College Road Trip (2008)

13% of critics liked it
(71 reviews)
55% of users liked it
(187,545 ratings)

A high-school student (Raven Symone) with noble dreams of becoming a public defender sets out to visit potential universities in the unwanted company of her father (Martin Lawrence) -- an overprotective cop -- in this road trip comedy produced by Andrew Gunn and directed by Roger Kumble. Melanie… More A high-school student (Raven Symone) with noble dreams of becoming a public defender sets out to visit potential universities in the unwanted company of her father (Martin Lawrence) -- an overprotective cop -- in this road trip comedy produced by Andrew Gunn and directed by Roger Kumble. Melanie (Symone) is about to graduate high school, and she's ready to take her first step toward adulthood by hitting the road to explore her college prospects with a few close female friends. But despite the fact that this trip is strictly "girls only," Melanie's father isn't comfortable with the prospect of his little princess hitting the road without an adult chaperone -- and what better guardian to have while you're out on the open road than the chief of police himself? Of course, while Melanie's father only has the best of intentions, his presence on a trip that was designed to mark his little girl's emergence as a young adult leads to an endless series of comic complications. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 22 min.
Directed By: Roger Kumble
Written By: Emi Mochizuki, Carrie Evans, Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio
Genres: Comedy

In Theaters: Mar 3, 2008 Wide
On DVD: Jul 15, 2008
Studio: Buena Vista

Critic Reviews

Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
It is genuinely, consistently, indisputably putrid.
Andrea Gronvall, Chicago Reader
The comedian Sinbad once said that Hollywood seeks out original talents but then tries to make them just like everyone else. A case in point is Martin Lawrence.
Ethan Gilsdorf, Boston Globe
It's a dark day indeed when a movie's funniest moments involve Donny Osmond.
Darel Jevens, Chicago Sun-Times
College Road Trip is the best Martin Lawrence/Raven-Symone/Donny Osmond vehicle ever made.
Jason Anderson, Globe and Mail
College Road Trip may be mawkish and predictable, but some well-staged gags and several memorable contributions by supporting players keep the sap from getting too sticky.
Kyle Smith, New York Post
College Road Trip is better than most Martin Lawrence movies -- much as strep throat is better than malaria.
Steve Davis, Austin Chronicle
A Disney production that would seemingly be more at home on the Disney Channel than in the local multiplex.
Nathan Rabin, AV Club
Martin Lawrence's long, sad devolution from the poor man's young Eddie Murphy to the poor man's late-period Eddie Murphy continues.
Jonathan W. Hickman, Entertainment Insiders
To put it bluntly, this trip isn't worth taking for the vast majority of movie-goers.
James Christopher, Times [UK]
There isn't an ounce of real life between here and Somers Town.
Anthony Quinn, Independent
Oh no, it's a Martin Lawrence family comedy, and it's sponsored by Disney. What kind of a sadist put those two together? Come back, Ice Cube, all is forgiven. Actually, please don't.
, Sunday Times (UK)
Children might find the slapstick routines amusing, but for older viewers this is a mirthless voyage.
David Edwards, Daily Mirror [UK]
Imagine being locked in a car with Charles Manson, Idi Amin and Osama bin Laden. The worst road trip ever? Nope. That honour belongs to Martin Lawrence's latest so-called comedy, which parks itself neatly between the words appalling and god-awful.
Christopher Tookey, Daily Mail [UK]
This is one of those churn-'em-out Disney comedies in which every performer seems to be competing to give the most annoying performance in cinematic history.
Ken McIntyre, Total Film
As expected, his plan unravels within minutes of leaving the driveway.
Rob Daniel, Sky Movies
This is a frontrunner for worst film of the year, but a healthy $45m in the US means a sequel is likely - proof that education standards are indeed slipping.
Mike McCahill, Daily Telegraph
Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived at a new circle of hell: the one where Martin Lawrence is no longer the most irksome presence in a Martin Lawrence movie.
Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]
Sentimental and chillingly brain-dead family comedy.
Stella Papamichael, Film4
Martin Lawrence sits sheepishly low behind the wheel for this meandering drive through comedy hell.

