ABOUT A BOY
Released: May 17, 2002
Hugh Grant, as good an actor he may be, will probably never play a part like Max Cady in "Cape Fear" like Robert DeNiro did. Or play a real tough guy, no matter how much you mess up his hair. He just exudes prim and proper Britishness. And let's face it, he exudes a lot of effeminate characteristics. While he may not be the next Stallone or Mat Damon for that matter, he still has a certain appeal and a movie like "About A Boy" fits him well. It's a lighthearted story of a cynical, immature young man (Grant) who is taught how to act like a grown-up by a little boy. Directed by brothers Chris and Paul Weitz, who crafted the first "American Pie" flick, and based on the book by Nick Hornby ("High Fidelity"), "About A Boy" is enjoyable because of the interactions with Grant and the kid, played by newcomer Nicholas Hoult. Also appearing but rather under used are Toni Collette and Rachel Weisz. It's light as air about a subject that in the real world is quite serious but for what it is the film does entertain. Gains points by employing UK alt-pop act Badly Drawn Boy as the creator of the soundtrack, which compliments the story well.
Universal
100 Minutes