The 2005 film “Are We There Yet?” remains a beloved family comedy that brought together an are we there yet movie cast to create a memorable road trip movie experience. Directed by Brian Levant, this kids & family comedy featured Ice Cube in a role that showcased his versatility beyond his rap career, alongside the talented Nia Long and a supporting cast that brought the chaos of a cross-country journey to life.
Released on Valentine’s Day (January 21, 2005) with a PG rating, this slapstick comedy became a surprising box office success, earning $97.9 million worldwide against a budget of $32 million. The film’s popularity spawned both a sequel and a TV series, cementing its place in early 2000s family entertainment.
Table of Contents
Main Cast Members
Ice Cube as Nick Persons
Ice Cube leads the cast as Nick Persons, a playboy bachelor who runs a successful sports memorabilia shop in Portland, Oregon. Nick’s character is the ultimate smooth operator who has everything figured out—until he meets Suzanne Kingston and her two mischievous children. Throughout the film, Nick transforms from a self-centered bachelor into a caring father figure, navigating the chaos of a New Year’s Eve road trip.
Ice Cube not only starred in the movie but also served as a producer and screenwriter, bringing his comedic timing and authentic performance to the role. This marked a significant departure from his earlier, grittier roles, showing his range as an actor. Before “Are We There Yet?”, he had already proven his family-friendly appeal in movies like Daddy Day Care, and this film further solidified his transition into mainstream comedy.
The character of Nick Persons is forced to drive his prized Lincoln Navigator from Portland to Vancouver after a mishap with airport security involving a corkscrew and a metal detector gets the group banned from their flight. What follows is a hilarious series of misadventures that test Nick’s patience and ultimately help him understand what it means to be part of a family.
Nia Long as Suzanne Kingston
Nia Long portrays Suzanne Kingston, a divorced mother of two who works as a busy professional on a business trip to Vancouver. Suzanne is the romantic interest of Nick Persons, and her character serves as the catalyst for the entire road trip adventure. As a single mother, Suzanne struggles to balance her career with raising Lindsey and Kevin Kingston, making Nick’s offer to bring her children to Vancouver both a blessing and a potential disaster.
Long brings warmth and authenticity to the role, portraying a modern working mother who wants the best for her children while also seeking companionship. Her chemistry with Ice Cube forms the emotional core of the film, and their relationship evolution from the first movie carried over into the sequel, “Are We Done Yet?” (2007).
Nia Long had already established herself as a prominent actress before this film, with notable roles in “The Best Man” (1999) and various television shows. Her performance in “Are We There Yet?” showcased her ability to anchor a family comedy while maintaining credibility as both a romantic lead and a concerned parent.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast of “Are We There Yet?” brought depth, humor, and memorable moments that elevated the film beyond a simple road trip narrative.
Aleisha Allen as Lindsey Kingston delivers one of the film’s standout performances. Playing the older of the two children, Lindsey is clever, assertive, and determined to sabotage Nick’s relationship with her mother. Allen, who previously appeared in “School of Rock” (2003), brings both comedic timing and genuine emotional moments to her role. Her singing ability is showcased in the film, adding another dimension to her character. The kids hate boyfriend dynamic drives much of the film’s conflict, with Lindsey leading the charge against Nick at every turn.
Philip Bolden (credited as Philip Daniel Bolden) plays Kevin Kingston, Lindsey’s younger brother. While less vocal than his sister, Kevin proves equally adept at creating chaos during the journey. Bolden’s portrayal of the younger sibling who follows his sister’s lead while occasionally showing his own mischievous streak adds authenticity to the family dynamic. His previous work included “The King of Queens” and “Johnson Family Vacation,” establishing him as a reliable child actor in family comedy films.
Jay Mohr appears as Marty, Nick’s best friend and confidant. Mohr provides comic relief and serves as Nick’s connection to his bachelor lifestyle. His scenes offer glimpses into Nick’s pre-relationship life and provide context for Nick’s transformation throughout the film.