Read all 19 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Brad W

This movie was not funny at all. It is one of the cheesiest and most ridiculous movies youll see. It had terrible comedy, because believe me, nobody I know laughed. It has a stupid plot that is boring, cliche, and stupid. Martin Lawrence and Raven Symone have something in common,… More
This movie was not funny at all. It is one of the cheesiest and most ridiculous movies youll see. It had terrible comedy, because believe me, nobody I know laughed. It has a stupid plot that is boring, cliche, and stupid. Martin Lawrence and Raven Symone have something in common, they're both horrible actors. Overall if you want a good family comedy, get a PIXAR movie or something.
Michael E

funny road trip film, with good heartwarming message, and fun for the whole family
Bently L

Totally forgettable.
Nicki M

Feels like a tv movie aimed at tweens and family. Not really that great, but seen worse.
Leigh R

Cheesy and corny, but it was alright. Sweet and setimental too...
Douglas W C

If you are looking for empty headed fun, this is it.
Cassie H

Hillarious,and EXTREMELY cute!!!!!
Rico Z

This movie was light and funny. Plus it had a great message and showcased a black family in a light that is inspiring and doesn't rely on the wicked stereotypes that make a black comedy "successful" a la Big Momma's House, etc. The film relies heavily on… More
This movie was light and funny. Plus it had a great message and showcased a black family in a light that is inspiring and doesn't rely on the wicked stereotypes that make a black comedy "successful" a la Big Momma's House, etc. The film relies heavily on slapstick humor and physical gags--but that is what this movie should be. It works for what it's worth and makes for a good 90 minute romp and diversion.
Bradley W

This movie was not funny at all. It is one of the cheesiest and most ridiculous movies youll see. It had terrible comedy, because believe me, nobody I know laughed. It has a stupid plot that is boring, cliche, and stupid. Martin Lawrence and Raven Symone have something in common,… More
This movie was not funny at all. It is one of the cheesiest and most ridiculous movies youll see. It had terrible comedy, because believe me, nobody I know laughed. It has a stupid plot that is boring, cliche, and stupid. Martin Lawrence and Raven Symone have something in common, they're both horrible actors. Overall if you want a good family comedy, get a PIXAR movie or something.
Steven V

Technically all the pieces were in place for a slapstick, funny adventure across the country in true Disney style. The whole movie just reeks of being stupid. It has funny moments and maybe really young kids will get a bigger kick out of it but… More
Technically all the pieces were in place for a slapstick, funny adventure across the country in true Disney style. The whole movie just reeks of being stupid. It has funny moments and maybe really young kids will get a bigger kick out of it but Disney has this talent for making movies that anyone can enjoy in a family not just one demographic. The pig was the most comic relief in the movie and probably one the best actors on top of that. I've hardly seen Raven-Symoné in much outside of her young years on The Cosby Show but she was downright awful in this movie. Her over exaggerated facial expressions and terrible acting just about ruined the entire movie. She doesn't even have the portion of talent that other Disney girls have had including Lindsay Lohan or Hillary Duff. Martin Lawrence has a certain brand of comedic talent and sometimes it really does work but it does not work in a Disney movie. It felt like he was holding back and just really was kind of overbearing and didn't really fit in. Eshaya Draper is cute as brainy kid with big ideas and Martin Lawrence's son. He does a better job than Raven-Symoné so that is saying something. However, I like the casting of Kym Whitley as Michelle Porter. She does a decent in a small role but I especially liked that she is a tiny little size six 20 year old like most aging, unattractive men in movies get as wives. I mean she is still beautiful but she is real, and a bigger actress so bravo for casting a real woman in the role. Donny Osmond was actually one of my favorite character as the over the top loud obnoxiously happy fellow college father Doug Greenhut. I mean his performance is ridiculously over the top but you know that and you understand that and it's funny. The comedy is slapstick in nature but without any real backing to it so it makes you laugh but laugh and then shake your head right after. The moral is in tact and it is kind of sweet and has a tear jerking moment in the end but mostly you just want it to end.
Deb S

This is a silly slapstick, quirky and funny comedy that would have kids, tweens and teens laughing. Raven Symone manages to be entertaining without being called the worst actress ever. Martin Lawrence is charismatic as usual and makes everyone smile at the expressions on his face! He… More
This is a silly slapstick, quirky and funny comedy that would have kids, tweens and teens laughing. Raven Symone manages to be entertaining without being called the worst actress ever. Martin Lawrence is charismatic as usual and makes everyone smile at the expressions on his face! He did a good job playing the over protective dad. He and Raven Symone have a very nice chemistry together. The "Double Dutch Bus" song sung by Raven herself was just terrific also. A lot of great messages in this movie like being able to let your kids grow up and having trust in them, accepting their dreams and wishes in a positive and encouraging manner and having a teenager that is focused and determined to excel academically is a major plus. Entertaining and cute family movie that might be boring for guys that like dirty jokes, booze, swearing and naked girls that is normally associated with a college movie. Whoopee, I am suddenly in a mood for sky diving.
Yinalí R

Insanely funny!
William G

Aren't there enough atrocities in the world today?
Haley A

Cute, but too over the top. Raven and Martin Lawerence are funny and outrageous enough to make the movie barable, but it's Lucas Grabeel (Geeky Boy) that steals the show!! A good movie for the kids.
Matt S

Not the greatest comedy, but it's Martin Lawrence so you know what to expect.It's a Disney movie so expect that warm and fuzzy feeling.Love the pig!