About a Boy
Seen it?2002 | 101 min | Drama, Comedy, Romance
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes), it made about 5 times its budget and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Love, Simon or Sing Street, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart, romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 41 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Will Freeman is a good-looking, smooth-talking bachelor whose primary goal in life is avoiding any kind of responsibility. But when he invents an imaginary son in order to meet attractive single moms, Will gets a hilarious lesson about life from a bright, but hopelessly geeky 12-year-old named Marcus. Now, as Will struggles to teach Marcus the art of being cool, Marcus teaches Will that you're never too old to grow up.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.7 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 1 Oscar, 2 Golden Globes and 2 BAFTAs.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$131 million worldwide on a $27 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 258K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
Sunday Safe BetAlso stars Hugh Grant, in another romantic comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Hearts Beat Loud Sunday Safe BetAlso stars Toni Collette, in another dramedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Love, Simon
Friday Night FlickAnother much-loved romantic comedy.
Sing Street Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed romance.
Love, Rosie Sunday Safe BetAnother romantic comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Paul Weitz, Chris Weitz
- Hugh GrantWill Freeman
- Nicholas HoultMarcus Brewer
- Toni ColletteFiona Brewer
- Rachel WeiszRachel
- Natalia TenaEllie
- Victoria SmurfitSuzie
- Augustus PrewAli
- Sharon SmallChristine
- Madison CookImogen
- Jordan CookImogen