Film discussion: Learning to Drive

But fear not, because The Music Hall has done it again. Now playing is a movie about a lifelong New Yorker, newly living on her own, who decides that she needs to learn how to drive. So she hires someone to teach her.

And as far as I can tell, that’s about it. (Note that I’m back to writing about movies I haven’t seen, a situation that will continue for the foreseeable future.)

I have two real reasons for wanting to see Learning to Drive: One is named Patricia Clarkson and one is named Ben Kingsley.

From what I’ve read, Learning to Drive is about learning life lessons. And I’m okay with that. I would gladly watch Patricia Clarkson grade high school essays for an hour or so. Maybe that’s just me.

Critics have been mostly kind to the movie, although some action addicts have wished for more happening.

Me, I’m good with some human kindness, friendship and a movie that leaves me with a light heart.

Sound good? Meet me at The Music Hall (in the Big Room) and we will enjoy it together, then chat over popcorn and manhattans. (Note: the manhattans will be played by cups of coffee, which is less than ideal, but the thought is the same.

That should get us through the opening assaults of November and the thought of months of driving home after work in the dark.

I hope to see you there.

Paul Goodwin
TMHMG