Explore
 Lists  Reviews  Images  Update feed
Categories
MoviesTV ShowsMusicBooksGamesDVDs/Blu-RayPeopleArt & DesignPlacesWeb TV & PodcastsToys & CollectiblesComic Book SeriesBeautyAnimals   View more categories »
Listal logo

A very good movie

Posted : 7 years, 3 months ago on 16 January 2017 01:49

I already saw this movie but since it was a while back, I thought I might as well check it out again. My wife and I always had a weak spot for Hugh Grant but, let’s be honest, even though the guy always had some great charisma, he eventually has/had a rather disappointing career after all. The main issue with this actor is that he always played basically the same character in countless romantic-comedies. Still, he did make a few very good movies and this one is definitely one of them and he probably gave here his best performance. Indeed, even though he actually played his usual charismatic and womazing bachelor, the rest of the movie was actually quite intriguing. Indeed, in contrary to the other movies in this genre, it didn’t follow a linear structure. For example, in a classic romantic-comedy, the whole thing would have been about a womanizing bachelor trying to score with some single mothers because they might be an easy target. Sure, this concept might sound entertaining but, like all rom-com concepts, it also sounds terribly cumbersome and rather ludicrous. Well, in this movie, fairly early on, the main character himself actually acknowledged the fact that it wasn’t such a good idea after all and simply dropped it which was just so refreshing. Furthermore, even though it was definitely a romantic comedy, it was actually not about the main character finding the love of his life but about how he would find some unlikely connection with some 12 year old boy which was also quite interesting. Finally, it is really rare to see a movie in this genre with some actually fully developed characters. For the Weitz brothers, it is rather hard to believe that they started their directing career just a couple of years before with ‘American Pie’ and they did make a huge leap forward with this movie (unfortunately, they would never manage to reach something so good ever again during their respective careers). Anyway, to conclude, even though it was probably not a masterpiece, I actually really enjoyed the damned thing and it is definitely worth a look, especially if you like the genre. 



0 comments, Reply to this entry

An interesting, entertaining drama

Posted : 10 years, 4 months ago on 23 December 2013 07:54

Hugh Grant has starred in many movies such as 'Four Weddings & A Funeral', 'Notting Hill' and 'Bridget Jones's Diary' (which is from the makers) but it's not about a girl, it's about a boy

'About A Boy' is an interesting, entertaining drama with a good story, very good acting and directing. If you liked 'Four Weddings & A Funeral', you'll like this too


0 comments, Reply to this entry

About a Boy review

Posted : 13 years, 8 months ago on 20 August 2010 11:45

problem is there is no real beginning, middle and end. I like Hugh Grant - and he is typical comdey in this but lacks something. enjoyable just not unmissable.


0 comments, Reply to this entry

Another enjoyable Hugh Grant rom-com!

Posted : 13 years, 11 months ago on 31 May 2010 03:08

Another soppy (not bad) Hugh Grant rom-com was the first thing that came to my mind when I heard of his film and saw a couple of pictures and the poster and this is exactly what I thought of it. It was an enjoyable film that was inspiring, funny and emotional. I don't really know why but it reminded me of Billy Elliot. Also, I have to say that About A Boy is a very predictable film with consequences you sort of knew was going to happen.


About A Boy tells us the story of a young man called Will Freeman (Grant) who lives a happy lifestyle thanks to a successful Christmas song that his father wrote and because of this, Will doesn't need to work. He spends most of his free time smoking, watching television and reading about pop culture. One day, Will meets young boy Marcus (Hoult) who is going hard phases in life and together they create a friendship like father and son who begin to understand each other. After bringing us British romantic comedies like Four Weddings And A Funeral and Notting Hill, there was something that I guaranteed that Grant was either going to fail with About A Boy or once again succeed. Hugh Grant is the one British actor who fits perfectly in romantic comedies! His characters are very similar because they're just idiots and the ways with the women are very similar too. Nicholas Hoult delivers a great performance as Marcus! He did remind me a lot of Jamie Bell in Billy Elliot.


Brothers Chris and Paul Weitz worked well on this film and they have been directors who usually work separately. Chris has bought us American Pie, The Golden Compass and regrettably New Moon. Paul bought In Good Company, American Dreamz, Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant and the upcoming Little Fockers.


Overall, About A Boy is an enjoyable romantic comedy that will delight all hearts! Another successful Hugh Grant rom-com!


0 comments, Reply to this entry

Charming British comedy

Posted : 16 years ago on 28 April 2008 06:17

"I was in some strange territory. Was I frightened? I was petrified."

I usually enjoy watching these types of heart-warming British comedies, and About a Boy is certainly no exception. This one has a lot more heart than some other comedies I've seen over the years, and the great cast certainly help the film majorly.

Hugh Grant plays Will, a 38-year-old underachiever who is out of work, has a fear of commitment and starts a sudden obsession with dating single women. While attending a single parents gathering group, he meets Fiona (Collette) and her son Marcus (Hoult). Will's life is altered after Fiona attempts suicide, and Marcus feels that Will should marry her so he won't have to put up with her depression issues. Marcus and Will strike up a close friendship, and they both learn a thing or two about life while helping each other through their respective life problems.

Hugh Grant, although pretty much playing these types of characters all the time, is in good form and is quite hilarious at times. Young Nicholas Hoult delivers a questionable performance at times, but he's far from horrible.

I had not seen this film for a long time, and now that I've finally seen it again I rather liked it a lot more the second time around. I guess age has a lot to do with tastes in movies. The film is very charming, well made, and is quite side splitting at times as well.

British comedies are usually of varying quality, but About a Boy was a really good movie. The laughs are all over the place, the film is brightly told, and the cast is great. Makes for a great night out at the movies!


0 comments, Reply to this entry