Charming and Very Funny
Added 1/15/2010
"About a Boy" is a very funny, well-written movie in which growing up occurs. The "Boy" of the title is not the child but the grown man who hasn't got around to it yet.
Hugh Grant gives a pitch-perfect performance as Will, a handsome, charming but not especially likable thirty-something whose father wrote the pop holiday chestnut "Santa's Super Sleigh." Will's inherited songwriting royalties mean he's never had to work a day in his life. He devotes himself to keeping his hair and his snooker game in top form, watching television, and drifting in and out of relationships with attractive women. Will prides himself on being superficial and selfish.
Nicholas Hoult plays Marcus, a boy of around ten who, much to Will's dismay, insists on befriending Will. Marcus's single mother is an unrecovered hippie who suffers from suicidal depression. Marcus is the adult in his relationship with his mother. He worries constantly about her, and his oddball upbringing dooms him to misfit status at school. The comedy arises from Will's highly reluctant involvement with Marcus, who could not be more opposite from the ultra-cool ultra-hip Will, and his mother.
The story of Will's growing relationship with Marcus could be a recipe for sentimental drivel, but the touch is so light, the script so intelligent, the acting so skillful, and the ending sufficiently untidy, that you actually leave the theater feeling uplifted rather than exploited. You've also laughed until your sides ache. Well worth your time.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Bought this as a gift for my mom for christmas. Arrived very soon after I purchased and in new condition. Very satisfied with price and product itself.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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About life; period...
Added 10/23/2009
When I first saw `About a Boy' I found myself slightly underwhelmed. I wanted to like it and knew that I was supposed to, but I just didn't really care. That was a few years ago. Then, about a year ago, I caught it on cable and, while I only caught the last half, I found myself wrapped up in it.
Then I bought it.
Now I love it.
This is definitely a film that has grown on my ridiculous amounts and I now consider it one of the best of 2002, definitely top ten and at times I even consider it top 5 (I so wish I was still doing my awards, but then again, I'm glad I'm not). It has so much depth to it, if you are willing to give it the time of day. It can, and does at times, appear to be just another romantic comedy, and it does have those elements (thank you Rachel Weisz), but there is so much more here than just a generic `boy meets girl'. The main point of this story is self awareness, and it is handled in such a fun and beautifully touching way.
That `Killing Me Softly' finale just hits me where it counts.
The film tells of selfish womanizer Will who preys on single mothers by attending single parent groups. It's at one of these groups that he meets young Marcus, who is in serious need of some male attention. His mother, Fiona, is a bit unstable (or a lot unstable) and somewhat suicidal, and her chronic depression is almost too much for Marcus. So, after making the first move, Marcus ends up finding a companion in Will. Will, who is quite aware that he is shallow and self consumed, is stunned that he is finally putting someone else's feelings above his own; but of course that is a life change that will not come easy.
Hugh Grant is a great comedian and has proven himself numerous times for me. I was not sold on him entirely a few years ago, but over time he has really grown on me. From his priceless pairing with Bullock to his nomination worthy performance in `Four Wedding and a Funeral', not to mention memorable and charming turns in fluff films like `Music and Lyrics' (such a cute albeit forgettable film), Grant has really perfected his charm. This is his finest moment, easy. He is funny and charming and even a tad sleazy, but he manages to capture this man's heart and convey this feeling of want and vulnerability that really helps sell this movie to the audience. Toni Collette is really good, but I do feel as though love for this performance in particular is a little overrated. She is wonderful always, but she isn't breathtaking here. I preferred Rachel Weisz. Young Nicholas Hoult is just `pinch me' cute here, you just want to give him a gigantic hug and tell him everything will be all right.
Like I said, that `Killing Me Softly' scene is just a tearjerker.
So, in the end I'm gushing. Give this one a try if you haven't, and if you have and you're still not sure then watch it again. One of the most beautiful lessons in life is to love and accept yourself, and sometimes it takes a child to teach an adult how to do that.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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Great Movie
Added 9/13/2009
This movie is just so entertaining. The acting is excellent by the entire cast.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Great story.
