Boyhood
IFC Films | Release Date: July 11, 2014
7.4
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 2575 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
1,918
Mixed:
279
Negative:
378
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User scoreBy dateMost helpful
3
virginiaproudJan 12, 2015
I am convinced that all the critics are giving this bouquets because they are scared not to. I mean, it's Linklater and it's a 12 year project and it's so frightfully "well observed". But did we observe anything interesting, orI am convinced that all the critics are giving this bouquets because they are scared not to. I mean, it's Linklater and it's a 12 year project and it's so frightfully "well observed". But did we observe anything interesting, or insightful...really? Come on, really? The early promise that we'd see the boy grow through the emotional impact of divorce and domestic violence and being slightly unconventional, but it never eventuates and ultimately it all just leads to your common or garden teen's self indulgent prattling. There were some terribly clever things going on, especially the editing of the time jumps, and I was always curious to see how the actors had aged, including the next hairstyle choice.
On the positive Linklater didn't take us down conventional routes, there was no 'coming of age sex scene" for example, or any 'teen makes bad judgement call and gets into trouble' scene. But neither has he built any significant conflict. I wouldn't call this film an utter waste of my time, but I've no idea what people are raving about.… Expand
18 of 21 users found this helpful183
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3
benuttyOct 3, 2014
Boyhood should never have been a feature film.

Feeling wholly episodic, Boyhood fails to resonate as a story--its thematic through-line is unclear and each episode lacks the transitions necessary in drawing any sense of a story together.Boyhood should never have been a feature film.

Feeling wholly episodic, Boyhood fails to resonate as a story--its thematic through-line is unclear and each episode lacks the transitions necessary in drawing any sense of a story together. There are certain scenes that make me believe Boyhood would have worked really well as a 12-part miniseries, wherein every episode delves deeper into each year of the 12 years it took to film. Provided it contained more depth, better chemistry between the actors and a clearer focus to the tale being told (that a longer series could have afforded), this would have been a remarkable achievement.

Instead, Boyhood succeeds as a gimmick. I fail to see how any positive review of this film isn't relying on exactly what the film relies on--the wonder that an entire cast & crew had the patience to take 12 years to film a "passion project."

And just a project it surely is.… Expand
17 of 24 users found this helpful177
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3
passion4pastaJul 28, 2014
The movie is complete and utter waste of time. I truly feel sorry for the actors that dedicated 12 years of their life filming such a **** and boring movie. However, they should also be commemorated because this movie may be the cure toThe movie is complete and utter waste of time. I truly feel sorry for the actors that dedicated 12 years of their life filming such a **** and boring movie. However, they should also be commemorated because this movie may be the cure to insomnia,its that slow. Some may argue that slow and steady wins the race,and the only way that could be true for this movie was competing for the **** movie of all time. The fact that 'boyhood' has such good reviews blows my mind, but i figured out why this is so. Reviewers feel so terrible that this **** movie took 12 whole years to make they all decided to throw a pity party and hand out 10's.n… Expand
31 of 51 users found this helpful3120
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7
GenTurgidsonJul 13, 2014
I was expecting a sort of emotional roller coaster with moments of empathy, sadness, joy, etc. -- having gone through real-life boyhood myself -- but rarely did this film evoke that kind of personal attachment and investment for me.
EsquireI was expecting a sort of emotional roller coaster with moments of empathy, sadness, joy, etc. -- having gone through real-life boyhood myself -- but rarely did this film evoke that kind of personal attachment and investment for me.
Esquire has a Q&A with Linklater and Hawk in their latest issue, and in it they claim to have made a conscious effort to avoid cliches, but somehow they landed on a bunch of them anyway.
There are a few great moments, and generally very few missteps, but ultimately this film does not reach the upper echelons of movie lore. It's good, not great.
In short, I was expecting to cry. I had the box of tissues ready. Never came close.… Expand
19 of 33 users found this helpful1914
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0
silversun101Aug 8, 2014
3 hours of inept, masturbatory navel-gazing. A one-trick-pony of a movie so intent on patting its own back over how much critics will be baited into loving its "bold experimentation" that it forgot to be a film ABOUT anything. I never3 hours of inept, masturbatory navel-gazing. A one-trick-pony of a movie so intent on patting its own back over how much critics will be baited into loving its "bold experimentation" that it forgot to be a film ABOUT anything. I never imagined something that took so much time and energy to make could appear so lazy and ill-conceived on screen.

