This film feels like an indie set-up but the mainstream stars (Chris O'Donnel and Drew Barrymore) give it a false sense of Hollywood glamour. Donnel's character is as bland as a blancmange, leaving Barrymore to seize centre stage in an even yet watchable performance as a depressed young woman. The problem with the film is we never know why she suffers. Not much is revealed about her parents or her upbringing. The film seems to have lost its way. what should have been a quirky indie film is spoiled by an obtrusive rock soundtrack that mocks the serious subject at hand. The cinematography is pretty poor too. All in all, a wasted opportunity for all concerned.

MAD LOVE ** An interesting drama/romance. Story of a high school senior (Chris O'Donnell) who takes to the road with new-found love Drew Barrymore when they are faced with permanent separation. O'Donnell eventually realizes Barrymore's maniac-depressive and is faced with an ultimate decision in the film's ending. 'Mad Love' doesn't know what it wants to be when it grows up: a teen romance or a tale of mental disorder. Clearly, this film cannot orchestrate the two together without leaving us with a bad after-taste. Viewers see believable chemistry between the two leads, but after the first hour things shape into an unenlightening twist of fate. The star-duo makes the film worth viewing but nothing else does.Rating System***** Excellent **** Good *** Fair ** Poor * Bad

Drew shines in her performance as Casey, and her portrayal of this type of mental illness is brilliant (coming from someone who suffers from it) , she is particularly moving in the restaurant scene. The whole movie is just about wanting to be free and getting away from the rules of society. Chris o' Donnell's role in the movie is more like the audiences - trying to understand Drew (Casey) and what she's going through while being madly in love with her. As with mental illness not a lot of people "got" this movie - and thats a shame, because this is one of Drews better films. I prefer her playing these parts than the goody two shoes family style films she started to do. Bring back the wild child!

I loved this movie! It really touched me to see two young people so in love. A lot of people are saying how awful it is but if your unable to put yourself in the shoes of the character Drew Berrymore played, your not gonna get it. Chris O'Donell comes off believable as a young guy trying to help out with his family after being abandoned by his mother. Drew Barrymore plays the role that she does best, the wild and crazy free spirit. Chris and Drew have great chemistry together in this film. The only thing I didn't like was the end. Why did she just go back to Chicago? There must have been a better way to end it. It was still really good.