A Brilliant Conflict

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

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!

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.

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.

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.