I've read some reviews that refer to this as the male equivalent to "Bridget Jones". Maybe because it take place in England, but I would disagree. While there were subplots about family and career, the center was built on romance. The main focus was a woman torn between two men. Here, romance is an element, not really the key. The romantic interest (Rachel Weisz) doesn't make an appearance until about an hour into the film.
"About A Boy" is based on a Nick Hornby novel, and like all of his other work that has translated into film, he looks beyond the male/female relationship. Hornby takes apart the other relationships that men have in their lives. In "High Fidelity", it was music. In "Fever Pitch", it was a sports team. And here, it's a man and his relationship to adolescence.
To heighten the comparison, 12-year-old Marcus stumbles into the life of Will (Grant). Marcus appears more grown-up than Will, although circumstances force it upon him. The initial pairing seems awkward at first, but over time, the two become a team. Marcus is taunted at school with no major male role model in his life. And Will really has little to occupy his time. As expected, the two learn something from each other.
I liked the bond that develops between Will and Marcus. I give the directors Chris and Paul Weitz credit for leaving the action in England, unlike "High Fidelity" and "Fever Pitch", which moved it to America. And while Will may become more stable in his life, he proves that you do not have to entirely give up your adolescence. This was a pleasant surprise.
Rating: 8/10
Movies I've previously seen: 4
First time viewings: 47
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