M.C. Gainey delivers a memorable performance as Al Buck (also known as “Big Al“), a truck driver who becomes convinced that Nick is a kidnapper. Gainey, a prolific character actor known for roles in “Lost” and “Justified,” brings intimidating presence and unexpected humor to his scenes. The misunderstanding between Al and Nick creates some of the film’s most tense and comedic moments as they race down the highway.
Tracy Morgan provides the voice of Satchel Paige, the bobblehead figure in Nick’s Lincoln Navigator that serves as his conscience throughout the journey. Morgan’s voice work adds personality to what could have been a simple prop, turning the bobblehead into a running gag and moral compass for Nick. David Barclay handled the puppeteering for the bobblehead, bringing physical comedy to Morgan’s vocal performance.
Henry Simmons plays Karl (or Carl), adding another layer to the film’s supporting cast. Simmons, known for his television work, brings his commanding presence to this family comedy setting.
Nichelle Nichols appears as Miss Mable, bringing her legendary status from “Star Trek” to a new generation of viewers. Her appearance adds gravitas and nostalgia to the film.
Additional cast members who contributed to the film’s success include:
- Ray Galletti as the Car Dealer
- Viv Leacock as Nick’s Pal on the Street
- Casey Dubois as Shoplifter
- J.B. McEown as Shoplifter
- C. Ernst Harth as Ernst
Director and Production Team
Brian Levant directed “Are We There Yet?”, bringing his extensive experience in family comedy to the project. Levant’s previous work included “Problem Child 2,” “The Flintstones,” “Beethoven,” and “Jingle All the Way,” making him a veteran of the genre. His ability to balance slapstick comedy with heartfelt family moments proved essential to the film’s success.
The screenplay was written by Steven Gary Banks, Claudia Grazioso, J. David Stem, and David N. Weiss, who crafted a story that combined outrageous comedy with genuine character development. Their script effectively transformed Nick from a self-centered bachelor into someone willing to endure countless mishaps for the woman he loves.
Matt Alvarez, Ice Cube, and Dan Kolsrud served as producers, with Revolution Studios and Cube Vision handling production. The film’s production team successfully created a modern take on the family comedy genre that resonated with audiences across demographics.
Thomas E. Ackerman served as cinematographer, capturing both the beauty of the road trip locations and the chaotic energy of the film’s many set pieces. The film was shot primarily in Canada, though it’s set in the United States, specifically traveling from Portland, Oregon to Vancouver.
David Newman composed the film’s score, while Stephen J. Lineweaver edited the footage. The film runs 95 minutes (also listed as 1h 34m or 1h 35m), maintaining a brisk pace that keeps audiences engaged throughout the journey.
About Are We There Yet (2005)
“Are We There Yet?” tells the story of Nick Persons, a successful sports memorabilia store owner who falls for Suzanne Kingston, a divorced mother of two. When Suzanne must travel to Vancouver for work over New Year’s Eve, Nick volunteers to bring her children, Lindsey and Kevin, to reunite with their mother, hoping to win points in his budding relationship.
What Nick doesn’t anticipate is that the kids hate boyfriend scenario will play out in increasingly creative and destructive ways. After being banned from their flight due to a corkscrew incident with airport security, Nick is forced to drive the children in his prized Lincoln Navigator. What follows is a chaotic road trip filled with disasters, pranks, and unexpected bonding moments.
The film perfectly captures the essence of a road trip movie, with each leg of the journey bringing new challenges. From encounters with suspicious truck drivers to car troubles, bathroom emergencies, and the children’s relentless pranks, Nick faces obstacle after obstacle. The mischievous children pull out all the stops to sabotage Nick’s efforts, viewing him as an interloper in their family.
As the journey progresses, relationships evolve. Nick begins to understand the responsibility of caring for children, while Lindsey and Kevin slowly recognize Nick’s genuine care for their mother and, eventually, for them. The transformation of Nick from playboy bachelor to responsible father figure forms the emotional arc of the story.
