Rent About a Boy (2002)
3.6 of 5 from 143 ratings
1h 37min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
- Will, a rich, child-free and irresponsible Londoner in his thirties who, in search of available women, invents an imaginary son to attend single parent meetings. As a result of one of his liaisons, he meets Marcus, an odd 12-year-old boy with problems at school. Gradually, Will and Marcus become friends, and as Will teaches Marcus how to be a cool kid, Marcus helps Will to finally grow up.
- Actors:
- Hugh Grant, Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, Sharon Small, Madison Cook, Jordan Cook, Nicholas Hutchison, Ryan Speechley, Joseph Speechley, Natalia Tena, Laura Kennington, Tanika Swaby, Peter McNicholl, Christopher Webster, Ben Ridgeway, Jack Warren, Russell Barr, Isabel Brook, Orlando Thor Newman, Paulette P. Williams
- Directors:
- Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz
- Producers:
- Tim Bevan, Robert De Niro, Brad Epstein, Eric Fellner, Jane Rosenthal
- Writers:
- Nick Hornby, Peter Hedges
- Studio:
- Universal Pictures
- Genres:
- Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Collections:
- 12 Films of Christmas Present, All the Best: A Celebration of New Year Movies, Santa's Film Wishlist for Grown-Ups
- BBFC:
- Release Date:
- 11/04/2011
- Run Time:
- 101 minutes
- Languages:
- English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, German DTS 5.1, Italian DTS 5.1, Spanish DTS 5.1
- Subtitles:
- Dutch, English Hard of Hearing, German, Italian, Spanish
- Formats:
- Pal
- Aspect Ratio:
- Widescreen 2.35:1
- Colour:
- Colour
- BLU-RAY Regions:
- B
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Reviews (2) of About a Boy
Much More than RomCom - About a Boy review by GI
It's easy to dismiss this as just another Hugh Grant romcom coming as it did within the cycle of films that made him a big star (Four Weddings...., Notting Hill etc) but it's actually a very intricate and sharp social drama with big dollops of humour. A coming-of-age story that concerns not only a lonely child struggling to understand the adults in his life but also a story of a conceited, self centred man who through the course of the film realises that other people are of more importance than his own narcissistic view of them. Grant plays Will, a relatively wealthy, single man who lives off the royalties of a song written by his late father. He's never worked or been in a serious relationship and lies routinely to get women into bed. When he invents a son to try and seduce a single mum things backfire when a young, isolated and bullied teenager, Marcus (Nicholas Hoult) finds him out and tries to get Will to help his own suicidal, depressive mum (Toni Collette). It's the developing relationship between the man and boy that is the focus of the story. A touching film that is very funny as well as dealing with themes of isolation, friendship, mental health and trying to find meaning in life. It's actually one of Grant's best films and performances. It also boasts Rachel Weisz in a support role. Based on a novel by Nick Hornby (also recommended) this is a film ripe for rediscovery and it's one that will appeal to all. If you've never seen this then I highly recommend it.
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.
a personal favourite - the best of British light and warm humour - About a Boy review by CP Customer
Perfectly cast and presented, a warm and sincere movie containing characters most English people know. I just love this film and have watched it a few times, it never fails to make me smile and feel good at least a few times every time. The score is perfect, absolutely perfect. Certainly the best Hugh Grant role I have ever seen and certainly the best of British light and warm humour.
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.