Ignore the undeserved praise. Just because it took 12 years to make doesn't mean it's any good. Don't encourage these people and give this a pass.… Expand
33 of 61 users found this helpful3328
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3
leetsoFeb 8, 2015
Dull disjointed disparate nonsense that has none of the revelatory joy of a film like stand by me.it's overrated tripe that is memorable only for the method of its making. Aside of the domestic at dinner scene which is genuinely horrifyingDull disjointed disparate nonsense that has none of the revelatory joy of a film like stand by me.it's overrated tripe that is memorable only for the method of its making. Aside of the domestic at dinner scene which is genuinely horrifying it's turgid lack lustre and banal . I remember watching the movie les 40 years ago and being terrified and stunned . Even Clint eastwards American sniper ( also overrated) left me in stunned silence at the end and left me thinking about it for days . Boyhood left me thinking I must be dum to have not appreciated this ghastly waste of celluloid.… Expand
17 of 32 users found this helpful1715
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2
Mancunian2014Jul 13, 2014
You know what my favourite part of this film was besides some nice shots of Austin, a place I've visited? The beginning of the ending credits!

Am I the only to have seen this film as overlong and full of repeated after school specialYou know what my favourite part of this film was besides some nice shots of Austin, a place I've visited? The beginning of the ending credits!

Am I the only to have seen this film as overlong and full of repeated after school special scenarios? Two hours and forty-five minutes of shallow small talk mixed with one-liners one would likelier hear out of a pothead's mouth amounts to a combination of sitting in an Elizabethan torture chamber while watching the "Wonder Years". Except the Wonder Years had more creative plot lines.

Am I the only one to think how emotionally balanced and level-head those kids were despite having a father who's insufferably loquacious and a mother who's just a plain miserable cow less than apologetically putting her children second? I like Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke. I do not think they make the best sympathetic parents.

Am I the only one to see the young Mason's lack of backbone and failure to stand up to the horrible adult role models his impressionable life? I'd like to think that a lot of kids would rebel, rather virulently and understandably I should add, at basically being brow-beaten and spiritually abused to death. It's just not real.

No to Boyhood. No to all the adulation the movie has undeservedly received.… Expand
33 of 63 users found this helpful3330
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3
alwayswatchingAug 25, 2014
Boyhood is a movie shot with the same cast over 12 years. As the main character grows from a kid in elementary school into a young adult, he understands himself and the world around him and gains more control over it. While the idea of growthBoyhood is a movie shot with the same cast over 12 years. As the main character grows from a kid in elementary school into a young adult, he understands himself and the world around him and gains more control over it. While the idea of growth is a fascinating subject, this movie fails to build an engaging story around it.

