The Daytrippers (1996) User Reviews

A small film that is easy to miss but should be seen

[FilmOtaku · 8/10 · 9 November 2003]

While I've been meaning to see this film for years, (I think the trailer was on the Reservoir Dogs VHS that I wore out before I bought it on DVD) it was one of probably hundreds of films that I put on my back burner. So when I recently saw it was on a pay channel I jumped on it, and am very glad that I did finally see this gem.

The Daytrippers involves a woman (Davis) whose resolve that she is happily married is tested when she finds an excerpt from a love poem that fell from her husband's (Tucci) clothes. She elects to go to her mother (Meara) for advice and ends up going on a day trip to NYC to ask her husband about it. Along for the ride is her father, (McNamara) her sister, (Posey) and her sister's boyfriend (Schrieber). Of course, if they were able to simply confront her husband it would be easy; unfortunately he is no where to be found, so they willingly engage in amateur sleuthing to put together the story while they drive around the city looking for him.

The plot is a fairly simple one, but the character development is the true star of the film. While Parker Posey is known best for playing `quirky yet intelligent' characters, her role seems more of a natural addition in this film rather than a run-of-the-mill portrayal for her. Meara is nearly maddening as a meddling mother, and McNamara, a well established character actor is heartbreakingly sweet as the weary father. Davis and Tucci are both fantastic as usual, and while Tucci's role is a small one, he exhibits his usual passion that makes him an exciting actor. Davis gives her character a palpable fragility that just barely makes room for the modicum of strength that is holding her together. In my opinion, the true breakout star of the film is Schrieber as Carl Petrovic, `the boyfriend'. His character has so many facets to his personality and becomes such a complex study that is so rare in a supporting character. And Schrieber's portrayal is brilliant and both comedic and heart-breaking in it's subtle profundity. Schreiber has been on my radar since I saw him in RKO 281 brilliantly portraying one of my personal heroes, Orson Welles, and after viewing this performance I plan to seek out more of his work.

The Daytrippers has been an independent film darling for years now and I can see why. It is an intelligent, emotional and well-written and acted film that will hold an appeal for most who take the time to view it.

--Shelly

a gem highly recommend this film

[aratron-00391 · 7/10 · 26 November 2020]

Great dark comedy. Excellent cast. Very funny. Held my interest. Being from Long Island N.Y. love the authentic surroundings and personalities of the characters. If you like John Cassavettes's films upu will enjoy this film.

A trip to take

[grahamclarke · 8/10 · 22 January 2006]

Greg Mottola makes a very auspicious debut with "The Daytrippers". He directs a terrific cast in what is something of a rarity; a true ensemble piece. Rather than a road movie, this is a street movie with various stations in lower Manhattan. As the journey progresses so too does the family begin to unravel in a manner which is both funny as well as genuinely moving.

All give dead on target performances, with highlights from Ann Meara and Lieve Shrieber (whose unravelling is particularly poignant). Hope Davis is as wistfully wonderful as always with Parker Posey, Stanley Tucci, Pat McNaramra and Campbell Scott rounding out the ensemble.

A trip you may want to make.

highly satisfying

[K8-2 · 4 November 1998]

A Long Island woman finds a love letter in her house and suspects her husband of cheating. Her over-protective (and very pro-active) family convinces her to confront her husband at his workplace in Manhattan. They all (wife, mom, dad, sister and sister's boyfriend) pile into the station wagon to hunt down the scoundrel. In their efforts to find him they meet a bunch of interesting characters and learn a little bit more about their own feelings for one another.

This movie is so sweet in its examination of family loyalty and so honest in its examination of long-failed relationships in denial that I feel it is easily one of the most satisfying video rentals I've ever experienced. There's enough comedy throughout to provide laughs (especially any and all jokes at the expense of Liev Schreiber's pretentious novelist) and the realistic sisterly affection shared by Parker Posey and Hope Davis is genuinely touching.

Also provides a subtle examination of the Long Islander's relationship to Manhattan - the latter acting as an unfamiliar, answerless maze through which the family has to pass in order to find the truth.

A pleasant surprise.

