Joyride

It’s only fitting that Emer Reynolds’ Joyride opens in a bustling Irish bar, because suspending disbelief for this madcap caper definitely requires the kind of open-mindedness that only multiple Guinnesses will provide.

Tugs at your heartstrings, but you know nothing bad is really going to happen.

It might not break any plot molds, and it doesn’t quite come together as neatly as you’d hope by the end, but thanks to Colman’s shining presence, it’s a pleasant journey all the same.

Colman is incapable of delivering anything disingenuous, and she brings much more gravitas to the role than the project calls for.

It may not come together as smoothly as the best feel-good movies of its kind, but there's an unwieldy charm to Joyride that makes the trip memorable.

“Joyride,” a grievously schematic blend of odd-couple comedy and life-affirming road movie, traverses the Irish countryside with a small degree of charm and a boatload of blarney.

Thankfully, Colman and her young co-star make such an engaging duo that you stay along for the trip, even when the film loses its way.

Overall, Joyride is an enjoyable watch that brings forth some important topics and certainly shows the audience some incredible cast performances.

Joyride is a classic case of quality acting transcending a middling screenplay.

Joyride is more like a train wreck. It's phony schmaltz that doesn't deserve the great talent of Olivia Colman. Among the many cringeworthy moments is a low point when a 12-year-old boy teaches a first-time middle-aged mother how to breastfeed her baby.