The film draws inevitable comparisons to other family comedy films of the era, particularly Home Alone, The Pacifier, Daddy Day Care, and RV. Like these films, “Are We There Yet?” follows the formula of placing an unprepared adult in charge of children and mining comedy from the resulting chaos. However, the road trip setting and the romantic subplot add unique elements that distinguish it from similar movies.
Movie Details and Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | January 21, 2005 (Valentine’s Day release strategy) |
| Director | Brian Levant |
| Runtime | 95 minutes / 1h 35m / 1h 34m |
| Rating | PG |
| Genre | Kids & family comedy, Road trip movie |
| Production Companies | Revolution Studios, Cube Vision |
| Budget | $32 million (estimated) |
| Box Office (US) | $82.7 million |
| Box Office (Worldwide) | $97.9 million |
| Opening Weekend | $18.5 million |
Critical Reception and Box Office
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, “Are We There Yet?” proved to be a significant box office success. The film opened at #1 during its opening weekend, earning $18.5 million and displacing “Coach Carter” from the top spot. It went on to earn $82.7 million domestically and $97.9 million worldwide against its $32 million budget, making it a profitable venture for Revolution Studios.
Critical reception was decidedly mixed. The film holds a 13% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics citing formulaic plotting and reliance on slapstick comedy as weaknesses. However, audiences responded more positively, appreciating the film’s family-friendly content and Ice Cube‘s committed performance. The film’s PG rating made it accessible to families looking for entertainment suitable for all ages.
The film’s success can be attributed to several factors.
- First, it filled a gap in the market for family comedy films during a period when such content was in demand. The Valentine’s Day release strategy positioned it as counter-programming for families during a typically romance-focused weekend.
- Second, Ice Cube‘s transition from rapper to family-friendly actor attracted diverse audiences.
- Finally, the film’s premise—though formulaic—resonated with blended families and parents navigating modern relationships.
Home Media Release
“Are We There Yet?” was released on DVD on May 24, 2005, and performed well in the home video market. The film found continued success through cable television broadcasts and streaming platforms, introducing it to new generations of viewers. The DVD release included behind-the-scenes features and commentary, giving fans additional insight into the production.
Are We Done Yet? – The Sequel
The success of “Are We There Yet?” led to the development of a sequel, “Are We Done Yet?,” which was released on April 4, 2007. Steve Carr took over directing duties from Brian Levant, while the core cast returned to their roles.
In the sequel, Nick Persons and Suzanne Kingston are now married (Suzanne becomes Suzanne Persons), and the family faces new challenges. The plot follows the couple as they move from the city to the suburbs, purchasing a fixer-upper house that turns into a nightmare renovation project. John C. McGinley joins the cast as Chuck Mitchell Jr., a contractor whose unconventional methods drive Nick to frustration.
Aleisha Allen and Philip Bolden reprised their roles as Lindsey and Kevin, now Lindsey Persons and Kevin Persons following their mother’s marriage to Nick. The sequel deals with the continued adjustment to blended family life, with additional complications arising from Suzanne’s pregnancy with twins.
“Are We Done Yet?” was inspired by the 1948 Cary Grant comedy “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House,” updating the home renovation comedy for a modern audience. The film was produced with a $28 million budget and grossed $58 million worldwide. However, critical reception was even more negative than the original, with the film earning just 7% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Despite the poor critical response, “Are We Done Yet?” found its audience among families who enjoyed the first film. The sequel expanded the family dynamic, showing Nick’s evolution from reluctant stepfather to fully committed family man preparing for his biological children.
Are We There Yet? TV Series
The film franchise’s success led to a television adaptation that aired on TBS from 2010 to 2012. Terry Crews replaced Ice Cube as Nick Persons (later Nick Kingston-Persons), while Essence Atkins took over the role of Suzanne Kingston-Persons. The TV series was co-created by Ice Cube and Ali Leroi (creator of “Everybody Hates Chris”).