[campblood13 · 6/10 · 23 September 2003]

I just caught this on a Sunday afternoon and it ended up being a good movie experience for me. This is as close to real life as I can remember a movie getting. All of the characters are real and have real feelings. I can't remember a shred of violence in the movie even though it had plenty of screaming. I enjoyed the relationship between Parker Posey and Liev Schreiber. Even though many life changing events occur over the course of the day that the movie takes place, everyone seems to be having a good time just getting out together. The film has some slow spots, I guess where they were trying to get to their 90 minute running time. 6/10 which I don't give out easily. I find the film to be good, and in an original way.

I like how they shot from inside the car

[salsayyad · 6/10 · 20 June 2023]

The film features a cast of highly unlikable characters, making it challenging to care for them and ultimately enjoy the movie. For instance, Carl and the writers who work at Louis' office, come across as annoyingly pretentious and corny. Although the film somewhat mocks them, their constant presence in the story becomes tiresome. This is an issue I have with Woody Allen and early Noah Baumbach films where there is this "self-aware" pretentiousness, which might be more annoying than unabashed, confident pretentiousness. However, despite this setback, I found the family dynamic in the film to be complex and captivating. The interaction the family had with Leon was the most intriguing aspect and the highlight of the movie.

An engaging detour from writer/director Greg Mottola

[maxpower03 · 6/10 · 8 June 2009]

An engaging indie reminiscent of both Neil Simon and Woody Allen, The Daytrippers utilizes a strong cast as a family travel down literal avenues to unravel a mystery over fidelity.

Eliza (Hope Davis) is happily married to publisher Louis (Stanley Tucci), until she discovers a love letter that may or may not have been sent to him. Determined to find out the truth, she travels into the city to confront him, aided by her domineering mother (Anne Meara), subdued father (Pat McNamara), sister Jo (Parker Posey) and her novelist boyfriend Carl (Liev Schreiber).

The Daytrippers works best during moments with the Malone family together, from Eliza and Jo's sisterly bonding to mom Rita's fawning over Carl. The various derailments and subplots along the way are a mixed bag, the best allowing for some neat interludes from Marc Grapey as a sleazy womanizer, Marcia Gay Harden as a drunken party girl and Stephanie Venditto as a over-excited receptionist.

In terms of acting, Anne Meara steals the show as the fiery matriarch of the Malone family, while a lot of fun is created from Carl's episodic reciting of his novel, a pretentious story about a man with a dog's head. Parker Posey, as always, is also hilarious with her sarcastic gags and deadpan delivery.

Not particularly memorable but a movie that at least entertains throughout its short running time, The Daytrippers is an enjoyable melodrama strengthened by the realistic familial chemistry between the film's leads.

Rating: C+

Not your ordinary road trip

[Snoopymichele · 10/10 · 26 March 2005]

Truly one of the funniest, most original films of the mid 90's. The casting is truly inspired-Anne Meara gives a knockout performance as an overbearing, but well-meaning suburban mother; Hope Davis is marvelous (as usual) as an optimistic, sort of numb wife on a mission to see if her husband is indeed cheating on her; Liev Schreiber is wonderful as the superb Parker Posey's aspiring writer boyfriend; Campbell Scott steals the movie as a lusty writer Eddie; and of course Stanley Tucci turns in another great performance as the catalyst character in the film. His screen time is brief, but he shines brightly. Marcia Gay Harden's cameo as a neurotic party guest had me practically on the floor laughing. The story unfolds naturally, taking the viewer on the same emotional journey as the characters. There's never a dull moment, and the film is an indie classic filled with thought-provoking dialogue and terrific character sketches.

Great idea only half executed

[lstelie · 7/10 · 18 November 2019]

On the paper this film est a comedy. And it is. V-But the underlying idea is far ambitious than that. And for some reason (predictor ?) the film limits itself to the comedy part. As a result it ends when things start to become interesting. At the end, it's a pleasant comedy.. that could have been a real great movie on a topic that is usually left aside.

Tucci, Scott are infinitely reliable

[justinch · 10/10 · 7 April 1999]

Simple plot, witty dialogue, and tremendous actors make this movie a pleasure. Campbell Scott is the most underrated actor of our generation. His bit part in Daytrippers makes the movie worth seeing. Schreiber is great, as well. The Malone sisters are tolerable, but the humor begins and ends with their incessantly controlling mother.

