About a Boy (Widescreen Edition)

About a Boy (Widescreen Edition)
by Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz

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DVD details

Actor: Hugh Grant, Jordan Cook, Madison Cook, Nicholas Hoult, Sharon Small
Director: Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz
Brand: Universal Studios
Writer: Chris Weitz
Writer: Paul Weitz
Producer: Brad Epstein
Producer: Debra Hayward
Writer: Nick Hornby
Writer: Peter Hedges
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 2.35:1
Running Time: 101 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2003-01-14
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Universal Studios

DVD Reviews of About a Boy (Widescreen Edition)

DVD Review: About life; period...
Summary: 5 Stars

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.

DVD Review: Great Movie
Summary: 5 Stars

This movie is just so entertaining. The acting is excellent by the entire cast.

DVD Review: Great story.
Summary: 5 Stars

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.

DVD Review: Not bad. More of a chick flick...
Summary: 3 Stars

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.

DVD Review: 3 stars out of 4
Summary: 4 Stars

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.

Description of About a Boy (Widescreen Edition)

WILL LIGHTMAN IS A GOOD-LOOKING, SMOOTH-TALKING BACHELOR WHOSE PRIMARY GOAL IN LIFE IS AVOIDING ANY KIND OF RESPONSIBILITY. BUT WHEN HE INVENTS AN IMAGINARY SON IN ORDER TO MEET ATTRACTIVE SINGLE MOMS, WILL GETS A HILARIOUS LESSON ABOUT LIFE FROM A BRIGHT BUT HOPELESSLY GEEKY 12-YEAR-OLD NAMED MARCUS.

A box-office smash in England, About a Boy went on to charm the world as another fine adaptation (following High Fidelity) of a popular Nick Hornby novel. While High Fidelity transplanted its London charm to Chicago, this irresistible comedy was directed by Americans Chris and Paul Weitz (American Pie) with its British pedigree intact. Better yet, Hugh Grant is perfectly cast as Will, a self-absorbed trust-fund slacker who tries to improve his romantic odds by preying on desperate single mothers. His cynical strategy backfires when he recruits the misfit son (Nicholas Hoult) of a suicidal mother (Toni Collette) to pose as his own son, thus proving his parental prowess to his latest single-mom target (Rachel Weisz). The kid has a warming effect on this ultimate cad, and what could have been a sappy tearjerker turns into a subtle, frequently hilarious portrait of familial quirks and elevated self-esteem. From start to finish, it's a genuine treat. --Jeff Shannon

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