how their kids will get to school.

This is quite the silly comedy and the actors are a testament to that. Tom Arnolds character might as well be called Tom Arnold - he seems to be playing his thing. And either you like it or you are annoyed by it. I wouldn't be calling it acting necessarily. And he doesn't have to - this not shading him. It works perfectly for the movie I would say.

So sit back, relax and let the madness take place ... predictable but still fun for all/many of the families

I liked it as a Kid...

[namashi_1 · 4/10 · 9 March 2011]

As a kid, I had no knowledge of Cinema. I only relied on Cartoons and Comedies like 'Carpool'. I remember enjoying myself while watching 'Carpool' back in the late 1990's. Now when I saw it on TV after all these-years, When I itself started to watch films like 'Ben Hur', 'Casablanca' etc, I consider this 1996 flick to be a weak effort.

'Carpool' is not a terrible film, but it's not good either. However, Kids of my age back then, enjoyed themselves. In terms of 'Screenplay' & 'Direction', this flick offers nothing magnificent and I can confirm you that the Makers didn't intend to make a 'milestone' film anyway. Their intension was to make Kids laugh, and of what I remember, the kids did.

Arthur Hiller's direction as well as the screenplay offer nothing great. For some reason, Tom Arnold won a Razzie-Award for Worst Actor for his performance in here, while David Paymer delivered a truly good performance. David Paymer is amongst "the" most under-rated actors of his time. The kids did a fine job.

On the whole, A film that never will be talked about, and I guess it never even wanted to be Evergreen.

Amazing film, outstanding repeatability viewing rating!

[jamesconnoruk · 10/10 · 20 November 2005]

I watched this film for the first time tonight. I have to say that I did see it on a small television set, 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 hilaritys 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 9.5, but that's not for the likes of me to decide. I would thoroughly recommend this film to any friend, and will probably be purchasing on DVD as soon as possible.

Adorable!

[cwm368 · 26 October 2003]

Tom Arnold really shined in the movie,i've always liked him and it was great to see him get a leading role. David Paymer played the role of the 'all work, no pleasure,up tight dad' role very well. Even Mr.Hammermin was hilarious at the end when the group gave him slogans for their carnival project. The children played their roles well,with child innocence it's great to see grown people especially men bond with their kids and that's what I got from watching this movie... 7 out of ten!

~CWM~

Definitely not high-octane entertainment but not bad, either

[inkblot11 · 6/10 · 14 December 2007]

Daniel (David Paymer) is a businessman who works long hours. One morning, his wife gets the flu, leaving him responsible for getting his children dressed, fed, and dropped off at school. He fumes about this, for he has an all-important meeting at ll:00 am. Nevertheless, he piles his two boys, along with three neighbor kids (its Dan's turn to be the carpool driver) into the van and stops for doughnuts for everyone to have a "good" breakfast. Trouble is, at the bakery, there is a hold-up, with Franklin (Tom Arnold) taking the money and taking Daniel hostage, too, to complete a getaway. Franklin is really a nice man but his failing carnival show necessitated the immediate need for funds. Daniel is aghast for he still has his meeting looming on the horizon. After having the kids spray-paint the van purple, to allude authorities, Daniel, Franklin, and the kiddies drive around and around. Will they be caught? And, why does Daniel's children like Franklin better than they like their own father? This movie has a good concept that is, unfortunately, not matched by the film's ultimate execution. The idea that a robber would end up in a mundane carpool routine is infectious but the film's plot line runs thin, at times. Nevertheless, Paymer is a good performer, as is Arnold, who always garners smiles. The children are lively and fun, as well, and the movie's costumes, scenery, and photography make for a good-looking film. To be brief, families will probably enjoy a showing of this flick, for it has humor, chase-scenes, car crashes, and other attention-getting devices. But, it is doubtful that anyone will ask for a repeat showing.

One of the worst films ever made

[MovieAddict2016 · 2/10 · 30 January 2006]

I distinctly recall sitting down to watch "Carpool" at home ten years ago and being appalled within the first ten minutes by the film's insulting intelligence level. It stars David Paymer as an average Joe who transports a bunch of whiny kids back and forth in a daily carpool. However, one morning he picks up a stranger - or, more specifically, a criminal (Tom Arnold) who may or may not actually be such a bad guy after all.

The movie is one of those incredibly lame "family movies" that is clearly designed for one target audience: infantile children who can't differentiate between quality and utter rubbish.

This is, sadly, part of the latter category. I don't "hate" Tom Arnold for no good reason like some people out there seem to, but I don't like him very much (he's only ever caught my interest in one movie before - "True Lies") and he's completely aggravating here in a role just about anyone else could have performed better (except, perhaps, for Pauly Shore).

