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Following Films Podcast: Bobby Farrelly on Driver's Ed, There's Something About Mary, Dumb and Dumber, and The Secret to Never Feeling Old

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Welcome back to another episode of the Following Films podcast. I’m your host, Chris Maynard.

Today on the show, we’re diving into a genre that feels like it’s been missing from the multiplex for far too long: the warm-hearted, 80s-style coming-of-age comedy. My guest is the legendary Bobby Farrelly, who is here to talk about his latest film, Driver's Ed.

In the film, a group of teens hit the road in a stolen driver’s ed car, racing against time to help a lovesick high school senior (Sam Nivola) track down his college-freshman girlfriend and win her back. In 24 chaotic hours, they’re chased by school security and the cops, shot at by small-time crooks, and somehow adopt a three-legged cat. Also starring Kumail Nanjiani and Molly Shannon. 

Driver's Ed hits VOD this Friday, and honestly, it’s a breath of fresh air. It has that genuine heart and nostalgic energy that reminds you why we fell in love with these kinds of stories in the first place. Bobby and I get into the nuts and bolts of the new film, but we also take a deeper look at his career—specifically how he approaches the representation of characters with special needs. From the groundbreaking moments in There’s Something About Mary to the intentionality behind Drivers Ed, we discuss why having characters the audience truly cares about is the secret sauce to making his comedies work.

We also touch on how laughter could be the fountain of youth. It’s a great conversation with a filmmaker who knows exactly how to balance a punchline with a bit of soul.

Let’s get into my interview with Bobby Farrelly.


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