The television version featured Teala Dunn as Lindsey Kingston-Persons and Coy Stewart as Kevin Kingston-Persons, aging up the characters from the films. Additional cast members included Keesha Sharp as Gigi, Suzanne’s best friend; Christian Finnegan as Martin, Nick’s friend; and Telma Hopkins as Marilyn Persons, Nick’s mother.
The TV series ran for three seasons, totaling 106 episodes, and expanded the universe established by the films. While it never achieved the cultural impact of the original movie, it maintained a loyal audience and further demonstrated the franchise’s appeal to family audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who stars in Are We There Yet?
Ice Cube and Nia Long lead the cast, with Aleisha Allen, Philip Bolden, Jay Mohr, M.C. Gainey, and Tracy Morgan in supporting roles.
When was Are We There Yet released?
The film was released on January 21, 2005, as Valentine’s Day counter-programming with a PG rating for family audiences.
Who directed Are We There Yet?
Brian Levant directed the 2005 film, bringing his extensive family comedy experience to the road trip movie.
How much did Are We There Yet make?
The film earned $97.9 million worldwide against a $32 million budget, making it a box office success for Revolution Studios.
Is there a sequel to Are We There Yet?
Yes, Are We Done Yet? was released in 2007, featuring the same main cast dealing with home renovation chaos and an expanding family.
Who plays the kids in Are We There Yet?
Aleisha Allen plays Lindsey Kingston, and Philip Bolden plays Kevin Kingston, the mischievous children who torment Nick Persons.
What is the movie’s rating?
The film has a PG rating, making it suitable for kids and family viewing with mild slapstick comedy content.
Where does the road trip go?
The journey travels from Portland, Oregon to Vancouver over New Year’s Eve in Nick’s Lincoln Navigator after flight issues.
Who voices the bobblehead in the movie?
Tracy Morgan voices Satchel Paige, the bobblehead that serves as Nick’s conscience throughout the chaotic road trip.
Was there a TV show based on the movie?
Yes, a TV series aired on TBS from 2010–2012, starring Terry Crews and Essence Atkins in reimagined versions of the roles.
Conclusion
“Are We There Yet?” remains a significant entry in the 2005 film landscape, offering a family comedy that combined road trip movie chaos with heartfelt lessons about blended families and personal growth. The cast, led by Ice Cube and Nia Long, brought authenticity and energy to their roles, creating memorable characters that resonated with audiences.
Director Brian Levant successfully balanced slapstick comedy with emotional moments, crafting a film that entertained both children and adults. Supporting performances from Aleisha Allen, Philip Bolden, M.C. Gainey, Tracy Morgan, and others added depth and humor to the story.
The film’s box office success ($97.9 million worldwide) proved that audiences were hungry for family-friendly content, despite lukewarm critical reception. The playboy bachelor to father figure transformation of Nick Persons offered a relatable arc for blended families, while the mischievous children‘s pranks provided consistent laughs throughout the 95 minutes runtime.
The franchise’s expansion into a sequel (“Are We Done Yet?“) and a TV series demonstrated the enduring appeal of these characters and their story. From Portland, Oregon to Vancouver, from a Lincoln Navigator to a suburban fixer-upper, the “Are We There Yet?” franchise explored the challenges and rewards of modern family life.
Whether you’re revisiting this kids & family comedy for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, “Are We There Yet?” offers a road trip experience filled with laughter, chaos, and ultimately, heart. The film’s legacy continues through streaming platforms, where new generations can experience Ice Cube‘s transformation from rapper to family comedy star and appreciate Nia Long‘s grounded performance as a single mother navigating love and parenthood.
For fans of family comedy films like Home Alone, Daddy Day Care, The Pacifier, and RV, “Are We There Yet?” delivers familiar pleasures while carving out its own identity through its road trip setting and focus on blended family dynamics. Twenty years after its Valentine’s Day release, the film remains a testament to the power of family-friendly entertainment that brings audiences together.
I’m Watson, a faith-inspired writer passionate about sharing heartfelt blessings and uplifting words that bring peace, gratitude, and hope. Through my daily blessings, I aim to comfort the soul and inspire spiritual growth.