Parents' Guide to

Of Boys and Men

By Joly Herman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Emotional exploration of manhood and loss of a parent.

Movie PG-13 2011 86 minutes
Of Boys and Men Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 2 parent reviews

MissJanWalker
MissJanWalker Adult
September 8, 2012
age 10+

Grief and Disrupted Family Peace Belong to All Races and Colors

I came across this movie (on BET) while on vacation in Daytona Beach, Florida, one peaceful Friday afternoon in September 2012. Though I was in a lovely beachfront location, the movie became the best part of my trip--not the beach. The movie's spiritual message (its courage to acknowledge the power of prayer in this suddenly anti-God, anti-Christian country) is soothing and pleasing to the soul. I love that it portrays an intact African American family whose father is present and hard-working and openly affectionate with his wife (who wouldn't be, with Angela Bassett?), and who is an entrepreneur and business owner. I love that the children are articulate, studious and, under normal conditions, respectful. The power of a loving, morally strong, selfless aunt (Victoria Rowell) is also an endearing part of this story. And as one who now drives an eighteen-wheeler for a living and raised my beloved black son by myself, I was deeply moved to tears by two scenes in the movie. The blue-collar world of Chicago isn't only filled with the stereotypical rough-hewn ghetto ne'er-do-wells, it also boasts those blacks who make a conscious effort NOT to be stereotypical, and this movie does a great job of showing that fact. I truly appreciate Robert Townsend and everyone else associated with creating this inspiring, well-written, well-cast, well-acted dreamworld.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
tippytap4strong
tippytap4strong Adult
May 16, 2012
age 8+

OF BOYS AND MEN REVIEW, BY TIPPYTAP4STRONG

i just watched this movie on BET, and i have to admit, that i had neve heard of it b4. i caught the movie by chance, i have 2 say THIS MOVIE WAS EXCELLENT!!!! i cied through most of it, but it was WORTH EVERY TEAR!!!! it is a ~ POSITIVE BLACK MOVIE , THAT DEALS WITH REAL EVERYDAY ISSUES!!!! ~

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Z Cole (Dante Boens) and his family suffer an extremely painful loss, and everything seems to fall apart at once. His father (Robert Townsend) is trying to be strong for the family, but the cracks around the edges begin to show. Luckily, Z's Aunt Janay (Victoria Rowell) is there to anchor the home with her indomitable female presence. But Z is still forced to make some very difficult choices concerning his friendships and his future as a man.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Tearjerker alert: This is a two-hanky movie that attempts to do a lot in the time allotted. You could say that the family's personal struggle would be enough to engross the audience without having to get involved in child abuse issues happening in other homes. And there are some real moments of honesty and strength between a grieving father and his tender kids here. But there are also cliches that mar the purity of the emotion.

This tribute to Chicago's West Side would have benefited from a little giddy-up in its pacing. Some dialogue drags and distracts from what's interesting. And there's a sense that the producers are giving Chicago a mini-tribute, much as Baltimore was romanced in The Wire. But this tribute feels a little bit forced, even though some of the neighborhood scenes feel real. Not a movie for young or sensitive viewers, as there are some references to sexual abuse that are vague enough to cause confusion.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about respect. What is it? What isn't it? Is Z being disrespectful when he speaks his mind to his father? Where's the line?

  • Talk about the drugs and alcohol in the movie. What role do these substances play in the story? Teens: Do the kids' experiences with drugs resonate with you?

  • Z's father talks on a cell phone when he's driving. Got tips for him? How about having the driver pull over when he or she needs to make a call?

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