8. Driving Lessons
Some of Rupert Grint's non-Harry Potter roles were misguided to say the least (Thunderpants, anyone?), but he does a very good job here in Driving Lessons. Grint is paired up again with his on-screen Weasley mother Julie Walters in this quirky coming of age film he made back in 2006. The story revolves around a fairly repressed teenager from a conservative Christian family who takes an after school job working for an eccentric, once famous but quickly declining actress, Dame Evie. She teaches him to experience life and question authority and all those other things it's vitally important for a naive kid brought up in a religious family to learn. Rupert Grint brings a sweet innocence to the role, and it's hilarious to watch him break out of his shell and finally lose it after Dame Evie pushes him one too many times. Driving Lessons is an understated but enjoyable film, and its nice to see the actor who normally plays second fiddle shine in a leading role.
Audrey Fox
Contributor
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
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