X
- 2009
- PG-13
- Miramax
- 1 h 44 m
- 2009
- PG-13
- Miramax
- 1 h 44 m
Summary Inspired by a true story, The Boys Are Back is a deeply moving, wryly confessional tale of fatherhood, that intimately evokes both the fragility and wonders of family life. It follows a witty, wisecracking, action-oriented sportswriter who, in the wake of his wife’s tragic death, finds himself in a sudden, stultifying state of single par...
Directed By: Scott Hicks
Written By: Simon Carr, Allan Cubitt
- 2009
- PG-13
- Miramax
- 1 h 44 m
- 2009
- PG-13
- Miramax
- 1 h 44 m
The Boys Are Back
57
4.9
Where to Watch
Summary Inspired by a true story, The Boys Are Back is a deeply moving, wryly confessional tale of fatherhood, that intimately evokes both the fragility and wonders of family life. It follows a witty, wisecracking, action-oriented sportswriter who, in the wake of his wife’s tragic death, finds himself in a sudden, stultifying state of single par...
Directed By: Scott Hicks
Written By: Simon Carr, Allan Cubitt
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 28 Critic Reviews
57
61% Positive
17 Reviews
17 Reviews
36% Mixed
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
4% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 28 Critic Reviews
57
61% Positive
17 Reviews
17 Reviews
36% Mixed
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
4% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
In less capable hands, the movie could have been maudlin. Instead, Hicks and Owen have created an intimate drama told with humor and emotion.
Relationships - between men and women, fathers and sons - are more complicated in real life, and The Boys Are Back deftly acknowledges that fact.
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 16 User Ratings
4.9
44% Positive
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
25% Mixed
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
31% Negative
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 16 User Ratings
4.9
44% Positive
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
25% Mixed
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
31% Negative
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
English performer Clive Owen does quite well in the role of British sportswriter Joe Warr. The story, written by Simon Carr (ex speechwriter for New Zealand’s Prime Minister in the 90s) is loosely based on his own life experiences and adapted for the screen by Allen Cubitt. Perhaps the decision to open the picture with a scene featuring Owen, rather recklessly driving along a crowded beach, at speed, with his young son balanced on the Bonnet – could well be seen as a failure by all concerned at this point of the picture. Being set between the picturesque South Australian coastline and England - it outlines the difficulty ‘Joe’ has bringing up his two young sons after the death of his young, second wife. Then come the complications of juggling his job and raising young boys in an isolated country town, offering up many demanding challenges including schooling, connecting with neighbours (Emma Booth truly shines in this situation) and the expectations of controlled parenting, etc. Also highlighted, is the irresponsible destructiveness of teenage party gate-crashers and the aftermath on the family.
The lavish on-location Cinematography of Aussie Greig Fraser (Lion ’16) adds depth and richness, making it easy to look at. Director Scott Hicks tends to keep the story and his characters reasonably on target (even when certain situations seem somewhat far-fetched) Ex Dire Straits guitarist; Hal Lindes supplies the easy-going, gentle score. All performances are well done.
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A nicely done movie about a hard subject, parenting a child with mental problems. Of course, they live out in the country so the kid "can" run wild. If they lived in the city, it wouldn't be possible. Just to make it harder, he has a teenage son by a previous marriage who wants to come live with him. Wow, the worst of both worlds. How the three of them work it out is what makes the movie enjoyable to watch.
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Neither hater nor admirer, I still get wrapped up in his (Owen) mannerisms and emerald stare.
Clive Owen can be a likable actor, but the character is working against him...And please, please, give us a break from the scenes where the ghost of the departed turns up and starts talking as if she's not dead.
The effect is weirdly lulling. Viewers with a special connection to this story, or a weakness for little boys and single dads, may find The Boys Are Back moving. For everyone else, the movie is merely picturesque.
Carr's original anecdotes don't supply much storyline, so Hicks spans the gaps with golden-lit montages set to Sigur Rós. They're a great advertisement for Australian vacations. And vasectomies.
Owen is a magnetic, sensitive presence at the center of a movie that doesn't deserve him and that barely deserves to be seen.
A movie without much expectations which finished astonishing me. The movie touches us, especially if we fit into one side of the story. I already got will of seeing Clive Owen in a drama, had been some time and finally it was the time for another one. The guy could hold the movie practically by oneself, being completed by Artie who brings the funniest part, and by Harry, who brings the most dramatic, which it swings with the dramatic piece of Joe. A cuddly movie that shows the face of a painful loss and obstacles to tour until the arrival of a deserved victory.
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Production Company
Australian Film Finance Corporation (AFFC),
BBC Film,
Hopscotch Productions,
Screen Australia,
Southern Light Films,
The South Australian Film Corporation,
Tiger Aspect Productions
Release Date Sep 25, 2009
Duration 1 h 44 m
Rating PG-13
Genres
Tagline Growing up can be the adventure of a lifetime.
Awards
Australian Film Institute
• 4 Nominations
London Critics Circle Film Awards
• 1 Nomination
British Independent Film Awards
• 1 Nomination
