Potholes of Life Explored in Moving Vehicle

Read Time:3 Minute, 11 Second

WEB SERIES REVIEW
The Ride
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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 54m (broken into eight episodes)
Director(s): Linas Phillips
Writer(s): Linas Phillips
Cast: Linas Phillips, Maria Thayer, Alex Karpovsky, Anna Seregina, Will Janowitz, Natalie Palamides, Yosilu Chen, Jeff Mann, Punkie Johnson, Joslyn Jensen, Luka Jones, Mark Kelly, Timm Sharp, Frank Birney
Where To Watch: now streaming on Vimeo, start here with episode one, www.vimeo.com

RAVING REVIEW: Buckle up, folks; as we steer into the sun-drenched boulevards of Los Angeles, Linas Phillips takes us on a captivating journey through his original comedy series, THE RIDE. This is different from your typical drive through the city. At the wheel, we find Wayne, a middle-aged Uber driver, played by Phillips, who'd prefer to be rated on spiritual breakthroughs than punctuality or driving skills.

Phillips, a celebrated actor (STRAWBERRY MANSION, ULTRASOUND) and filmmaker navigates through this whimsical narrative he molds from his experiences as a rideshare driver. Our chauffeur, Wayne, is a spiritual maverick running on a one-star rating. The metaphysical toolbox of rituals and philosophies he uses might not resonate with his passengers, but that doesn't deflate his determination.

Drawing from his creative reservoir and past collaborations with industry veterans, the Duplass Brothers, Phillips injects a unique comedic pulse into THE RIDE. His remarkable storytelling has made quite an impression at Sundance, where the pilot episode was showcased.

Depicting Wayne, Phillips crafts a character that strikes a charming balance between whimsical humor and quirky originality. Wayne's approach to transforming his riders' lives with his sage-scented car and spiritual discourses may not consistently score him brownie points, but it's all part of the journey! The grounded humor and relatable corral of characters genuinely make this easy binge worth your time.

While THE RIDE drives along the comedic lane, it also takes some serious turns, exploring the potholes of personal struggle. A significant subplot follows Wayne's romantic feelings for Dana, a single mother, brilliantly portrayed by Maria Thayer (ACCEPTED.) Wayne's spiritual escapades don't just stay confined to the backseat of his car; they overflow into his personal life, particularly in his pursuit of Dana, making for some delightfully awkward situations.

Shooting primarily inside a moving vehicle was a challenge, but Phillips' innovative approach shines through. His car doubles as an indie film set, creating a unique blend of motion and emotion. Furthermore, the series is underscored with a distinctive score composed by Braedon Speakman.

THE RIDE is a resounding tribute to Phillips' creative versatility. He brilliantly juggles the roles of actor, director, and driver, spinning an engaging narrative amidst the hustle and bustle of LA's streets. I don’t often suggest one person wear so many hats in production, but Phillips does so wonderfully. The series shows his dedication to originality, demonstrating that constraints can indeed ignite the spark of creativity.

THE RIDE navigates the landscapes of relationships, personal boundaries, and the pursuit of spiritual growth. The series is a delightful exploration of one man's journey towards self-awakening with Wayne's endearing character at its heart. Phillips' gift for intertwining comedy with profound insights results in a series that holds its audience captive, proving that the quest for enlightenment can be as riveting as any blockbuster action flick.

Ultimately, I was left with one feeling; I wanted more!

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