Doing Time on Maple Drive

One of the most incredibly honest family dramas I've ever seen. Exceptional writing and acting. Jim Carrey's (pre-fame) dramatic acting is his best to-date, in my opinion. This little film is underrated and should be aired more frequently, and at least released on video/dvd.

This seemed great when it premiered in 1992, but it now seems a little bit contrived. The father is too easy to hate, and the grown sons are too easy to feel sorry for. Therefore, the only multidimensional characters are Lori Laughlin's and Bibi Besch's. But at the time, Ken Olin was pretty bold to tackle the issues in this movie. The nightmare bachelor party is probably the most cringe-worthy scene, of many, but that's probably intentional. Loughlin has one of the best lines in the movie: "Matt, I don't think this is the kind of thing you can talk yourself out of." Too bad she was only in half the movie. Jayne Brook (of "Gattaca") is great as the sister, and her character's storyline, though the least dramatic, should have given her more to do. And as for Besch, she pulls off the best acting as much with her facial expressions as with her lines. Always a radiant character actor, she was taken from us too soon (1996).

The Carters live on Maple Drive in unnamed New England town and they look like they're getting ready for a red letter day. Their youngest William McNamara is about to tie the knot with Lori Loughlin. But all of their kids feel just like they're Doing Time On Maple Drive.

The parents are James Sikking and Bibi Besch and its another case of what seems like an ideal family isn't all that ideal. Sikking is a restaurant owner of what looks like a posh establishment, he's always seeming so uptight. As for Besch, she drinks on the sly, but always is concerned with appearances whatever the situation.

Oldest is son Jim Carrey who does absolutely no funny shtick here, but gives a fine performance as a kid who is not drinking discreetly. We never really find out any specifics in his case, but given his parents we can fill in the blanks.

McNamara finally comes out as gay and just can't marry Loughlin. Besch is upset because this all so embarrassing to her. After that daughter Jaynie Brook lets loose with some secrets of her own that shock her husband David Byron who is just observing his in-laws with a cool appraising, but not approving eye.

Doing Time On Maple Drive got a few Emmy nominations including a truly deserved one for Bibi Besch. And in William McNamra you see a fine portrayal of gay kid ready to ruin his own life to satisfy what society thinks he ought to be.

A must for gay audiences.

Some major plot line details are mentioned... don't read any further if you haven't seen this and don't want to spoil the fun.

Okay, I am one of the biggest Jim Carrey fanatics out there. The only reason I bought this movie (on eBay) was to see Jim Carrey in his "first dramatic role". It cost me $26!!! So, obviously, I went in only to see Jim. But then the title character came on, Matt, and I was like, hey, I know him... I like him. And then Laurie Laughlin (Becky from Full House, don't know how to spell her real name) came on, same reaction. And I also recognized the sister and the father. So I was like, hey, maybe it'll even be a good movie anyway.

Well, let me tell you, Jim Carrey was secondary as of twenty minutes into the film. While I wished that Tim would have been a bigger part of the story, I was completely taken into the story of Matt and being gay. I think they tackled the pressures of being gay, and hiding secrets to a "too perfect to be true" family. I think there should have been three storylines...the back stories of the sister and of Tim's were way too big to be back stories... but the movie was already 94 minutes long and I don't think any scenes preexisting should have been taken out... I guess I just think it shoulda been three different movies... I don't know. Every single actor in this movie does a beautiful job. The storys are sympathy envoking and the characters are likable, exept for the mom and for the father until about ten til the end. And speaking of the end... it was too wrapped up for my taste. A little hasty about face for the Father to go through... but anyway, it was a TV movie right?

I definately think this is right up there with Truman Show as far as Jim's acting goes... anyone who says my man can't act can't see. Thanksyou very much!!! ;)

8/10

Finally, this great TV movie is being released on DVD. Won't be out (pardon the pun) until September 7, 2004, same date as HBO's "Angels in America."

I really liked this when it first aired. It hit home for me, as a gay man who contemplated suicide in my youth. Often a part of the process of accepting yourself, despite the hatred and violence inflicted on GLBT persons. A test, I suppose. Failing at that attempt is the only way to pass. Truth must prevail, even if others--including those people you hold dear--do not wish to hear it. As though listening yourself is ever that easy.

Jim Carrey was amazing in this, and should have gotten him more serious roles. "Man in the Moon" was the closest to serious that he's done since this film. I hope he does more, since comedy can only take you so far. Oscars are won for dramas, typically.

Dave