User Score
8.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 71 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 71
  2. Negative: 1 out of 71

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  1. Dec 10, 2011
    8
    The original book was witty, ingenious, smart, and cheerful. It had life and power in every page. The characters were humorous and charismatic. Everything was great. Hey, what about the movie "About a Boy"? Fabulous, and even better than the book.
  2. SamB.
    Mar 1, 2003
    8
    I loved the book before i saw the movie.the movie wasnt half bad either.see it.its good.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. B.Smith
    Jun 11, 2002
    10
    This film was a pleasure to watch. I loved the fresh tone of a not so perfect ending and an emphasis on real people and real problems, rather than ideals. Hugh Grant was spectacular, the rest of the cast was spectacular, and both the design and direction were so slick. So good.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. JeremyK
    Jul 1, 2009
    6
    A light, fun "feel good" movie and that's the extent of it. Hugh Grant carries the film as he is an interesting likable fellow to watch writhe and simultaneously ham it up on screen. Will appeal to those looking for light not-too-dumb fare with a bit of crowd pleasing charm and humor. But that's the extent of it. It is not bad, nor is it very good.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. Buddhamind
    Aug 1, 2009
    6
    It's nice enough to sit through all the way. I found myself faintly smiling now and then, but it never makes you laugh out loud. Nor does it really hit the heart in any way. Strange, because the story has the potential. The main character who lives all his life superficially, suddenly finding himself having a real, loving connection with some people. Shouldn't that be story enough for a tissue or two? Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. TomS.
    Oct 31, 2002
    6
    If you haven't read the novel, this film plays very well. It has some heft to it, besides being very entertaining. But if you have read the novel, the film is seriously annoying. It deletes the core event, which its mental and verbal, and inserts instead a visual event. For the mentally-verbally impaired, I guess. The core event in the novel is when the hero understands from the lad's mother that he doesn't have to be anything, or even say anything, to her. She just wants him to LISTEN. The glorious moment in the novel is when the hero UNDERSTANDS, from this episode, how to deal with the woman he loves. The film episode that replaces it, the hero risking humiliation by playing the guitar and singing, and saving Marcus's naieve ass, plays very well. It is visual and dramatic, in showing how the hero wins back the admiration of Rachel, who of course in in the audience. But it is a weak substitute for the the very meaningul and funny event that it replaces. One more novel sacrificed to market worship. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. BeauF.
    May 28, 2002
    9
    Very solid film. Rachel Weisz is extremely hot, as usual, and Toni Collette proves again that she is one of the most underrated actresses in film.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. CarolAnnC.
    Jun 14, 2002
    5
    Just a so-so film that I wanted to like so much. I just was unable to as Hugh Grant was not believable in his role. It certainly was not his fault as he was simply too good looking for the part. I guess if you could overlook this one quirk one would enjoy the movie.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  9. SheriA.
    Jun 1, 2002
    8
    I found this a sweet, funny and charming film; equally important, it was touching without being weepy (something so rare in Hollywood). My only criticism would be that characters other than Grant and Hoult (the boy) end up with no time to be fleshed out or to understand what drives them.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  10. RobertH.
    Jun 8, 2002
    4
    Wanted so much to like it. Unfortuantely, found it a middle of the road prosaic affair. The casting Of Hugh Grant was a mistake. Not that his acting is bad, but because his good looks makes the storyline impossible to believe. I left the theater with a ho-hum feeling.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  11. DavidF.
    Jul 13, 2002
    10
    Best movie of the year so far!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  12. JackD.
    Jan 18, 2003
    7
    Funny and touching, and for once Hugh Grant is even likable!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  13. MikeG.
    Dec 7, 2005
    4
    Movie had a lot of potential, but just fell apart at the end, as it veered too far away from Hugh Grant's character and started meandering all over the place. It felt more manipulative and cheap than heartfelt, and never really made me believe that Hugh Grant had suddenly turned some sort of magical corner. The problem with the movie is the problem with nearly all of Hornby's books - we're supposed to believe that the characters turn a corner but don't completely come around the bend. This works much better in his novels than in the three movie adaptations there have been of his novels thus far. On the screen the "he's sort of a good guy, but not quite" just doesn't leave you feeling complete when you leave the theater. Expand
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  14. SusanL.
    Mar 1, 2008
    9
    A self-absorbed metrosexual becomes human. A wonderful exploration of masculinity in a post-feminist age.
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  15. JinC.
