Reviewed June 24, 2004
"About a Boy" seems like it's going to be one of those stories that's been told a dozen times - isolated single parents are brought together by a kid who decides that he wants one or the other for his new father or mother and manipulates the adults until his end is achieved. Well, it's not that story although it plays off that cliched situation several times. "About a Boy" is a delightful comedy that, while it touches on some profound matters, is never sentimental or cloying, never predictable, and is often very funny.
What happens in "About a Boy?" The central character is Will, one of the idle rich, vain and self-centered but likeable nonetheless, superbly played by Hugh Grant. His sole purpose is to amuse himself without ever getting deeply involved with anyone else. It soon becomes clear that the 'boy' in the title refers to Will as much as to the actual boy in the film, Marcus.
When Will discovers that there are many attractive young single mothers he sets out to meet a few and along the way, in order to establish rapport, invents a child of his own. Meanwhile there is the second story line of the boy, Marcus, ably played by Nicholas Hoult, and his unstable single mother (Toni Collette). The two stories intersect when the the main character needs suddenly to produce his mythical child and gets the boy to play this role. From then on this film moves into high gear - I won't spoil it by revealing the plot. I will only say that it has the twin virtues of being both surprising and perfectly logical and all is resolved beautifully and neatly at the end.
There is real satisfaction in watching a film that pays such close attention to detail, is so carefully constructed and maintains a certain tone throughout. It's a well-made film crafted by directors Chris and Paul Weitz, who have drawn perfect performances from their talented cast. This is a little jewel. Don't miss it.
(Review by Brian Horne - all rights reserved.)