Riding the Bus with My Sister is based on the autobiographical book by Rachel Simon (Riding the Bus with My Sister: A True Life Journey). Rosie O'Donnell (also Executive Producer) shines as Beth Simon, a developmentally challenged woman trying to make it on her own. Andie MacDowell portrays Beth's sister Rachel Simon, a fashion photographer with a life of her own; separate from her family.

Beth lives semi-independently; her father helping out as necessary with appointments and shopping. The father, who we only see in flashbacks, dies suddenly and no one wants to step up and assist Beth. Not even her estranged little brother and sister. With the threat of Beth being sent back to the group home lifestyle, Rachel agrees to stay for a few weeks to assist in the transition.

A regular day for Beth involves riding around on the bus. Actually she takes a trip on every route. The drivers and most of the passengers are her surrogate family. She knows all the facts about them and their loved ones. There is a mutual protectiveness. Rachel rides around with Beth getting to know them and getting to know the sister she thought she knew. Not so surprisingly she learns more about herself in the process.

Through Rachel's flashbacks, pieces of the girls' childhood and their relationship with their parents are filled in. We learn of Beth's seizures, Rachel's embarrassment, their parent's separation and mother's desertion. Even though these issues were important to the development of these women they take the back seat to the sisters' current relationship.

Despite the obvious differences Beth and Rachel are much alike. They both love their independence and aren't willing to give up or share control. Together they learn that giving of themselves doesn't mean they have to lose their identity.

I was very impressed with Rosie's portrayal of Beth. Having worked in a group home and psyche institution at one time I was able to see glimpses of the souls I worked with. It was also nice to see Andie in a real role where her beauty wasn't the highlight. Rosie brings a lot of herself into the role of the fun-loving and mischievous Beth. I think it's important to leave Rosie's past at the door while watching this character. While she has a comedic past she's not attempting to make fun of disabled people that just isn't Rosie.

This made for TV movie was directed by Academy Award winner Anjelica Huston. Also starring as Beth's simple boyfriend Jessie, is the sexy Richard T. Jones (Brooklyn South, Judging Amy) and D.W. Moffett (Nip/Tuck, Traffic) appears as one of Beth's bus driver friends and potential love interest for Rachel.

Riding the Bus with My Sister made me cry a lot and laugh a lot. Although these are not necessarily important aspects of a great movie I was satisfied when it was all over. If you get a chance to see this movie about respecting the rights of the developmentally challenged and the journey of two sisters to find one another. It is well worth it.

Hallmark Hall of Fame Film, 2005

Purchase Riding the Bus with My Sister: A True Life Journey from Amazon.com.
Purchase Riding the Bus with My Sister: A True Life Journey from Amazon.com.


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