Paymer is given the thankless role of a hapless, meek idiot who evidently attended too many Nice Guy Clichés 101 classes.

Overall, you won't be neglecting yourself anything particularly special if you decide to skip this unfortunate little disaster.

Drive Over This Film.

[anaconda-40658 · 1/10 · 10 September 2015]

Carpool (1996): Dir: Arthur Hiller / Cast: Tom Arnold, David Paymer, Kim Coates, Rhea Perlman, Rachael Leigh Cook: Dreadful piece of trash that suggests that not just the children are rowdy in the van but also the situation at hand. David Paymer must drive the kids to school when his wife is too ill but Tom Arnold takes them hostage in their van after a foiled robbery attempt. Apparently he needed money to get his circus up and going. Police catch on and what follows is The Cannonball Run with new rules. Director Arthur Hiller previously made such acclaim films as Love Story and Silver Streak but here he wipes out with cheap production values. Arnold constantly mugs every scene and Paymer is at the mercy of bad writing. Together they are trapped within a film that will likely scar their careers for life. Rhea Pearlman has the thankless role of meter maid who pursues them. Kim Coates overacts as a cop whose basic job is to wipe out or crash into solid objects. Rachael Leigh Cook plays the less than impressed daughter whom will obviously come around in the conclusion. Laugh-less comedy featuring humour that may be deemed inappropriate for its target audience but then again what parent desires to watch a child jams gummie bears up his nose and eat them? Easily one of the worst films of the year and deserves to be toss into an interstate until it is mashed into the nothing that it is. Score: 1 / 10

FUNNY, ENJOYABLE MOVIE.....FOR 5 YEAR OLDS!

[sixstringscouser · 1 September 2001]

I'm 17 years old and I watched this movie from beginning to end. I hardly laughed at all throughout the film and all I can say is that adults won't find this movie funny! It's all child's play with obvious gags and action scenes that will appeal to a young audience. It's all very predictable and lame. 4/10

Ever bite the head off a chicken?

[FlashCallahan · 3/10 · 16 June 2013]

A man with an important meeting finds himself having to take care of the carpool for the neighbourhood school children when his wife gets sick.

Things get awry when he finds himself a victim of a robbery. But the situation only gets worse as a desperate man who had been contemplating a robbery, robs the robbers and takes the man and the kids hostage in their van as his truck is blocked by an armoured car.

The father finds during this that his kids don't really respect him and they react better to the robber.......

During the mid to late nineties, these were the sort of comedies that were released in the states for a couple of weeks, and then later came straight to video here in the UK.

Films like Gone Fishin', Most Wanted, and Wrongfully Accused spring to mind, they are nothing special, have flop written all over them, and have that plastic cheese essence to them all.

This film has all the elements to a half decent film, but the performances feel too strained, especially from Paymer and Coates. Arnold is as annoying as ever, but he flashes charm every now and again, so he's not that bad, his character reflects his other performances, so you get what you expect.

There are so many tropes in this movie, everyone learns there life lessons come the end, and we all change for the better.

Shame the film stinks a little....

You should be on narcotics to view this film

[pacificave · 1/10 · 16 November 2018]

I would rather spend 2 hours trying to go down on myself then watch this movie again. I'm a man btw. And yes I tried when I was a teenager. Tom Arnold is a Hollywood leech. $17,000,000 was the budget!!!!! They could have donated that money to charity and not waste it on this abomination.

It's the David Paymer show!

[jhaggardjr · 6/10 · 16 October 2000]

