 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
About a Boy
- Review Date: June 3, 2003
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2002
Common Sense Media says
Grant grows a heart in Hornby-book pic; teens+.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie has some strong language (two uses of f--k, a lot for a PG-13) and some sexual references (Will is an unabashed love-'em-and-leave-'em guy). A parent is clinically depressed and attempts suicide and the child feels responsible. Another child becomes hysterical about the prospect of his mother dating. Marcus' mother fears that Will has an improper interest in Marcus. Characters drink and smoke.
What's the story?
ABOUT A BOY, based on the book of the same name by Nick Hornby, is the story of a shallow man appropriately named Will Freeman (Hugh Grant) who wants to live life entirely self-contained with no reason to form attachments of any kind. Will's plan to avoid romantic emotional entanglements: single mothers. He decides it's the perfect relationship; they have low expectations and a sympathetic listener can get pretty far with them. So he pretends to be a single parent himself, makes up a 2-year-old son, and attends a support group in order to meet them. At a group picnic, Will meets a 12-year-old named Marcus (Nicholas Hoult). Marcus is isolated but does not want to be. His single mother is severely depressed and even the outcasts at school think he is too much of a dork to hang out with. Marcus just shows up at Will's home every afternoon to watch television and ultimately insists on becoming the closest thing to a friend that Will has ever known.
Is it any good?
The plot sounds like manipulative claptrap from a Hallmark Hall of Fame made-for-TV movie. That's because there is so much appeal in this kind of theme that even a lousy script and poor production values can't completely destroy it. But when it's done well -- or even very, very well, as it is here -- it turns into a purely satisfying and enjoyable film.
We know from Bridget Jones's Diary and even Small Time Crooks that Hugh Grant relishes playing a cad. Freed from the obligation to be the perfect boyfriend of Notting Hill-type movies, he gives us a superb performance of great honesty and subtlety and flawless comedy timing.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how we decide just how much of an island we want to be. Why is it important to Will not to have any relationships? Why are the kids in school so mean to Marcus? How are Will and Marcus alike and how are they different? Is it right for him to believe that it is his responsibility to make his mother feel better? How does Will's relationship with Marcus make him more interested in a relationship with Rachel? What kind of grown-up will Marcus be? How does helping Marcus change Will's feelings about him?
Families should also talk about the definition of girlfriend that Will and Marcus discuss and Marcus' idea about the importance of having a back-up. Why does Will watch Frankenstein? Does Will create a monster? Families may also want to talk about depression and its causes and treatments.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Boring and not inspirational
I really don't even remember this very well, it was that good (sarcasm!). I remember thinking the adults were all portrayed as selfish and irresponsible and it was trying to be cute and touching but doesn't make the mark.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
hilarious
ive seen this movie so many times and it is hilarious every time!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Sweet Family Movie
Known in my family as "Love Actually Lite" this film has all of the great elements of the aforementioned with much less objectionable content. It's a great stand-in for younger teens, but no less fun for people of all ages. About a Boy is just fantastic! The plot is sweet, quirky, and definitely "feel good." Perfect holiday film. As far as objectionable content goes, there is very little iffy stuff. There is an upsetting subplot involving depression and suicide, some raunchy moments, and lots of deceit and manipulation. There are clear consequences for wrong actions, lessons learned, and a feel-good ending, making About a Boy a win for teens and their families.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
It was very good, however there is lots of strong language throughout. There are actually 3 F-words, not two like the review says. One of them is a little bit hard to hear, but spottable. The other two are very clear. Also, throughout there are many "bugger"s, "sh--"s, d-mn, h-ll, "bloody" (which in england is a strong profanity), and many other swear words.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Great message for kids in that "dorky" title character doesn't conform to peer pressure, despite bullying - carries on being a dork and proud of it!
Have watched it several times and always enjoy the performances by Grant, Hoult and Collette.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I thought the movie was funny, but much different than what is written in the book. I was expecting to see more of the book in the movie, but that was not the case. I did like the ending in the movie more than I liked the ending in the book.
Be aware that there are sexual contents in this movie.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
It was touching...
I liked this movie because it was neat how a man who had such a different perspective in the beginning of the movie than he did when it ended. I was surprised at how much courage the little boy had when he got up on stage and basically surrendered his diginity by singing his mom's favorite song at the school concert because he wanted to make his mom happy. A great family movie even though the language is strong for a PG13 movie.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
A perfect Comedy/Drama! A Triumph!
This movie, though containing strong language and mild sexual references, is a movie everyone (And I mean EVERYONE) should see at some point in their lives! ABOUT A BOY is a charming, funny film that can teach even the most mature of us a valuable lesson: Youre never too old to grow up.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
April 2, 2010
AGE
About A Boy
Rated PG-13 For Brief Strong Language And Some Thematic Elements
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | book characters |
| Studio: | Universal Pictures |
| Directors: | Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz |
| Cast: | Hugh Grant, Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 102 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | May 17, 2002 |
| DVD release date: | January 14, 2003 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | brief strong language and some thematic elements |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
