Review of December Boys (2007) by Araxie Esme R — 22 Feb 2010

An imperfect film, certainly, but pleasant to watch nonetheless. I thought that the scenario of the vacation to the beach was written beautifully- it unfolds in an uncomplicated way that truly reminded me of any summer outings I experienced with friends. I liked that the boys, although they were raised by Catholic nuns, there were no "Scary Nun" stereotypes. I liked that the couple who took take of them for those few weeks were actually kind, not the go-to uber-strict guardians. I mean, they felt like real people, and were well-acted. I liked the main, bespectaled boy with the hyperactive imagination and his bond with one of the women there.

What I liked least of all was the shaky characterization and plot near the end. In particular, Maps's character was all over the charts, pun intended. Did he want a father? Didn't he? If he didn't, why was he so upset about that revelation? Why spend time dwelling over his father-less-ness when it ultimately doesn't come to anything? And, why couldn't the couple have adopted more than one of them, anyway? Since when do horses eat fish?

This isn't to say that I didn't like Radcliffe's performance. Although not flawless, he has a very open, vulnerable style which lends itself well to many of the characters he's played so far.

All in all, this is a film I would recommend for its overall pleasantness (and fairly realistic dialogue, despite what others may say), but not one to expect greatness from.