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About a Boy (2002)
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Overview
User Rating:
Directors:
Writers (WGA):
Release Date:
17 May 2002 (USA)
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Tagline:
Growing up has nothing to do with age.
Plot:
Based on Nick Hornby's best-selling novel, About A Boy is the story of a cynical, immature young man who is taught how to act like a grown-up by a little boy full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
Nominated for Oscar.
Another 8 wins
&
19 nominations
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NewsDesk:
(179 articles)
Christmas and new year TV films
(From The Guardian - Film News. 18 December 2009, 5:30 AM, PST)
Christmas and new year TV films
(From The Guardian - TV News. 18 December 2009, 5:30 AM, PST)
(From The Guardian - Film News. 18 December 2009, 5:30 AM, PST)
Christmas and new year TV films
(From The Guardian - TV News. 18 December 2009, 5:30 AM, PST)
User Comments:
Yet another spot-on Hornby adaptation
more (339 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Hugh Grant | ... | Will | |
| Nicholas Hoult | ... | Marcus | |
| Sharon Small | ... | Christine | |
| Madison Cook | ... | Imogen | |
| Jordan Cook | ... | Imogen | |
| Nicholas Hutchison | ... | John | |
| Ryan Speechley | ... | Barney | |
| Joseph Speechley | ... | Barney | |
| Toni Collette | ... | Fiona | |
| Natalia Tena | ... | Ellie (as Nat Gastiain Tena) | |
| Laura Kennington | ... | Ellie's Friend | |
| Tanika Swaby | ... | Ellie's Friend | |
| Peter McNicholl | ... | Ellie's Friend | |
| Christopher Webster | ... | Ellie's Friend | |
| Ben Ridgeway | ... | Lee, the Bully |
Additional Details
Also Known As:
MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for brief strong language and some thematic elements.
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
101 min
Language:
Colour:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Malaysia:U |
Brazil:Livre |
Argentina:13 |
Australia:M |
Austria:10 |
Canada:PG |
Finland:S |
France:U |
Germany:6 |
Iceland:L |
Netherlands:AL |
Norway:A |
Peru:14 |
Philippines:PG-13 |
Portugal:M/12 |
Singapore:PG |
South Korea:12 |
Spain:T |
Sweden:7 |
Switzerland:10 (canton of Geneva) |
Switzerland:10 (canton of Vaud) |
Switzerland:12 (canton of the Grisons) |
UK:12 |
USA:PG-13 (certificate #38482)
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Emma Thompson was offered a role.
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Goofs:
Continuity: The vase of flowers that Marcus places on the table (just when his finds his mother's suicide note) moves repeatedly between shots.
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Quotes:
Soundtrack:
Walking Out Of Stride
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FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (339 total)
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Selfish, self-centered rich `kid' Will Freeman lives alone as an island in London, living off royalties from his father's record. When a new dating trick sees him targeting single mothers because they are easier to dump he unwittingly gets mixed up with Marcus. Marcus is a 12 year old who is bullied at school because of his hippy life style (forced on him by his mother) and struggles at home with his depressed, suicidal mother. At first he sees himself helping his mum by getting Will to like her but gradually Marcus and Will get used to each other and have lessons that both can learn.
Following the steaming success of High Fidelity, another Hornby book makes the transition. However credit should be given for setting the movie in England and not moving it somewhere else (cooler). This however is probably due to the lead being English and very bankable!
The story is of course about blokes .and blokes problems this is Hornby after all. The plot is simple but the fact that it done with a great deal of wit makes it come across very easily. Occasionally the mix of heavy subjects (Marcus's home life) with the comedy of Will's life is a little uneasy, but after a while it mixes better. The story is pretty revealing I can see a lot of myself in Will, as many men will, and it is involving then to see Marcus teach him things about life. However, saying that, the best thing about this is the comedy when Will is involved it is nearly always laugh out loud funny and that's most of the time.
The directors deal with this film really well they focus on Grants strengths and also use several really cool visual things to add to the comedy like quick cuts and freeze frame but not to the point of annoyance. Surprising that these guys did American Pie! Not the most subtle or clever of comedies
Grant is excellent here he easily handles the emotional side of the film and the comedy, but it's in the comedy he excels. His face plays out as many jokes as his words and he is indeed a master at playing this character. However here he has to work harder than when he does his usual `English-fop' stuff, because Will is selfish and not immediately likeable ..I must admit that at the start I struggled to get into the film because I hate these people who spend their time in Notting Hill cafes living off inheritances etc so it's a credit to Grant that he carries it off. Hoult is not as good he has too much weight to carry. Hoult has to manage the whole emotional side of the film and at times he can't convince. Collette is good as Fiona but again suffers from not having any of the comedy side of the film. Rachel Weisz was good in a small role but as far as I'm concerned if she was making this, then she wasn't making another rubbish Mummy film!
Overall this is a successful adaptation of the book. The emotional side and the comedy at times don't sit well together and at times it all feels very lightweight, but ultimately it all comes together. Grant is excellent and excels himself here when he's on screen the film is hilarious and moves fluidly. Unfortunately it slightly highlights the weaknesses of those around him.