Lead Drew Barrymore, director Penny Marshall and a big, emotionally sweeping story of an everyday woman who comes of age in Wallingford, Conn., during the mid-1960s prove an irresistible combination in Columbia's classy, but tricky to market, "Riding in Cars With Boys." For some moviegoers perhaps an uncomfortable (and long) date movie, the comedy-drama has appeal to adult audiences, who will appreciate the accuracy of the period re-creation. From "Bridget Jones's Diary" and "Legally Blonde" to "Ghost World" and now "Riding," female audiences and fans of talented young actresses have had a few things to cheer about this year.

Subscribe to the Hollywood Reporter and see the entertainment industry from its best angle: the inside looking out. Complete access to real-time news and exclusive analysis that goes behind the scenes from film to television, home video to digital media.

   Subscribe now.