Review of Beautiful Boy (2011) by Chancey M — 16 Jun 2011

This movie was pretty disappointing. It felt like the filmmakers were just working on the assumption that the plot was powerful enough that they didn't really need to work on engaging the audience. Fifteen minutes into the film I started to feel fairly indifferent. Not quite bored...just frustrated that I didn't care. It was odd how long the film felt which could have worked in the films favor given the nature of the plot but Ku was never really able to harness that energy.

However, the acting was good, especially the subtlety of Moon Bloodgood as the sister-in-law that struggles to be a supportive family member in the wake of this tragedy. And the ever creepy Kyle Gallner is perfect as the disturbed son. Also in the supporting cast is Meatloaf as the motel owner whose character seems one way on the surface but shows depth as the movie progresses.

I did feel that despite the tediousness of the majority of the film, things came together at the end with a powerful performance in the final scene. It really hit home the amazing potential this film had that somehow got lost in the execution.