THE MOVIE PAGES presents ABOUT A BOY starring Hugh Grant, Toni Collette, Rachel Weisz and Nicholas Hoult aboutaboy.htm

Insight

"About A Boy" is one of those films that breeds familiarity. You become so comfortable with what's happening onscreen that you feel like putting your feet up and just letting it all immerse you, like a warm bubbly bath on a cold winters night. Lots of people don't like Hugh Grant but if he keeps doing films like "About A Boy" his star will continue to rise. His bad boy image gets another run in "About A Boy" but this time he is about to be tamed by the talents of young Nicholas Hoult as Marcus. Toni Collette seems to be working overtime these days. She's in big demands these days appearing in films such as Changing Lanes, Dirty Deeds, The Sixth Sense and now as a troubled single mum in "About A Boy" a role which showcases her talents remarkabley well. But the centre of attention is always Grant's character Wil Freeman, a 30 something, single guy who has his life organized into blocks and who dislikes children and can't keep a relationship going. Its a big step up for Grant and he shows he has the talent to entertain us and more importantly to have us believe he really is Wil Freeman. There's plenty of wit, lots of magic, classy acting and laughter to make this one a "don't you dare miss it" film. A film that is fun for just about everyone. You'll kick yourself if you don't see it on the big screen. The Story

This is a film about a kid. No, not real kid, but an imaginary one. Why would it be an imaginary kid you ask! Because Will Freeman [Hugh Grant] has just discovered single mums and to crack the circle at SPAT [Single Parents All Together], to get on with the girls, he needs a child. So, if you haven't got one of your own, whats the next best option? An imaginary toddler. It works like a charm, even though two year old Ned is a just a figment of his imagination. Its all going well until he meets Marcus [Nicholas Hoult] who just happens to need a dad for emotionally unstable mum Fiona [Toni Collette]. When Marcus discovers that Will doesn't really have a son he thinks he might just be on a winner. But is he? The Verdict "Hugh Grant will charm his way into every womans heart thanks to "About A Boy" a robust pacey tale full of fun, laughter, happiness and witty to boot. "About A Boy" is a breath of fresh air and a joy to watch. Grant, Collette, Weisz and young Nicholas Hoult all shine. Don't miss it!"

What The Critics Say

"It's the perfect star vehicle for Grant, allowing him to finally move away from his usual bumbling, tongue-tied screen persona."
BBC News Tom Dawson
"Hugh Grant, who has a good line in charm, has never been more charming than in About a Boy."
Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert
"This wickedly funny and surprisingly sweet film may be the perfect star vehicle for Grant." TV Guide's Movie Guide Tanya L. Edwards
"...the most irresistible romantic comedy of the year."
NutzWorld Blake French
"As Hugh Grant says repeatedly throughout the movie, 'Lovely! Brilliant!'"
Atlanta Journal-Constitution Eleanor Ringel Gillespie
"A hugely rewarding experience that's every bit as enlightening, insightful and entertaining as Grant's two best films -- Four Weddings and a Funeral and Bridget Jones's Diary."
Jam! Movies Louis B. Hobson
"Beautifully written and directed and packed with excellent performances."
Hollywood Reporter Mark Adams
"This is a very fine movie -- go see it."
Hollywood Report Card Ross Anthony
"Grant carries the day with impeccable comic timing, raffish charm and piercing intellect."
South Florida Sun-Sentinel Todd Anthony
"[Grant's] bumbling magic takes over the film, and it turns out to be another winning star vehicle."
Seattle Post-Intelligencer William Arnold
"Sharp edges and a deep vein of sadness run through its otherwise comic narrative."
Palo Alto Weekly Jeanne Aufmuth
"So refreshingly incisive is Grant that for the first time he'll probably appeal more to guys than to their girlfriends who drag them to this movie for the Hugh factor."
SPLICEDWire Rob Blackwelder
"A lot of the credit for the film's winning tone must go to Grant, who hasn't lost a bit of the dry humor that first made audiences on both sides of the Atlantic love him."
Orlando Sentinel Jay Boyar
"If you liked such movies as Notting Hill, Four Weddings And A Funeral, Bridget Jones' Diary or High Fidelity, then you won't want to miss About A Boy."
Jam! Movies Liz Braun
" A buoyant romantic comedy about friendship, love, and the truth that we're all in this together." Spirituality and Health Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat "Kudos to Ms. Collette for bringing cheer to depression and suicide."
Slant Magazine Alexa Camp
"A safe harbor for anyone needing relief from the season's cruder offerings."
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Duane Dudek
"Hugh Grant, who has a good line in charm, has never been more charming than in About a Boy."
Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

The Cast

Hugh Grant
Toni Collette
Rachel Weisz
Nicholas Hoult
Madison Cook
Jordan Cook
Ryan Speechley
Joseph Speechley
Nat Gastiain Tena
Laura Kennington
Tanika Swaby
Christopher Webster
Jack Warren

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Will Freeman
Fiona
Rachel
Marcus
Imogen
Imogen
Barney
Barney
Ellie
Ellie's friend
Ellie's friend
Ellie's friend
Lee's sidekick