    May 19, 2002
    8
    Wow. these are the same guys that did american pie? whereas AP was hacked together boilerplate that got by on the virtues of extreme raunchiness, About a Boy is spit polished to within an inch of its life and so masterfully done that it makes it look absurdly easy. deft, with a light touch, effortless and charming. and in the end, good hearted and sweet. countless moments where a lesser film would have degraded into melodrama or cliche. this film keeps it all fresh, keeps all the balls in the air, and the laughs just keep coming one after another. and man, hugh grant is spot on dead perfect in this role. tremendous performance from him and his child costar. in fact, the entire cast is excellent without exception. and yes, the final message of the film is indeed a platitude that everyone will see coming a mile away. and yet, because the film is so smart about staying away from such easy answers in the whole rest of the movie, we get the sense that in the end, perhaps we get the adage that we do simply because, when all is said and done, it's true. if the box office were a strict meritocracy, i get the feeling Attack of the Clones would have been in big trouble this weekend. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  16. ChadH.
    May 28, 2002
    9
    One of the rare movies that has has characters you can either identify with or relate to someone you know -- and still manages to remain interesting. The picture makes the most of its witty dialog without seeming to try to hard. I clever movie; if you enjoyed Four Weddings and a Funeral you'll love this one.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  17. DesiB.
    Jun 22, 2002
    7
    A very enjoyable movie...it does have a story, a simple comedy about a single guy...I like such movies ...as compared to the typical high decibel hollywood fantasy movie.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  18. MarcK.
    Jun 6, 2002
    4
    I very much wanted to like this film, but I found it cliched and not at all believable. I'm guessing the book was better.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  19. MichaelF.
    Jun 7, 2002
    9
    It was great. SO FUNNY. Hugh Grant was great. It was probably the best of all of the Hugh Grant movies. Really charming.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  20. Richard
    Jul 16, 2002
    8
    Edgy enough for most of its running time to forgive the somewhat sappy ending. Excellent cast, esp. Grant, Hoult & Collette, and confidently directed.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  21. SusanS.
    Jul 20, 2002
    8
    Great escapism with a lightness that is refreshing. Hugh Grant is irresistably uncharming--he plays the part perfectly. The boy is wonderfully peculiar and tenacious, and the two create a strange but enjoyable chemistry. I was afraid for the narration, but having two characters narrating just helped the development more, without being a burden; and what they were saying was witty and concise enough to forget about the show-don't-tell rule. Well written, well cast--overall a delightful comedy; take a break from all the heavy action and drama and have fun for a little while. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  22. FayeP.
    Jul 24, 2002
    7
    Excellent film- but why spoil it by taken huge chunks out of it that were in the book, i mean changing the whole Nirvana thing and making them like rap music?? It defeated the object.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  23. EmmaA.
    Aug 20, 2002
    9
    One of the funniest movies I've seen in years. Hugh Grant is absolutely brilliant, and the writing is first rate.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  24. DanielleD.
    Aug 7, 2002
    10
    I thought the move was the best move I ever saw, hugh grant is the best actor ever he gets 100 percent for his acting and good looks.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  25. AllanT.
    Jan 17, 2003
    8
    I enjoyed this film despite the critics magnificent scores it was actually half decent.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  26. LouisP.
    Jan 19, 2003
    10
    Simply put, this movie rocks! Rent it, love it.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  27. MakoK.
    Dec 14, 2003
    9
    Very funny and touching. A kind of movie hard to find these days..... And Hugh Grant is soooo yummy!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  28. TammyB.
    Feb 27, 2003
    10
    I luvvvvvvv this movie!! it was so touching and funny. Its one of those movies where u get so involved and hope everything works out. hugh Grant is sexy and that boy is sooo cute and real.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  29. SebastianK.
    Jun 14, 2003
    10
    Barely saw it on video and wished I had seen it earlier. One of the best comedies and feel good movies I have seen in a very long time. This was by far Hugh Grant's greatest role.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  30. YoonC.
    Sep 13, 2003
    8
    An intelligent and probing movie about what it means to be a well-to-do bachelor in the advanced Western World. The hero of the movie lives with distractions--tv, music, movies--and avoids the responsibilities of life until an odd boy falls onto his lap. The plot may be a bit contrived, but the sensitive performances, the movie's candid portrayal of self-deceptive personalities, and the generally insightful and honest depiction of the glib middle class milieu of its main character all make for a refreshing movie about our world. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  31. JeremyM.
    Sep 29, 2003
    8
    Hugh Grant has never been better. The real find, though, is Nicholas Hoult, who finds the perfect balance to play a character who could have been all wrong.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  32. JoshA.
    Jan 30, 2005
    5
    Would have been better without some of the cheesy scenes.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  33. SusanM.
    Feb 3, 2005
    9
    This movie is so great, a nice story with humour and sadness, and is Hugh Grant not the cutest thing ever? I've seen it 3 times now!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  34. KonradR.
    Dec 12, 2002
    9
    A moving, touching and witty script, superb direction, beautiful soundtrack, top notch performances by Hugh Grant, Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette and Rachel Weisz make this the film of the year.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  35. SusanO.
    May 18, 2002
    10
    Superb adaptation of Hornby's novel.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  36. [Anonymous]
    May 31, 2002
    10
    I died laughing through the whole movie. It's great!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  37. JeffreyM.
