Review of About a Boy (2002) by Gregory G — 11 Sep 2014
Hugh Grant was never better than in this London set comedy-drama based on the Nick Hornby novel. Grant is a shallow, selfish bachelor who spends his time in leisurely activities and in superficial relationships until he befriends a misfit adolescent (Nicholas Hoult).
Toni Collette is Hoult's despondent mother and Rachel Weisz is Grant's love interest. Beautifully paced and acted. This is one of the rare contemporary comedies that features sarcasm without turning sour.
It has genuine emotional depth and, despite conventional elements, it never becomes mushy. The pop culture references from the book have been diminished and the double narration is too knowingly prudent.
Grant is enjoyably sardonic; this is his most unselfconscious and unaffected acting. Perhaps the only movie and performance of Grant's that has stayed with me. Directed by brothers Chris and Paul Weitz.
Adapted by Peter Hedges and the Weitz brothers. The terrific soundtrack is by Badly Drawn Boy.
This review of About a Boy (2002) was written by Gregory G on 11 Sep 2014.
About a Boy has generally received positive reviews.
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