‘Boy’ doesn’t have own identity

About a Boy is another comedy-drama set in England. The piece doesn’t separate itself from other films in its genre.

It’s a mixture of Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill and Bridget Jones’ Diary.

Hugh Grant combines his previous roles to make up his present character – the bumbling idiot who meets the self-centered bachelor in the form of 38-year-old Will.

During one of Will’s situational ironies he meets Marcus (Nicholas Holt), a 12-year old outcast in need of a friend other than his depressed mother (Toni Colette).

Marcus latches onto Will, and the friendship forms. The movie is filled with their banter but so is almost every Hugh Grant movie.

Grant’s role doesn’t appear to be a challenge, considering the other roles he’s played. Will is another bachelor searching for love, he just does not know it.

Grant’s other films have lacked one thing – Holt. His blue eyes match Grant’s, and Holt will be locked in your memory.

Holt captures the audience in the emotional scenes of the film, then Holt releases the audience’s emotions in the comedic scenes.

About a Boy is funny, but its impact is much greater in a crowded theater. The overall approval of the audience is necessary for anyone to laugh after some of the emotional scenes. The audience needs assistance even in some of the funnier scenes.

About a Boy will not need help at the box office considering its cast. While most of the actors are unknown, it represents a popular genre in film today.

About a Boy is a simple movie with an obvious outcome.