Review of About A Boy

Introduction

`I really am that shallow`

Will lives alone in a stylish flat in the heart of a trendy part of London. His days are divided into sections of leisure activity. He doesn`t have a job but has `private means`. In much the same way as a Victorian gentleman he is ` a man of leisure`. Will likes girls but prefers them to be temporary. He is revolted by the sticky life of babies and toddlers `enjoyed` by his friends.

By a quirk of matchmaking Will is introduced to an emotionally insecure recently divorced woman who happens to have a young child and he discovers a diamond mine of dates. Thus begins the next stage in his life, as he is `transition` man for a line of single mothers. His next problem is where to keep meeting them so he invents a child and goes to a self help group.

This time things do not remain uncomplicated and he meets another boy at a similar turning point in his life. Marcus is 12 and a misfit at school. His mother does not conform to the norm and his life is destined to take a turn for the worse. Will is forced into a relationship where he has to think about someone other than himself for a change.

From an unpromising beginning a friendship begins that will impact not only their lives but on all those around them.

It doesn`t sound like a knockabout comedy and it isn`t but it touches many nerves and has deeply moving moments interspersed by the humorous banter between Will and Marcus. All the actors produce fine performances and particularly Marcus (Nicholas Hoult). Generally American children are far more believable in these kinds of roles.

Video

As a recent film expect nothing less than a perfect print and this is fine. The ratio is 2.35:1 anamorphic Widescreen. Everything is crisp and clear. There are a limited number of locations and the emphasis is on the human interaction.

Audio

The excellent soundtrack by Badly Drawn Boy is a real selling point for the repeat viewing of this film. The more I see the film the more `right` it seems for it.

Plenty of record sales for this tailored piece and deservedly so because it more than stands up on its own.

The sound itself is reproduced in 5.1 and listening to it puts the CD to shame. Its well-rounded quality is superb. I`d like to watch the film with just the music and see how that works. However having said that the script is dryly witty and there are several high points in particular, the `dead-duck` scene.

Features

This disc is not sold as a Special Edition but has sufficient extras to satisfy more than the casually curious viewer. A Director`s commentary suggests some thought has gone into this presentation.

Directors` commentary-there are two and the laid back style is evident. They acknowledge that they were not the obvious choice for sophisticated comedy but chat away about the film with comments that are never boring. Their comments about how the characters are developed are thought provoking.

Deleted scenes. There is also some commentary by the directors about these.
Music videos -two songs `Silent Sigh` and `Something to talk about`. The videos are linked to the film. The woolly-hatted one seems to have a problem with ducks.

Interview with Badly Drawn Boy. Provided by MTV but interesting review of his four years of fame and may impress viewers into purchasing his previous work.

Documentary The Making of…
Quite a lot of general back slapping but also some good comments about how the actors and directors working relationship. The truth is revealed about Hugh and children (he really wasn`t acting when he holds that baby.)

Conclusion

This Hugh Grant vehicle has become a major hit with transatlantic audiences securing rather large paycheques for the immaculate Hugh. It is not a fluffy comedy and does not suggest an end to the problems in life by securing a romantic partner. It follows the pattern of modern life where all relationships are constantly in flux. As a comedy it reflects real life in as much that despite the tragedy that waits round every corner there will always be a metaphorical banana skin.

The DVD is good value with its little clutch of extras and the sublime soundtrack. It is good to see that the most popular films are responding to the public`s desire for more for their hard-earned cash. It`s not just a girl`s film either despite being touted as the successor to `Bridget Jones`. A lesson for the 30 somethings, it looks like Nick Hornby`s books and their adaptations are set to continue.