By: debbie lynn elias
Opening this week, “About A Boy” is a delightful alternative to this weekend’s other mega-major film release (you know the one) and for which you will probably find no lines and plenty of available tickets. Based on the Nick Hornby’s best selling book, “About A Boy” is a comic and endearing look at how screwed up men are when it comes to love. (Okay, I confess. We women are, too.)
Hugh Grant stars as 38 year old Londoner, Will Freeman, a man with an enviable lifestyle, spending his entire time buying himself “things”, avoiding commitment and responsibility, being sexy and cool, and above all, dating as many women as possible. Living off the royalties of a Christmas song written by his father, Will has never worked a day in his life, thus giving him more time to satisfy his dream of sleeping with every single woman in London. Realizing that single mothers are the ideal dating candidates, Freeman hits on a plan that will help him fulfill his desires – infiltrate a single-parent self-help group by way of inventing his own child. Abounding in charm, mixed with some make-believe parental frustration, it’s not long before Will meets up with Suzie who, on their first date, brings along Marcus, the 12 year old son of her best friend Fiona who is at home suffering from depression. On taking Marcus home after the date, the trio find Fiona has attempted suicide and rush off to the hospital. Will, seemingly worried, is actually more excited at the prospect of driving at breakneck speed behind an ambulance – as is Marcus, who sees Will as a perfect candidate as a “step father” and companion for his mother. Unfortunately for Marcus, however, Fiona and Will are not to be, but Marcus and Will are. Wanting to escape school bullies and the prospect of another suicide attempt by his mother, Marcus starts hanging out with Will and realizing they both have so much in common, the two become fast friends. (Not surprising – all men are really little boys at heart.)
Somewhere along the line, Will meets the beautiful Rachel who has her own 12 year old son. Falling hopelessly in love with her, Will gets Marcus to pose as his 12 year old in order to move the relationship along, which, in theory is an excellent idea and works like a charm – that is until love and honesty get the best of Will and he confesses his parental fraud. Dumped by Rachel, Will finally realizes just how empty and lost he really is.
Written and directed by Paul and Chris Weitz (“American Pie”, “Nutty Professor II” and the upcoming “Meet the Fockers”), “About A Boy” is a well written and beautifully directed film jam-packed with excellent performances. Witty one-liners sit well against a broad comedic backdrop that plays off the reality of the situation at hand, while character development is both thoughtful and skillful, giving a richness to the story that might have been lacking in less capable hands.
With a character that is perfectly tailored for him, Hugh Grant firmly establishes himself as a romantic comedy leading man a la Cary Grant, giving a performance that is not only mature and sensitive, but light-hearted and filled with panache. He is sheer perfection in his delivery, combining perfect facial expressions with effortless charm and matter-of-fact humor.
Nicholas Hoult is a stand-out as the slightly quirky Marcus (think a cross between Jonathan Lipnicki and Haley Joel Osment), matching Grant word-for-word, action-for-action. The chemistry between the two is enchanting. Toni Collette as the hippy suicidal Fiona and Victoria Smurfit as Suzie are impressive, while Rachel Weisz (“The Mummy” and “The Mummy Returns”) is enchanting as Rachel.
“About A Boy” – a crown jewel in the genre. A real and rare treat among the summer fare. Be it little boys or big boys – it’s always about a boy.
