Share

Watch It

On DVD: Now | On Blu-ray: Now
Watch it on iTunes Buy on Amazon

About a Boy Review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 4.0
    75

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Generally favorable reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 60

    out of 100

    Variety Derek Elley

    Pleasant and engaging, rather than laugh-out-loud funny or emotionally involving.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times Kenneth Turan

    Because a gradually thawing Will plays more to Grant's strengths, the second part of the film, helped as well by Rachel Weisz as a love interest, is much more fun. But it is still hard not to feel that this film is pushing us too hard, slickly trying to seem more honest than it actually is.

    Read Full Review

  • 80

    out of 100

    The New York Times Dana Stevens

    The Weitz brothers -- notorious as the authors of the "American Pie" series -- handle the sentimentality of the story with a light, sweet touch.

    Read Full Review

  • 83

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Owen Gleiberman

    Hugh Grant has grown up, holding on to his lightness and witty cynicism but losing the stuttering sherry-club mannerisms that were once his signature. In doing so, he has blossomed into the rare actor who can play a silver-tongued sleaze with a hidden inner decency.

    Read Full Review

  • 88

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

    We have all the action heroes and Method script-chewers we need right now, but the Cary Grant department is understaffed, and Hugh Grant shows here that he is more than a star, he is a resource.

    Read Full Review

  • 88

    out of 100

    USA Today Claudia Puig

    About a Boy is a rarity in many ways. It's a well-written, witty film whose memorable characters grapple with the nature of family, love, friendship and despair. Even its soundtrack, by Badly Drawn Boy, is perfectly pitched.

    Read Full Review

  • 88

    out of 100

    Chicago Tribune Mark Caro

    It's funny, moving and true, and it respects the audience's intelligence as much as the characters'. That combination, no matter the movie's label, deserves to be treasured.

    Read Full Review

  • 90

    out of 100

    Wall Street Journal Joe Morgenstern

    Better than a feelgood movie, it's a feelgreat movie -- genuinely clever, affecting when you least expect it to be and funny from start to finish.

  • See all About a Boy reviews at Metacritic.com

View MoreView Less

For Families provided by Common Sense Media

OK for kids 14+

Grant grows a heart in Hornby-book pic; teens+.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this movie has some strong language (two uses of f--k, a lot for a PG-13) and some sexual references (Will is an unabashed love-'em-and-leave-'em guy). A parent is clinically depressed and attempts suicide and the child feels responsible. Another child becomes hysterical about the prospect of his mother dating. Marcus' mother fears that Will has an improper interest in Marcus. Characters drink and smoke.

  • Families can talk about how we decide just how much of an island we want to be. Why is it important to Will not to have any relationships? Why are the kids in school so mean to Marcus? How are Will and Marcus alike and how are they different? Is it right for him to believe that it is his responsibility to make his mother feel better? How does Will's relationship with Marcus make him more interested in a relationship with Rachel? What kind of grown-up will Marcus be? How does helping Marcus change Will's feelings about him?Families should also talk about the definition of girlfriend that Will and Marcus discuss and Marcus' idea about the importance of having a back-up. Why does Will watch Frankenstein? Does Will create a monster? Families may also want to talk about depression and its causes and treatments.

The good stuff
  • message true3

    Messages: Main character starts out rather selfish, but ends up caring a great deal about Marcus. He's also caught in a lie and comes clean, even though it hurts his chances with a love interest. Bullies at school pick on Marcus because he's different and Marcus handles it with maturity.

What to watch for
  • violence false1

    Violence: Suicide attempt by one character who swallows pills, but it's not graphically depicted on-screen; Marcus is harassed/bullied by boys at school but they don't inflict physical harm.

  • sex false3

    Sex: Sexual references -- main character starts as a sexual cad.

  • language false3

    Language: Some strong language, including "f--k" twice.

  • consumerism false1

    Consumerism: Marcus goes shopping with Will to buy new sneakers.

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false0

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Mild and adults only. Main character's father is shown as an alcoholic, but only in a brief flashback.

An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology.

© Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

View MoreView Less

Fan Reviews provided by

Average Rating: 3.833
Read all reviews Write a review at Fandango
4


5

by Millieka

5


5

by StacyWirth

Read all About a Boy reviews at Fandango
Advertisement