Review of The Houseboy (2007) by Ryan A — 16 Aug 2011

"The Houseboy" needs a real job, which is the problem, he's just a "boy toy" for a couple who's been together for 10 years. They leave NY to visit family in LA and we're meant to feel sympathy for the Houseboy who's alone during Xmas. It's "Home Alone" for the 21-year-old. He doesn't try to call up old friends, in fact, who are his friends? Instead, he calls up a distant sister, peruses the internet for tricks, and picks up drug addicts on the street.

Nick May plays the Houseboy and he's good at posing and looking depressed but not a good actor who can draw you into his character. Also, it would be more credible if he looked like he took care of his appearance and physique. The tricks are more interesting as characters, including Michael Hill and Damien Fuentes. It's infuriating to hear May talk about suicide when people have much bigger problems. Depending on your perspective, the sex scenes are either a welcome distraction to the depressing drama or gratuitous.

The movie is saved by a charming performance by Blake Young-Fountain and it shows what could have been a better movie. A young romance between 20-something-year olds: one, hardened by an aimless life while the other is secure by a life filled with hope.