Mad Love remains one of my personal favorites from Chris O’Donnell. It may not be his best or most acclaimed film, but it was one of the first I saw of him—and it stuck with me.
O’Donnell plays Matt Leland, a straight-laced teenager who falls for Casey Roberts (Drew Barrymore), the wild and impulsive new girl next door who struggles with bipolar dhttps://amzn.to/3V6fpRpisorder. Fueled by young love, rebellion, and a desire to escape their troubled lives, the two run away together in hopes of finding freedom. But Matt soon learns that love isn’t enough to outrun reality—especially when mental illness is part of the journey.
Despite its lukewarm reception from critics, I still find Mad Love watchable and emotionally resonant. Yes, the story has its flaws—the plot is thin, and at times, the pacing falters—but there’s a quiet honesty in how it portrays teenage angst, first love, and the complexities of mental health.
The film doesn’t get everything right, but it has heart. The chemistry between O’Donnell and Barrymore carries the story, and the soundtrack adds just the right amount of 90s grit and sentimentality to give the film its own flavor.
Mad Love may not have delivered a perfect narrative, but with a solid cast, a moody soundtrack, and two compelling leads, it still deserves a second look—especially for anyone who grew up in the era or has a soft spot for 90s teen dramas.
Via PEx Movie Challenge – Movies Released Before 2000
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