FOR COMPLETISTS ONLY

[CincySaint · 6/10 · 25 August 2022]

I'm a big fan of Greg Mottola's work but his debut here is weak, unstructured, and not funny. Here he is finding his footing with Anna Meara overreacting, a plot that move too slowly, and punch lines that fail to connect.

On the positive side, Stanley Tucci, Liev Schreiber, and Campbell Scott turn in solid performances. Mottola's direction does frame Hope Davis beautifully throughout but none of this is enough to make this a very interesting film.

The best news is that Mottola's work has improved greatly over the years and I hope that "Confess, Fletch" is good.

Why this wasn't a box smash I'll never know

[Christmas-Reviewer · 9/10 · 8 June 2006]

This movie has a tone to it that is just perfect. The movie hums like a great song. The movie is never boring. The cast is near perfect. The story yes a little simple but the screenplay has parent/adult children relationships down. This is a story that takes place the day after Thanksgiving. You know that day. Everybody is tired and worn out from the day before. Well on this day a woman finds a note in her husbands pocket, She then shows her parents and sister the note. Before you know it we're on a day road trip with the family to track down Stanley Tuci. To give away more of the story would be a crime. Everybody with a family can relate to this! Don't miss out. Also has a cameo Marcia Gay Harden.

Highly UNsatisfying

[=G= · 5/10 · 12 November 2003]

"The Daytrippers" is a script-driven open ended comedy about a semifunctional family (an ensemble cast including mom, dad, two adult daughters, and a boyfriend) who drive into Manhattan in search of a one of the daughters' wayward husband. With nonstop pseudointellectual pedantic blathering from beginning to end, this uneventful flick takes you along for the ride where you'll suffer from small talk, an explanation of the boyfriend's work-in-progress novel, a silly conversation about politics, an encounter involving the carrying of a t.v. set, and other such pedestrianisms resulting in a mediocre flick which fails in script. "The Daytrippers" might best be described as some really bad Woody Allen which is almost rescued by a solid cast. (C)

One of the best films of the year

[Cliff-16 · 1 December 1998]

Underrated and underseen. Daytrippers is like a younger Woody Allen, mixing comedy with angst. Fresh and funny, real and absurd, empathetic. Terrific first movie as writer/ director.

Surprisingly interesting

[Gerry-15 · 8/10 · 14 September 1998]

I went to see this movie with no pre-conceptions, not having heard of it before I purchased my ticket. I went merely in the hope that it might be a bit better than the tripe that passed for blockbusters this summer.

It didn't look too hopeful, yet another slice of Indie-movie life, but the quality of the writing began to overwhelm my negative feelings. A very nice ensemble piece and for once a good plot, with characters engaging enough not to have you trying to second-guess what was going to happen next.

The direction was a little dull, but this is a film about words and if you are wiling to accept that then this is an excellent way to spend a couple of hours in some decent company. There are plenty of laughs in there as well.

Entertaining Film!

[iirossbossii · 9/10 · 25 October 2000]

As an avid Parker Posey fan, I rented this little number to see one of her indie accomplishments--what I got was very interesting.

Eliza (Hope Davis) packs up her family to question her husband (Stanley Tucci) about a mysterious love note found in their bedroom. Including her wild sister (Parker Posey), her enlightened boyfriend (Liev Schreiber) and her annoying overbearing mother (Anne Meara), Eliza encounters doubts about her husband and her family also realizes the importances of their own relationships. Lots of surprises! Great performances! Great low budget film. Parker Rocks!

A gem!

[beemtoaustin · 8/10 · 10 July 2020]

The Day Trippers is a simple joy to watch. The characters ring so true to life and the pace feels completely natural. You will not be disappointed.

Mind-numbing trash

[NChri · 2/10 · 23 March 1999]

Ever been stuck in a car with five people you want to smack? If listening to dull, self-absorbed, melodramatic whining is your idea of a perfect low-budget flick, then by all means ... Fast-paced dialogue was no doubt intended to be witty, wry commentary, but unfortunately misses on all marks, as does the shoddy direction of this utterly forgettable movie.

