There is just something that happens to a man when he has a baby daughter. First, he is absolutely wrapped around her tiny little fingers. He also sees the world with a new set of eyes ... everything and everyone is potential danger. And no one—no one—can protect his little girl like he can.

 

The dad in Disney’s new movie College Road Trip takes this protective nature to a whole new level. Police Chief James Porter (Martin Lawrence) is crazy about his daughter and even crazier about keeping her safe (as well as his mama, but you’ll have to see the movie to get more on that). Even before Melanie (Raven-Symoné) was born Porter had already decided which college she would attend: a school only 40 miles from home.

 

But Melanie has grown to be a confident, intelligent teenager and she has plans of her own: Georgetown, which is several hours away from Dad. When her friends plan a trip to check out colleges, Melanie plans to go along. Porter hears about their plans, and decides that Melanie can go on a trip ... with him. The two set off on what becomes a wild and crazy ride—literally. The situations they get into are probably unrealistic but hey, it’s a comedy and the mishaps make for some goofy, hilarious scenes.

Martin Lawrence is terrific. I like his character and casting him in this role is believable. The storyline had great potential, but some things just didn’t click for me. Raven-Symoné—I hate to say it—was not so believable. I give her kudos for trying, but it was hard to see her as a high school teenager. Some 20something actors can pull off younger roles (for example, Ellen Page in Juno, so I’ve heard), but not Raven-Symoné this time. She had some good moments—interestingly enough, the more serious scenes (there were a few) were better than some of her comedic stunts. But for the most part, her portrayal came across overdone.

 

It also seemed like the movie people (yes, I said movie people) threw in other character roles that didn’t make sense. The main example is Melanie’s little brother. He’s a young scientist/inventor who has created a “super pig.” Though the pet pig does create some funny situations, the brother’s role almost seemed to distract us from the daddy-daughter relationship storyline. 

 

Even though this movie isn’t as great as it could have been, I can recommend it. It has a good message: Dad and daughter grow to understand each other better. Porter learns to trust Melanie and know that he raised her well and she can make good choices. Melanie learns that she can trust her dad and she can tell him the truth. 

 

But best of all, College Road Trip is squeaky-clean and appropriate for the entire family. Even though young kids might not understand the relationship lessons, they’ll crack up. 

 

One more note. If you saw the previews, you might be wondering about Donny Osmond’s appearance. He does well portraying a crazy, over-the-top, perky dad. Most likely everyone knows or has encountered someone like this guy, and we get a double dose of this wacky, sing-songy personality with the daddy-daughter duo. Their scenes are actually quite laughable.

 

 

Leigh DeVore is the assistant editor for Charisma magazine. Her dad has been wrapped around his daughters’ fingers for more than 35 years. He knows.