About a Boy

Starring: Hugh Grant, Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, Rachel Weisz
Directed by: Paul Weitz, Chris Weitz
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Comedy
2002

Times Seen:
Tim: 3

Summary: A self-absorbed, useless playboy (Hugh Grant) has his life abruptly altered when a very weird boy (Nicholas Hoult) with a suicidal mother (Toni Collette) adopts him as his friend. This leads to a change in both their lives.

Review:

Tim: This is a wonderfully charming and engaging film that showcases all the strengths of its leading man, Hugh Grant. Grant has made some terrible films in his life, but he is amazing when the role and the situation are right. Here, as a completely self-absorbed man who faces great turmoil when he inadvertently begins letting people into his life, he is incredible. Grant is so funny and takes over the role with such devilish charm that it is impossible not to fall for his performance. He is truly great. That's always been Grant's greatest strength- this infectious likeability, even when the character he plays is less than respectable. That's such a thin line, but Grant balances it beautifully. He's a scoundrel, doing some very despicable things, but you never hate him. That's hard to pull off and it's Grant's performance that makes this movie.

Nicholas Hoult is very good as well and interacts extremely well with Grant. He plays a boy corrupted by weirdness by his oddball mother, and he does it with style. I was so impressed with this young man, making his first substantial feature film role. He is loaded with talent and I'm interested to see what he does next. He interacts very well with Grant. The two of them were fun to watch together. Toni Collette is good, but I'm definitely not a fan of her work. I can't say I loved her in this role, but she played it well. The ever-reliable and talented Rachel Weisz has a small but important role. She is outstanding, giving the type of performance that makes you wish she had more screen time. She really contributed in a large way without a lot of screen time.

About a Boy is such an entertaining film because it expertly tells a heartwarming story while never seeming gushy. It expertly balances some truly heartfelt moments with a slightly poking sense of humor. I laughed continually throughout the film and really enjoyed how the movie managed to hold my attention throughout its 101 minute run time. The narration felt a little strange at first, but as the movie progressed, it felt more and more natural. There were a few moments when the narration greatly added to the story. I have to give directors Chris and Paul Weitz credit, as they did a remarkable job of bringing author Nick Hornby's novel to the screen.

I have to admit, I was unprepared for how much I would like About a Boy. It's an entertaining, funny movie that delivers a fairly powerful message as well. If you haven't seen this film, you really need to- you'll love it.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: High Fidelity, Two Weeks Notice, Notting Hill