Carpool is a 1996 American comedy film directed by Arthur Hiller, written by Don Rhymer, starring Tom Arnold and David Paymer.

[4] Workaholic Daniel Miller is forced to drive his sons Bucky and Andrew to school when his wife Diane falls ill with a stomach bug.

Daniel is in the middle of a huge advertising campaign for Hammerman's, a large chain of gourmet markets, and initially refuses the drive until Diane guilts him.

Franklin reveals to the group that the reason behind his robbery and kidnapping was that he desperately needed the money so he could keep his carnival open and give his son Keith, who lives with his ex-wife, a present for his 12th birthday.

Daniel arrives at the office hours late and greatly unprepared, but he uses his experience to successful convince Mr. Hammerman that children don't like his chain, and that a revamp to something more kid-friendly would help.

[5] The film opened theatrically on August 23, 1996 in 1,487 venues nationwide and earned $1,628,482 in its first weekend, ranking thirteenth in the domestic box office.

[10] Variety called it: "Low-tech, high-volume slapstick, "Carpool" is a ramshackle if amiable chase comedy that should have some appeal for end-of-summer family outings.

"[11] Janet Maslin, of The New York Times, pointed out that the supporting characters, especially Rhea Perlman, end up standing out with more pleasant moments when compared to the performance of Tom Arnold.