About a Boy (2002)

* * *

An indie comedy which attempts to show more heart than it actually has; it is slightly reminiscent of Napoleon Dynamite in style and plot. Possibly the best thing about this film is watching Nicholas Hoult in all his adorable-ness.

It is humorous, although rarely laugh-out-loud, and Hoult’s awkward character is funny and likeable - enough so that you can understand why Hugh Grant’s character wishes to maintain contact with him. However the comedy and tragedy is not balanced well and throughout the film these two themes seem to be fighting with each other for prominence. The story also deviates into two, we follow Hoult’s coming of age story paralleled with Grant’s maturing too; it seems unnecessary to have both these stories and only one is really needed.

It is a pretty original plot, despite links to other films, and it tackles some quite hard-hitting issues (such as suicide and depression). Although there is this deeper current running through the film it is masked a lot by Grant’s breezy performance and the story seems to move on very quickly from a character who is abjectly depressed to one who seems mostly normal, if a little eccentric. This film reaches slightly too high and therefore falls short, however it is still entertaining and can achieve a few laughs while still promoting a deeper message.