Review of The Boys Are Back (2009) by David M — 30 Jan 2012

A family drama anchored by a solid lead performance by Clive Owen, who is a sight for sore eyes in this sort of material. Joe Warr is as a recent widower who was the backup parent, and is not the lead.

With a 6 year old, and his estranged teenage some coming to visit, Joe tries out his laissez-faire system of "just say yes" parenting. Balancing work, emotions, and family time along with grieving is not easy.

There are missteps along the way. Owen plays it low key, with his personal motto of presence over emotions. He is effective as a dad fumbling his way along. The script glances over some ideas of parenting that could be investigated further, but it also manages not to beat you over the head with any message.

Here's to hoping Owen continues to play more everymen and less action heroes.