Boys

PG-13

Released May 10, 1996

1 hr. 26 min.

Mystery & Thriller

List

15%

27 Reviews

Tomatometer

26%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

Fed up with boarding school and frustrated with the way others have planned his life, John Baker Jr. (Lukas Haas) wants a change -- anything to shake up his staid routine. The moment arrives when he stumbles upon a woman, Patty Vare (Winona Ryder), unconscious in a field. Deciding to risk it, John takes her to his dorm to look after her, much to the disapproval of his friends. John's decision proves fateful as he and Patty grow close to one another. However, she may be keeping secrets from him.

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Critics Consensus

Winona Ryder's femme fatale proves to be a blank cipher in Boys, a mystery with an intriguing hook that quickly fizzles into teenage ennui.

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steve d

Winona Ryder is as good as ever but the script has nothing to offer.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Winona Ryder is one of the best actresses, but her talent is wasted in this dull and uninspired film.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I love these couples of pretty Ryder and charming Haas....can't forget the romances

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I literally cried after seeing this movie, it's THE love story I wish I had in my life, Winona's character is realistic and the circumstances as well, I watch it once in awhile because I don't want to lose the feelings I get when I watch it like I had when I first watched it, my favorite film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/15/23

Full Review

Audience Member

THe actors try their best, but the film as a whole is questionable.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Dull, pointless. Plot is all over the place, and ultimately goes nowhere. Direction is listless. The boys' characters are irritating and the performances (including that of Lukas Haas) are unconvincing. The only positive thing about the movie is that it stars the wonderful and gorgeous Winona Ryder.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

Full Review

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Stacy Cochran

Director

Winona Ryder

Patty Vare

Lukas Haas

John Baker Jr.

Skeet Ulrich

Bud Valentine

John C. Reilly

Officer Kellogg Curry

Bill Sage

Officer Bill Martone

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Anne Billson

Daily Telegraph (UK)

Stacy Cochran wrote and directed and I fell asleep.

Nov 22, 2017

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

As vague and unfocused as its title.

Jan 14, 2011

Full Review

Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

The actors do a nice job of investing it all with a certain conviction, and there's a fairy-tale tinge to some of the action that gives it a certain charm.

Jan 14, 2011

Full Review

TV Guide

What begins as an edgy examination of sheltered, selfish kids making stupid choices devolves into a ludicrously mannered celebration of adolescent rebellion.

Rated: 2.5/4

Jan 14, 2011

Full Review

Laura Clifford

Reeling Reviews

Rated: 2/5

Feb 2, 2008

Full Review

Susan Granger

www.susangranger.com

Rated: 2/5

Nov 17, 2006

Full Review

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Synopsis

Fed up with boarding school and frustrated with the way others have planned his life, John Baker Jr. (Lukas Haas) wants a change -- anything to shake up his staid routine. The moment arrives when he stumbles upon a woman, Patty Vare (Winona Ryder), unconscious in a field. Deciding to risk it, John takes her to his dorm to look after her, much to the disapproval of his friends. John's decision proves fateful as he and Patty grow close to one another. However, she may be keeping secrets from him.

Director: Stacy Cochran
Distributor: Buena Vista Pictures
Rating: PG-13 (Some Sexuality|Language|Drug Content)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 10, 1996, Wide
Release Date (DVD): Sep 8, 1998
Box Office (Gross USA): $513.8K
Sound Mix: Surround