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About a Boy

Play trailer 0:31 Poster for About a Boy PG-13 2002 1h 40m Comedy Drama Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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93% Tomatometer 185 Reviews 55% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
A comedy-drama starring Hugh Grant as Will, a rich, child-free and irresponsible Londoner in his thirties who, in search of available women, invents an imaginary son and starts attending single parent meetings. As a result of one of his liaisons, he meets Marcus, an odd 12-year-old boy with problems at school. Gradually, Will and Marcus become friends, and as Will teaches Marcus how to be a cool kid, Marcus helps Will to finally grow up.
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About a Boy

About a Boy

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Critics Consensus

About a Boy benefits tremendously from Hugh Grant's layered performance, as well as a funny, moving story that tugs at the heartstrings without tilting into treacle.

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Critics Reviews

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Jami Bernard New York Daily News 02/10/2014
3/4
Even people who don't usually like Hugh Grant will be charmed by him in the scrappy, slightly scandalous comedy About a Boy. Go to Full Review
David Denby The New Yorker 02/10/2014
The directors Paul and Chris Weitz -- the American Pie brothers -- have tried hard not to make a tearjerker, and at its best the movie is knowing and tart. Go to Full Review
David Edelstein Slate 02/10/2014
Mainstream comedies should all be this funny and tender and deftly performed. Go to Full Review
Rachel Wagner Hallmarkies Podcast 01/08/2024
A funny, insightful, sweet film Go to Full Review
Danny Anderson Film Inquiry 06/12/2021
The film has tremendous star power, added to this fact, it's a remarkably warm and witty film, filmed with unique creativity and visual gusto, and a catchy soundtrack. Go to Full Review
Sergio Benítez Espinof 09/04/2019
The splendid effectiveness of 'About a Boy' lies fully in the precise work of adaptation that the Weitz brothers make of the original text. [Full Review in Spanish] Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Maksim S Nov 12 About a Boy is a surprisingly sharp and heartfelt comedy that balances wit with genuine emotional depth. Hugh Grant delivers one of his most charming performances as Will, a self-absorbed bachelor whose life is turned upside down when he forms an unlikely friendship with Marcus, a socially awkward 12-year-old brilliantly played by Nicholas Hoult. The film cleverly explores themes of loneliness, emotional growth, and the unconventional ways people connect, avoiding the clichés of standard romantic comedies. Its humor is smart without ever feeling forced, and the dynamic between Will and Marcus is both hilarious and touching, grounding the story in authentic human emotion. With a thoughtful script, strong performances, and a perfect balance of humor and heart, About a Boy remains a quietly brilliant, intelligent film that resonates long after the final scene—a 4.5-star modern classic in its own right. See more thiago s @Thiagostone Aug 21 Filme mais ou menos, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são mais ou menos, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom See more Stephen C @bob25009 Jul 13 Funny in 1 hour and 40 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $40,600,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more Mikey B May 2 Hugh Grant is at his Hugh Grant-iest in this smart and funny romantic comedy. The real stars though are Nicholas Hoult as the boy Grant claims as his own and Rachel Weisz as the woman who stirs Hugh Grants character. I give it a 7. A very good refreshing comedy. See more John A @ExcessMale Apr 29 A very British dramedy. First act (or half) is obviously more amusing, funny and memorable than the soapy Disney Channel-esque finale that was serviceable enough in the long run. See more Elaine C Mar 12 Dare I say this is my favourite Hugh Grant movie, since by first watch, which is a long time ago. It showed Hugh in a whole different light as an actor, also the acting chops of his co stars, just look at Nicholas Hoult, the boy, now and of course our beloved Toni Collette. The film, is touching, humorous and totally entertaining. See more Read all reviews
About a Boy

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About a Boy

About a Boy: Official Clip - Marcus Kills a Duck About a Boy: Official Clip - Marcus Kills a Duck 1:54 About a Boy: Official Clip - I'm Bloody Ibiza About a Boy: Official Clip - I'm Bloody Ibiza 2:58 About a Boy: Official Clip - You're Sick About a Boy: Official Clip - You're Sick 1:54 About a Boy: Official Clip - I'm Really Nothing About a Boy: Official Clip - I'm Really Nothing 1:48 About a Boy: Official Clip - Will Meets Rachel About a Boy: Official Clip - Will Meets Rachel 2:48 About a Boy: Official Clip - A Crap Christmas About a Boy: Official Clip - A Crap Christmas 2:37 About a Boy: Official Clip - Island Living About a Boy: Official Clip - Island Living 2:30 About a Boy: Official Clip - I Really Am This Shallow About a Boy: Official Clip - I Really Am This Shallow 2:12 About a Boy: Official Clip - You Don't Have a Kid About a Boy: Official Clip - You Don't Have a Kid 1:37 About a Boy: Official Clip - I'm Not Your Father About a Boy: Official Clip - I'm Not Your Father 2:13 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis A comedy-drama starring Hugh Grant as Will, a rich, child-free and irresponsible Londoner in his thirties who, in search of available women, invents an imaginary son and starts attending single parent meetings. As a result of one of his liaisons, he meets Marcus, an odd 12-year-old boy with problems at school. Gradually, Will and Marcus become friends, and as Will teaches Marcus how to be a cool kid, Marcus helps Will to finally grow up.
Director
Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz
Producer
Jane Rosenthal, Robert De Niro, Brad Epstein, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner
Screenwriter
Peter Hedges, Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz, Nick Hornby
Distributor
Universal Pictures
Production Co
StudioCanal, Tribeca Productions, Universal Pictures
Rating
PG-13 (Some Thematic Elements|Brief Strong Language)
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 17, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$40.6M
Runtime
1h 40m
Sound Mix
Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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