    Jun 11, 2002
    9
    This Movie is wonderful. I wouldn't call it a romantic comedy at all. It's subtlety shines from the beginning. All of the acting is superb, and I found myself laughing uncontrollably in several sequences. The best Hugh Grant has done!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  38. JohnD.
    Jun 24, 2002
    10
    I cried.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  39. NaomiR.
    Jun 25, 2002
    8
    I think this movie is believable... Especially the part that the mom tries to leaves this world and the boy is standing there, if nothing is happening.... And then goes to Hugh's place to avoid to be confronted with it ever again!!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  40. T.J.
    Jul 11, 2002
    8
    Very clever, unique and a great overall comedy.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  41. EricS.
    Aug 12, 2002
    9
    A gleefully quirky treat. Rich with human characters that seem to jump off the screen and into our hearts, with situations and emotions all too familiar. A jewel.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  42. AndrewP.
    Feb 16, 2003
    10
    This is the best comedy of 2002! Both funny and touching, I smiled throughout the whole movie. Rent it and you'll definitely like this movie.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  43. Stephanie
    Jan 25, 2004
    10
    One of the cutest, funniest, and most touching films ever. as always, hugh grant's amazing, and who else thinks nicholos hoult (marcus) is absolutely adorable? About A Boy is a spectacular film. I've seen it more than 5 times and still cant get enough of it.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  44. Dee
    Mar 23, 2004
    4
    The only reason I can see to watch this film is the fact that you get to look at Hugh Grant for the whole film and it is reasonably funny. The humour is dry and sarcastic, with Will's quirky one liners. Over all the story is so predictable i could have written the book within the first 5 minutes of watching the film.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  45. MichaelM.
    Mar 22, 2005
    9
    Quality film throughout!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  46. SamD.
    Jul 31, 2006
    6
    Good acting, decent plot, somewhat funny, but it could get tedious and slow at times.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  47. May 8, 2011
    7
    Hugh Grant at his best as a self absorbed man who gets drawn into the world of a geeky boy where an unusual relationship develops. As the friendship progresses he learns from the kid what life is actually about. While it doesn't have many side splitting moments it does entertain and is definitely worth checking out.
  48. Aug 26, 2011
    7
    Hugh Grant has finally found his calling; playing a literal grown-up who has yet to grow up. He and Nicholas Hoult work together with more charm, humor, and sincerity than Andie MacDowell ever came close to.
  49. Jan 21, 2012
    6
    I have to admit that when any adaptation manages to stand side by side as an equal with the novel, it surprises me. “About a Boy” is an excellent example. In this instance, I saw the movie first and when this happens, I always tend to enjoy reading the book afterwards. The movie was released in 2002 with Hugh Grant and Nickolas Hoult being given the leading roles. It was written by Peter Hedges, Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz. The latter duo directed the whole thing as well. The story is quite interesting. Hugh Grant plays a thirty six year old man named Will Freeman, who has never worked a single day in his life. This is thanks to the royalties from a Christmas song that his father wrote, while he spends his day lounging around, listening to music and enjoying meaningless romances. On the other hand, there is a boy, Marcus Brewer, portrayed by Nickolas Hoult. A 12-year old kid who is tragically faced with a suicidal mother, played brilliantly by Toni Collette, and a bunch of school boys that insist on giving him a really hard time. Marcus’ mother embraces a lifestyle that doesn’t quite fit with her responsibilities towards Marcus, being the reason for a significant number of the boy’s problems. Man and Boy meet and somehow fill a gap in each other’s lives – making a peculiarly complimentary couple. Set in London, the necessary trends of the era flood the movie with a certain atmosphere and characteristically English feel. “About a boy” is an enjoyable movie that hauls the viewer into a whole ocean of emotions, from laughter, to sorrow, to a strange sense of nostalgia. With the above in my mind I started reading the book, written by Nick Hornby and published in 1998. As I expected, it was a really good one. It has it all: a good plot, interesting characters and a great sense of humour. I found myself laughing out loud several times through each chapter while right from the start I realised that Hugh Grant had never been better. Naturally, many things were omitted or alternated for several justifiable reasons. The movie is true to its date of release (2002), while the book refers to 1993 – an entirely different decade. Overall it strikes one as a “faithful” adaptation. Until I reached a point where nothing seemed familiar – actually, it was all new. The last one hundred pages take you away from the movie, and into an entirely different realm. So there you have it, a movie that was inspired by a book. I found myself enjoying the book and the film equally, in slightly different ways. Expand
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 38
  2. Negative: 2 out of 38
  1. 70
    The acid comedy of Grant's performance carries the film. It helps also that newcomer Hoult is that rare child actor who mercifully underplays the pathos of his role.
  2. The love that blooms is essentially between the boys. They both have some considerable growing up to do, but theirs is a true romance and it's awfully sweet. Funny, too.
  3. Sophisticated and nuanced, and every character is bursting with emotional contradictions.