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Buddy Boy

EMAILPRINTFine Line Features

Buddy Boy reviews
36
7.0 User Score:

Generally unfavorable reviews

Based on 10 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 5 votes
Read user comments
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Movie Info

Genre(s): Suspense/Thriller

Written by: Mark D. Hanlon

Directed by: Mark D. Hanlon

Release Date:
Theatrical: March 24, 2000
DVD: September 27, 2005

Running Time: 105 minutes, Color

Origin: USA

Summary

RATING: R for sexuality, violence, language and some drug use

Starring Aidan Gillen, Emmanuelle Seigner, and Susan Tyrrell

An introverted teenager (Gillen) relieves the bordom of caring for his alcoholic, disabled mother (Tyrrell) by spying on his neighbor.

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

75

Mr. Showbiz F. X. Feeney

First-time writer-director Mark Hanlon creates a solidly trippy atmosphere.

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70

The New York Times Dave Kehr

Even the walls seem to be sweating something viscous and unpleasant.

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60

TV Guide Ken Fox

Such a compellingly repulsive freak show it's hard to pay attention to any serious concerns.

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42

Entertainment Weekly Owen Gleiberman

Be wary of any movie in which the hero is monosyllabic and a stutterer at the same time.

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40

Los Angeles Times Kevin Thomas

Production notes for Mark Hanlon's Buddy Boy describe it as "a dark and twisted exploration of faith, alienation and madness"--and is it ever!

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38

New York Post Lou Lumenick

First-time writer-director Mark Hanlon lands only glancing blows in this grim black comedy.

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30

LA Weekly John Patterson

A little bit "pi," a little bit "julien donkey-boy," a little bit "Eraserhead," Buddy Boy doesn't equal these, but offers bizarre pleasures of its own.

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25

New York Daily News Jami Bernard

If you want pretentious and unsavory, check out Buddy Boy.

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20

Village Voice Amy Taubin

Mark Hanlon's ridiculous and repellent hash of "Repulsion" and "Psycho," with scenic elements of "Seven" thrown in for good measure.

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10

Film.com Ernest Hardy

Lost its chance to be anything but an endurance test for the viewer.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this movie is 7.0 (out of 10) based on 5 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Carrie W. gave it a7:
A tad overblown in the "emo teen" I must take myself too seriously category but intriguing nontheless in a sort of "Rosemary's Baby" or "The Tenant" sort of spooky. Got under my skin still and made me itch..though the dark quality was just a bit overdone.

Michael K. gave it a9:
Powerfully acted by the wonderful Gillien and Tyrell, this wickedly dark journey into madness makes you question just what goes on behind the doors and eyes of anyone you meet. This is not your typical suspense film and viewers should be warned that it will appeal most to film lovers who enjoy something outside the mainstream. Like a voyeur, the audiance is left without all the answers and left to reflect and come to one's own conclusions. Highly recommended!

Courtney M. gave it a 10:
This movie was absolutly interesting...I've been pondering on the thought of the ending,what could have happend. Oh,the wretchedly wonderfull wonderment!!! I suggest anyone seeing it, indeed.

Alexandra N. gave it a 9:
Great movie. For people like me who hate contrived, Hollywood films. This is a great movie. the performances are fabulous and the film is very artfully directed. Not for all tastes I’ll admit but a great movie.

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