License to Drive
Teenager Les Anderson thinks his life can't get any worse after he flunks his driver's exam, but he's wrong. Even though he didn't receive his license, Les refuses to break his date with the cool Mercedes Lane, and he decides to lift his family's prize luxury car for the occasion. Unfortunately, Mercedes sneaks some booze along and passes out drunk, and a confused Les makes the bad decision of enlisting his rebellious friend, Dean, to help.
Insights
Plot Summary
On his 17th birthday, after failing his driving test for the fourth time, cool but clumsy teenager Ian goes to extreme measures to get his driver's license. He 'borrows' his deceased grandfather's prized vintage Mercedes and embarks on a series of misadventures with his best friend, Miles, and his love interest, Dean. Their joyride quickly turns into a chaotic race against time to pass his driving test and avoid his parents discovering the car is missing.
Critical Reception
License to Drive was a moderate commercial success, becoming a popular teen comedy of the late 80s. While it received mixed reviews from critics, it resonated well with its target audience for its humor and the chemistry between its young stars. It's often remembered as a quintessential coming-of-age film from its era.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its energetic pacing and the likable performances of its young leads.
- Criticized for its often predictable plot and reliance on slapstick humor.
- Seen as a fun, if somewhat shallow, representation of teenage driving anxieties and freedoms.
Google audience: Audiences generally enjoyed the film for its lighthearted comedy and the fun dynamic between Corey Haim and Corey Feldman. Many found it a nostalgic and entertaining watch, appreciating the familiar teen movie tropes.
Fun Fact
The vintage Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 that Corey Haim's character 'borrows' belonged to his deceased grandfather, and it was the same model his father drove in real life.
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