Review of The Boys Are Back (2009) by Ceph J — 22 Feb 2010
Clive Owen is believable as a grieving dad raising 2 sons after his wife succumbs to cancer. I loved to watch the interaction with him and his younger son Artie (played brilliantly by newcomer Nicholas McAnulty). His son says "I want to die." "Why?" Owen asks. "So I can be with mummy. Don't worry, I'll stay with you a bit longer before I die." This exchange says so much about the characters.
The first hour of the movie is best. I loved the Australian scenes with the arid landscape adding to the isolation of the characters. Director Scott Hicks ("Shine") directs the drama with a firm hand but allowing the actors to play out their scenes (i.e. not look too actorish). I found the male aspects of the movie very interesting since the three main protagnists are men.
The final 1/2 hour is somewhat of a letdown as the film spirals into melodrama. Will the older son, Harry, choose England or Australia? The editing is not too sharp either as scenes end without understanding the motivation of the characters. In the end, I felt "The Boys Are Back" as an Australian version of "Kramer vs Kramer" without the legal wrangling of that latter movie.
This review of The Boys Are Back (2009) was written by Ceph J on 22 Feb 2010.
The Boys Are Back has generally received positive reviews.
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