There are three reasons to see "Carpool": David Paymer, David Paymer, and David Paymer. The character actor best known for his Oscar-nominated role as Billy Crystal's brother in "Mr. Saturday Night" is easily the best thing in this otherwise mediocre comedy. The movie gets off to a good start. Paymer plays a workaholic dad who has to make a big presentation at work. But his big day gets off to a bad start when (while in a hurry to get to work) his wife complains that she's sick and forces him to take her place in the carpool. So he, along with his own two sons, picks up three kids, and it's off to school. Right from the getgo Paymer looks like he's going through alot of stress as he has no choice but to put up with the five rambunctious kids. But then things take an unexpected turn. Paymer stops off at a place known as a gourmet market to get some food for the kids to eat on the way to school. Then a goofy carnival owner played by Tom Arnold comes in, botches a hold-up, and in the process takes Paymer hostage. When they try to leave, Arnold's truck is blocked in by another vehicle. So what else is he to do? Simple. He uses Paymer's van with the kids in it to get away which begins a long chase all day long. And the movie goes somewhat downhill from there, but it doesn't go downhill disasterously. This is one silly movie. Arnold was very good in sidekick roles in "True Lies" and "Nine Months", but he hasn't been as effective in leading roles. In "Carpool" he's O.K., but better than he was in "Big Bully", "The Stupids", and "McHale's Navy". "Cheers'" Rhea Perlman turns up halfway through the movie as a meter maid who joins in on the chase. Her character is basically a cartoon, and she deserved better. And what on earth is Rod Steiger doing in this movie? The Oscar-winning actor comes in for a bit part that is totally pointless. The five young actors who play the carpooled kids (which includes Rachael Leigh Cook from "She's All That") range from likable to totally annoying. Still, the thing I liked the most about "Carpool" is David Paymer. He's naturally funny everytime he's on screen. Also, another funny element in the film is the voice of Kathleen Freeman as Arnold's insane mother. The weirdest thing about this character is that you never see her face, and the character is voiced not only by Freeman, but two other actresses as well (Edie McClurg and Miriam Flynn). Why didn't the filmmakers just have Freeman do the entire voiceover of this character? Why does this character have to have three different voices? That doesn't make sense. Freeman's voice is easily the funniest because it comes from a terrific veteran actress. "Carpool" is an average comedy with some laughs from time to time and a hilarious performance by Paymer, but it's all too silly.

**1/2 (out of four)

Abysmal

[EdnaWelthorpe · 1/10 · 17 July 2012]

I only saw this movie once years ago. I suppose the fact that I still remember it should be to the film's credit but every time I think about it, I just get filled with revulsion and rage over how incredibly stupid this movie is.

Why do I hate it? Well let's start with the premise of Tom Arnold being a goofball who happens to take an entire carpool hostage...how could anyone think this premise would work? Especially with Tom Arnold as the lead?

The rest is a series of unfunny chase scenes, including driving through the mall just like the Blues Brothers only that movie was funny and this one...oh and there's one scene where Tom Arnold has the dad hold his hand and give him a baseball related pep talk of some kind (I don't know how to describe it) so that he could urinate.

Also scraping the bottom of the barrel in the movie is the treatment of Rachel Leigh Cook as she is subjected to repeated, unwanted advances from the boy who is her age. Pretty sure it qualified as harassment.

But when this movie could not get any stupider, it ends with everyone going to the dad's presentation and somehow pitching their horrific kidnapping and ordeal into a commercial pitch.

This movie is awful! Avoid it like the plague if you can.

I wish I was in a Carpool!

[Sylviastel · 6/10 · 27 May 2001]

Tom Arnold and David Paymer are a terrific team together. The movie is silly and enjoyable with them and Rhea Perlman as a meter maid. The film is family oriented and fun to watch. It's no Oscar contender but it's just great for laughs. Maybe Paymer and Arnold should do a sitcom together. Alright it's not the greatest comedy of all time but it's one of those silly comedies where two people from different backgrounds get together and strike an unlikely friendship during unfortunate circumstances. Perlman is outrageous as the meter maid. Paymer does great to keep a straight face and Arnold is really a good performer as the guy holding up hostages. Whatever the flaws and there are some, it's still kind of fun to watch them again.

Horrible

[mklvntwar · 1/10 · 23 June 2022]

Garbage is too polite a term to describe this unfunny mess of a film. How and why it got released to the public should be investigated. Please do not see this awful excuse for a comedy.

What a great movie

[mrashtastic89 · 10/10 · 21 March 2021]

It tells a super fun story and has lots of child innocence, for the most part anyway. I saw this at a friend's house one day with a few other kids and I am so glad I did, "nice outfit Travis", was one of the lines that sticks with me along with a lot others. Great movie

CARPOOL

[[e-mail] · 7/10 · 6 September 2020]

A fast-moving action comedy with 2 adult men, a store robbery and a car chase.the wife gets left behind because of sickness.the getaway van's colour is adriotly change by the children who are runaways.they land up in a mall being chased by cops.

Quite possibly the worst movie of the past decade

[vermut-2 · 2/10 · 3 November 2002]

At first glance, you start watching this movie and wonder if you accidentally turned to the Idiot Channel, because you can't possibly imagine someone actually getting PAID so much to act so poorly. Is this what it has come to? Cheap hacks of real actors like Tom Arnold, and kid actors that made McCauley Culkin in "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" ALMOST a pleasure to watch.

If this is the kind of movie to which our children turn for entertainment, then I'm scheduling an appoint with my urologist first thing tomorrow morning for a VASECTOMY!

The only ENDEARING quality I can give the movie is that Colleen Rennison makes the Olsen twins look like something out of a Wal-Mart circular, but it's not worth seeing the movie when you can see her cameos in great T.V. series like Stargate SG-1. I'm being sarcastic, of course.