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.
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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.
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Not bad. More of a chick flick...
Added 4/16/2009
All around not a bad movie, but it's not a great movie either. One I probably won't remember anything about a year from now.
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3 stars out of 4
Added 3/26/2009
The Bottom Line:
A capable adaptation of Hornby's novel and a very enjoyable movie, About a Boy makes the most of Hugh Grant's considerable charm and the novel's low-key humor--it should entertain you all the way through.
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Can they cheapen the idea of love anymore?
Added 11/23/2009
Okay, I love most british films, most romantic comedies, and find often something redeeming in the ones I don't. This movie is a huge disappointment. I was drawn in by the great actors, but I wonder what drew them in. This movie has weak story lines, mostly unlikeable characters and uses every opportunity to include foul language, sex and nudity it can. The effectual message? Love Actually is Cheap.
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Love Actually Editorialized
Added 11/11/2009
This movie is entertaining and gives enough laughs throughout to make it bearable, but it could have used a serious dose of editing as, besides being very predictable for the most part, it just rambled on and on until you couldn't care less about any of the characters.
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Mixed Emotions
Added 10/29/2009
Hmmm. I am feeling like a voice in the wilderness. I like many things about this movie which shows different incarnations of love. What upset me is the portrayal of the schizophrenic brother of Laura Linney's character. In my opinion, he is an extreme case and the portrayal is scary. It perpetuates the stigma to the public and sends a message (so strong in visual media) of hopelessness to individuals suffering from mental illness and to their families as well, who already bear such a heavy burden. The writer could have portrayed this character as being out of the hospital, on the way to recovery, etc. It was just so disappointing, especially as so much of the film is well written.
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