One day in the city shows the dynamics of a dysfunctional family

[kevinator_ca · 24 October 2000]

Daytrippers is a progressive drama about a family that takes an adventure into New York City after Eliza (Hope Davis) discovers a love letter that may uncover an affair between her husband and somebody named Sandy. Anne Meara does a good job as the typical East Coast, controlling mother. The indie-film queen Parker Posey plays Eliza's little sister whose boyfriend Carl, played by Liev Schreiber, is an exaggeration of the young, snobbish, know-it-all author. The family is hardly functional which makes this film particularly honest.

The key to Daytrippers is not the plot, which never fails to keep you watching, but the dialogue and the situations. Pay close attention to the characters that the family meets in the city. They all embody some kind of contradictions that make you think a little bit. Look for the scene where Marc Grapey begins describing his sexual exploits by condemning such practices.

If you are looking for a drama that provokes you, this is one of them. There are no happy endings and none of the issues raised are resolved. Fans of Parker Posey will especially enjoy her performance in this one.

Adulthood in a nutshell

[alfoudarimusaed · 9/10 · 5 March 2022]

Don't want to spoil it but basically every adult and maybe even teens can related to an event in the movie. It's something I watch frequently to remind myself that I'm not alone.

Woody Allen for the Common People

[gbheron · 9/10 · 26 November 1998]

Daytrippers succeeds in exploring family dynamics during an unexpected family crisis during Thanksgiving. Finding a love note left behind by her husband before leaving for work, the young Long Island housewife takes it to her parents where her younger college-age sister and boyfriend are staying. Mom, Dad, Sis and boyfriend head into the city to confront the husband. This simple trip turns into a voyage of personal discovery as they meet and interact with a variety of interesting people.

It's a "talk" vice "visual" movie, but none-the-less was a hit with three of four members of the family including our 19 year old college-age daughter. The 16-year old lad bailed out early.

Our only complaint (but it is significant to us) is that the parents, especially the mother, are painted thinly, and their characters stereotyped and static. Everyone else has discoveries and changes, but not them. We still gave it a solid 8 and would recommend it for holiday time (adult) viewing.

Great film, bad DVD...

[Tony Aguila · 9/10 · 18 August 2000]

In spite of, or maybe because of, what most critics said about this movie, I consider this a great work. It may be difficult to identify with any one character in the movie, but that's because each one was down-to-earth real, and we ourselves can have a hard time accepting our true personalities with all the flaws included. The worst part about what I saw was the DVD, which was presented in pan-and-scan full screen format, in spite of its 1.85:1 original aspect ratio.

why was it made

[thewylds · 3/10 · 21 May 2001]

This movie is passionless. There are really no redeeming qualities except for about three times during the entire movie where I laughed. I'm all for low budget dramas, but this looks like it was shot by a porn director. The acting is at a par with high school drama actors. The story is completely unengaging and listless. If you want to learn how to make a poor movie, watch this film.

Sweet, VERY personal movie, a little too close to life ...

[serious89 · 30 July 2005]

... a believably bickering family, portrayed by skilled actors, w/some wonderful ham stuff by Anne Meara and Parker Posey, and more subtle stuff from Hope Davis and Liev Schreiber. The story had a distinctly voyeuristic feel, as if the screenwriter was exorcising some history and making it more entertaining, often hilarious (and interesting?) than a painful history he may have lived through. A cinema verite re-creation by world class skilled actors. As the family's lives unravel, driving around in a freezing cold NYC winter evening, there is a quiet lingering shot of the World Trade Center that is unintentionally haunting, and gives the film (made in 1996) an unintended resonance.

Intimidatingly good

[jeff1to1618 · 9/10 · 11 December 2021]

This movie is extremely well acted and well written. It is so good that any independent filmmaker must feel like crap for trying after this. The story is straightforward and slanted, funny, smart, and base. Sure it's not perfect, it's independent, and that's why it's so damn hard to touch. The cast is so good that my dreams of being an actor are finished. As a viewer, I'm happy though.