Added 7/17/2009
About a Boy is a really great movie. It's the story of how a shallow man finds that he really does need other people in his life. His relationship with the boy is very touching. While this is classified as a comedy, it is much more than that. It is a very deep and entertaining movie.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Charming and Very Funny
Added 1/15/2010
"About a Boy" is a very funny, well-written movie in which growing up occurs. The "Boy" of the title is not the child but the grown man who hasn't got around to it yet.
Hugh Grant gives a pitch-perfect performance as Will, a handsome, charming but not especially likable thirty-something whose father wrote the pop holiday chestnut "Santa's Super Sleigh." Will's inherited songwriting royalties mean he's never had to work a day in his life. He devotes himself to keeping his hair and his snooker game in top form, watching television, and drifting in and out of relationships with attractive women. Will prides himself on being superficial and selfish.
Nicholas Hoult plays Marcus, a boy of around ten who, much to Will's dismay, insists on befriending Will. Marcus's single mother is an unrecovered hippie who suffers from suicidal depression. Marcus is the adult in his relationship with his mother. He worries constantly about her, and his oddball upbringing dooms him to misfit status at school. The comedy arises from Will's highly reluctant involvement with Marcus, who could not be more opposite from the ultra-cool ultra-hip Will, and his mother.
The story of Will's growing relationship with Marcus could be a recipe for sentimental drivel, but the touch is so light, the script so intelligent, the acting so skillful, and the ending sufficiently untidy, that you actually leave the theater feeling uplifted rather than exploited. You've also laughed until your sides ache. Well worth your time.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
Bought this as a gift for my mom for christmas. Arrived very soon after I purchased and in new condition. Very satisfied with price and product itself.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
About life; period...
Added 10/23/2009
When I first saw `About a Boy' I found myself slightly underwhelmed. I wanted to like it and knew that I was supposed to, but I just didn't really care. That was a few years ago. Then, about a year ago, I caught it on cable and, while I only caught the last half, I found myself wrapped up in it.
Then I bought it.
Now I love it.
This is definitely a film that has grown on my ridiculous amounts and I now consider it one of the best of 2002, definitely top ten and at times I even consider it top 5 (I so wish I was still doing my awards, but then again, I'm glad I'm not). It has so much depth to it, if you are willing to give it the time of day. It can, and does at times, appear to be just another romantic comedy, and it does have those elements (thank you Rachel Weisz), but there is so much more here than just a generic `boy meets girl'. The main point of this story is self awareness, and it is handled in such a fun and beautifully touching way.
That `Killing Me Softly' finale just hits me where it counts.
The film tells of selfish womanizer Will who preys on single mothers by attending single parent groups. It's at one of these groups that he meets young Marcus, who is in serious need of some male attention. His mother, Fiona, is a bit unstable (or a lot unstable) and somewhat suicidal, and her chronic depression is almost too much for Marcus. So, after making the first move, Marcus ends up finding a companion in Will. Will, who is quite aware that he is shallow and self consumed, is stunned that he is finally putting someone else's feelings above his own; but of course that is a life change that will not come easy.
Hugh Grant is a great comedian and has proven himself numerous times for me. I was not sold on him entirely a few years ago, but over time he has really grown on me. From his priceless pairing with Bullock to his nomination worthy performance in `Four Wedding and a Funeral', not to mention memorable and charming turns in fluff films like `Music and Lyrics' (such a cute albeit forgettable film), Grant has really perfected his charm. This is his finest moment, easy. He is funny and charming and even a tad sleazy, but he manages to capture this man's heart and convey this feeling of want and vulnerability that really helps sell this movie to the audience. Toni Collette is really good, but I do feel as though love for this performance in particular is a little overrated. She is wonderful always, but she isn't breathtaking here. I preferred Rachel Weisz. Young Nicholas Hoult is just `pinch me' cute here, you just want to give him a gigantic hug and tell him everything will be all right.
Like I said, that `Killing Me Softly' scene is just a tearjerker.
So, in the end I'm gushing. Give this one a try if you haven't, and if you have and you're still not sure then watch it again. One of the most beautiful lessons in life is to love and accept yourself, and sometimes it takes a child to teach an adult how to do that.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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