About a Boy (2002)

A box-office smash in England, About a Boy went on to charm the world as another fine adaptation (following High Fidelity) of a popular Nick Hornby novel. While High Fidelity transplanted its London charm to Chicago, this irresistible comedy was directed by Americans Chris and Paul Weitz (American Pie) with its British pedigree intact. Better yet, Hugh Grant is perfectly cast as Will, a self-absorbed trust-fund slacker who tries to improve his romantic odds by preying on desperate single mothers. His cynical strategy backfires when he recruits the misfit son (Nicholas Hoult) of a suicidal mother (Toni Collette) to pose as his own son, thus proving his parental prowess to his latest single-mom target (Rachel Weisz). The kid has a warming effect on this ultimate cad, and what could have been a sappy tearjerker turns into a subtle, frequently hilarious portrait of familial quirks and elevated self-esteem. From start to finish, it's a genuine treat. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

Refreshingly non-cliche.

This is a film about a man who is still a boy and a boy who is all-too quickly becoming a man. They are one another's exact opposites and through this become exactly what the other needs. Will is a man who has never had to truly care about anyone and Marcus is a boy who does nothing but care (primarily for his mother who is suicidal). Marcus craves a father figure and Will finds comfort in playing that role. While this doesn't sound like a comedy, it ultimately is. Their interactions are so akward and heartfelt that comedy cannot help but ensue. They are both on a quest to learn about life and themselves, but they cannot do it alone. The opening monologue of the film references Will's belief that every man is an island. However as he grows as a characters, it becomes apparent that maybe no man is an island and that to find an ounce of true happiness in life one must look to others. I find this to be one of the more enjoyable roles that Hugh Grant plays and as always Toni Collette (who plays the mother) is a gem. The romantic subplots feel slightly manipulative, but the relationship between Will and Marcus are genuine, sweet and truly entertaining. August 22, 2008

Not quite High Fidelity, but close enough to be a contender

Not surprisingly, this film feels and unfolds similarly to its cinematic sibling, High Fidelity. Based on John Cusack and Jack Black's outstanding and often hilarious performances in that film, I'd have to say it solidly scores a 5 star rating, and About a Boy, while good, is more of a 4 1/2. About a Boy drags a little at times, isn't quite as overtly humorous, occasionally seems muddled and unsure of its direction or ultimate destination, and leaves poor Toni Colette's character hanging while wrapping things up nicely for everyone else.

Faults aside, About a Boy is refreshingly quirky, honest, and life affirming. Hugh Grant is utterly believable as Will, an aging slacker with a trust fund and uber-cool pad but no friends or fun or reason to get out of bed in the morning. He decides to try to pose as a single dad in order to date single moms in a self-help group, and somehow falls into a cross-generational friendship with an outwardly nerdy but inwardly awesome pre-teen named Marcus. Of course eventually Hugh meets a cute lass and after predictable misunderstandings they finally get together, but in the meantime, the relationship with Marcus and the insight into Marcus's world and the battles he's fighting really lend weight to what could otherwise be a tasteless, rehashed Notting Hill.

Although the movie's end doesn't quite leave you punching the air and yelling "Yes! Ten stars!" it's still well worth the time, and it's complex and layered enough to be worth later re-watching (which is more than you can say for 99% of the movies out there, right?!).

All in all, a funky little gem of a movie that nicely marries Hollywood happy endings with credible characters, plot, and dialogue and a nifty, soulful, Britpoppy soundtrack. 4 1/2 thumbs up! June 15, 2008

about a boy

the dvd is in very good condition the sender was on time sending my order.I would recommend the seller to everybody. June 10, 2008

Surprisingly Enjoyable

I had never heard of this movie, but I was sick and looking for something I could rent and watch immediately without leaving my apartment. This movie has a refreshingly different plot (not totally unique, but different enough from many contemporary movies)...and some nice character development. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it, as long as you don't mind happy endings ;) February 17, 2008

Hugh Grant shines...

...as a curmudgeon with a heart. A must see! June 16, 2007

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