Review Archives

1 | 2 | 3

Today's Date is:

About a Boy

Nobody plays the haughty and snobbish better than Hugh Grant, but he's not without his versatility, either. In his latest venture, "About a Boy," Grant plays a character who undergoes a variety of emotions, including those closely associated with that familiar plot device of one man's awakening to the pleasures of companionship and love. In effect, he molds the character to his liking, thus making the film a comedic and heartwarming, if somewhat predictable, experience. ***

Grant is Will Freeman, a thirtysomething who hasn't worked a day in his life but, through his father's one-hit wonder decades earlier, is able to enjoy the life of luxury and splendor. He frequents with various women, none of whom he shows an emotional interest in, spends his days buying CDs, DVDs, clothes, and other merchandise, seemingly to fill the void in his life he is momentarily unaware of. He's the type of person who would attend a single parents' support group, fabricate a two-year-old son for an emotional show, all in the name of making a date with a single female. ***

On the opposite end, we meet young Marcus (newcomer Nicholas Hoult), a typical schoolyard outcast whose mother, Fiona (Toni Collette) only seems to make matters worse for him (in addition to his sheepish attire, she walks him to school everyday, and says the dreaded "I love you" in front of the entire courtyard). Theirs is a rocky, distant relationship, made even more unstable after Fiona attempts suicide from severe depression. It is here that Marcus and Will meet. ***

From this point, we get the usual routine of their awkwardness around one another, and their inner thoughts and reactions to each other's way of living. Their opinions are revealed in voice-over for certain scenes, such as that in which Marcus sets Fiona and Will up on a date. Will begins to wonder why Marcus hasn't been able to fit in with people, while Marcus questions Will's reluctance to fit in at all. As you may well know, they will end up having a greater effect on each other than they expected. ***

The movie has its share of ups and downs, resting mainly with its journey into heavily-tread territory, and the ongoing sense that we won't be given a solid reason to empathize with Will in the end. During his initial courtship of a single mother played by Rachel Weisz, we see a different side of him, but his old side is shown through his mistruth in allowing her to believe Marcus is his son. The film flirts dangerously with disaster here, but common sense should tell any respectable moviegoer that everything will be okay. ***

Also left in the dark is the nature of Fiona's extreme depression, which seems more like a plot device than anything else. No doubt Toni Collette captures the essence of the character rather exquisitely, and in her scenes with Hoult we see the makings of a good mother, but what it the cause of her emotional trauma? I hardly think it could be her divorce, seeing as how her ex-husband, his new wife, and her mother all gather with Fiona and Marcus for Christmas. ***

In the film's favor is a terrific amount of humorous situations and lively dialogue, and it's sparkling cast. Grant never fails in delivering his lines with a fiery wit; he has a special brand of charm that he employs in each of his roles, and here, it's enjoyably sensational and very, very funny. His interactions with Hoult are touching and comical, hitting just the right notes at all the right moments. They make what would otherwise be a routine change-of-life plot tactic refreshingly potent and affecting. ***

Above all else, "About a Boy" has a heart at its core, and knows how to reveal it in a manner that makes up for minor shortcomings. The film ends on a note of heartwarming humor and self-realization, and it gave me a warm feeling of joy and giddiness. This is the type of movie that manipulates you to feel certain ways at certain times, but the good news is, you'll hardly notice.

Another fine transfer from Universal. Presented in its 2.35:1 theatrical aspect ratio, "About a Boy" looks just great on DVD. Colors are warm, vibrant, and very inviting, with no signs of bleeding or noise. Fleshtones are some of the most accurate I've seen in a while. Contrast is terrific, with excellent shadow detail and deep, rich blacks that remain solid throughout. Edges are very sharp with no enhancement artifacts, and the print is pretty much free from any noise or grain. A superb transfer all around. ***

The Dolby Digital 5.1 track, however, pales in comparison. Being that it's mostly driven by dialogue, you can't fault the track too much, but what disappointed me was the lack of ambiance during scenes involving music and score. The surrounds are used very minimally, so little that there's really no use for them. Deep bass is hardly present, so really that leaves the center and front channels, which gain the most attention and present the sound very nicely. For what it is, the track sounds clean and is nicely mastered, but it's nothing mind-blowing.

The featurette "The Making of About a Boy" is shorter than most of the previous Spotlight on Location featurettes at 11 minutes, but still providing some nice backstory just the same. It's especially interesting to hear author Nick Hornby, Hugh Grant, and even the Weitz Brothers recalling their insecurities about the makers of "American Pie" tackling such a project as this. I guess versatility comes with all generations. This is followed by some deleted scenes that could very well have been left in the final cut, but here they are, so no one's complaining. ***

Fans of the film's music will undoubtedly take an interest in the interview with the man behind Badly Drawn Boy, Damon Gough, who talks about his past experiences, his inspirations that led him to become a musician, and the influences of others' music on his own. Accompanying this are two of his music videos of songs from the movie, "Silent Sigh" and "Something to Talk About." On a less interesting note, the lyrics to "Santa's Super Sleigh" have also been included as a film clip; could've done without that one. ***

After the delightful English to English dictionary for us illiterates who can't understand a bloody British word, the rest of the disc is comprised of the usual Universal tripe. It's not as feature-packed as other titles from the studio, but the fans will be pleased, and if you like the movie, it's worth it.