In Boyhood, milestone moments in life are overshadowed by mundane events. High school graduation is overshadowed by a talk with a friend after graduation ceremony. Marriages and divorces are overshadowed by talks over dinner table. The movies seems to be very valuable for the director, Richard Linklater, and the cast who helped with the script and the mundane moments that are overemphasized seem to have personal connections with the cast. If you similar connections with similar moments in life, you will love the movie, otherwise there is not much to love in Boyhood.… Expand
18 of 35 users found this helpful1817
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5
stevespryteJul 12, 2014
I'm utterly mystified by the unanimous raves for this movie by the professional critics. There are beats and performances to enjoy here, particularly those of the children cast in the roles of Mason Jr and his sister Samantha. And there is anI'm utterly mystified by the unanimous raves for this movie by the professional critics. There are beats and performances to enjoy here, particularly those of the children cast in the roles of Mason Jr and his sister Samantha. And there is an innate fascination with watching a boy's face and body become that of a man that is captivating here. But the minute the adults around Mason Jr start speaking, I just felt like I wanted to leave the room. The parade of inappropriate (or downright terrifying) fathers that march through the story made me wonder at the miracle that young Mason would actually survive into adulthood at all. Had the brilliance of the concept been matched with a more invigorating and cliche-free screenplay, I too would have rewarded the movie with a 10. As is, it's hard to recommend even investing the 2 hours and 45 minutes it takes to wade through this particular boyhood.… Expand
27 of 55 users found this helpful2728
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10
axelkochJul 11, 2014
A boy enjoying pictures of women in swimwear with his friends. A boy being devastated after having his mane cut off. A boy debating the necessity of Facebook with his high school girlfriend. In all honesty, Boyhood is a rather apt title forA boy enjoying pictures of women in swimwear with his friends. A boy being devastated after having his mane cut off. A boy debating the necessity of Facebook with his high school girlfriend. In all honesty, Boyhood is a rather apt title for this film. But it could just as well hold the name of another picture currently running in cinemas: Life Itself. That simple yet profound thing is what lies at the core of Richard Linklater’s unique 12-year-spanning story and makes it relatable for everyone, regardless of sex, age group, descent, social status, or character. Linklater lets his audience live through the fun and the pain, the love and the misery, and the excitement and the disappointment of his protagonist Mason with yet another wonderful screenplay in his repertoire and an unspectacular but still extraordinary way of directing. Leaving the cinema, it’s hard to grasp one has just spent the better part of an evening in front of a screen, but at the same time, there’s also a feeling of having relived your own adolescence along with Mason.… Expand
50 of 111 users found this helpful5061
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0
Tyray23CenaSuckJul 14, 2014
I am absolutely shocked by all of the great reviews. Maybe my expectations were too high but I mean the critics loved it and praised it like it was the best movie of all time, when it really is a waste of time.
32 of 98 users found this helpful3266
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0
goodcriticSep 7, 2017
The worst movie I've ever seen. Complete B.S and completely unrelatable to the childhood of any boy. Messed up storyline, vague characters popping up at random points render this movie a very boring watch. The characters are very inconsistentThe worst movie I've ever seen. Complete B.S and completely unrelatable to the childhood of any boy. Messed up storyline, vague characters popping up at random points render this movie a very boring watch. The characters are very inconsistent (except Ethan Hawke) and the movie generally portrays a very bad image of American family values. Thus, the movie should've been named "Mason's f**ked up boyhood (Boo Fri**in hoo)". And I'm not even gonna bother writing about the ending scene.… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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0
Accrue4Nov 1, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 1,869 fake reviews from reviewers on metacritic. Boyhood is 100% insipid and it is easily one of the worst movies. This movie is an hour too long, and it is impossible to sit through, grade F for feeble and failure.… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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0
alfralJan 22, 2022
I can not believe this high rating for this absolutely non-special film.
I admit that the fact that I cannot bear Ethan Hawke influences this judgement a bit too.
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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4
raylynchFeb 8, 2015
Don't get me wrong. I like indie movies but this is just way over-hyped. A touch of mass hysteria for a movie that is really just a cool version of reality tv. All just too ordinary. Birdman has far more going for it. Boyhood is way too longDon't get me wrong. I like indie movies but this is just way over-hyped. A touch of mass hysteria for a movie that is really just a cool version of reality tv. All just too ordinary. Birdman has far more going for it. Boyhood is way too long and gives us very little to ponder other than we have all been there. There are so many better things to do with 2 hours and 45 minutes.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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4
FolderMathMar 19, 2016
I really have to agree with I Hate Everything on this one. This is a film about a stereotypical boy's life, and his stereotypical dreams and his stereotypical aspirations, and his stereotypical friends and his stereotypical school life. AndI really have to agree with I Hate Everything on this one. This is a film about a stereotypical boy's life, and his stereotypical dreams and his stereotypical aspirations, and his stereotypical friends and his stereotypical school life. And don't forget about his stereotypical family. I do admire and appreciate the actors and the crew for sticking with this movie for 12 years. There was a solid performance or two, but that's about how far the good stuff goes.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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3
ZzgashiMar 15, 2015
As ambitious as it is boring. There is no central conflict in the story, or even a reason to care. Just 165 minutes of an annoying child, and then it ends.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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2
InstrumentalFeb 21, 2015
This film follows the life of a boy from age six to his entry into college at 18. The movie is filmed such that the main character is filmed at age six and is continuously filmed over a 12 year span until he is 18. A seemingly endearingThis film follows the life of a boy from age six to his entry into college at 18. The movie is filmed such that the main character is filmed at age six and is continuously filmed over a 12 year span until he is 18. A seemingly endearing concept however is ruined by the fact that him and his family are entirely unremarkable and they do absolutely nothing remarkable throughout the film. There is no engaging story arc, difficulty to overcome or goal to achieve. For anyone who has lived a life of their own, this film has nothing to offer, no insights or revelations and certainly no entertainment. Certainly there is a reason why films aren't normally made about normal people living normal lives, it's because we live those everyday and don't need a theater or disc to see it. The acting is poor as well. Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette do a fantastic job, but the acting roles especially from the children are inconsistent and forced. Much of the dialogue is awkward and out of touch with how youth used to talk as well. With one liner 90s clichés scattered throughout. It's a subtly racist film as well. Despite being set in Texas, the one and only Hispanic character is first seen doing manual labor. This movie does have one notable aspect: Because this movie is nearly three hours and nothing notable happens at any point, it begins to drag unrelentingly about an hour and a half in. This movie is however fascinating in one aspect: A movie can be made about unremarkable white people doing absolutely nothing remarkable for nearly three hours and still receive near unanimous praise, critical success and an Academy Award nomination. Bravo white people, even the most unexceptional of you are truly are amazing.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
Jotto999May 17, 2015
Good idea, bad execution. I liked seeing the actors age and go through their various misfortunes and excitements, or at least the idea of it. But the movie was frankly too long. It makes us sit through unpleasant or awkward scenes, andGood idea, bad execution. I liked seeing the actors age and go through their various misfortunes and excitements, or at least the idea of it. But the movie was frankly too long. It makes us sit through unpleasant or awkward scenes, and then does nothing to reward us, often switching to uninteresting small-talk, such that my brain began to feel like mush after a while. Even though real life is typically that way for many, that doesn't make it good film material. The milestones and aspects of the boy's life should have been hit more concisely. I would love for something like this to be done again, but better.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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1
khaleesiJan 25, 2015
Man, I am a huge fan of indie films and maybe it is because I went into seeing this movie with high expectations that I was so disappointed. I get that it was filmed with the same cast over 12 years but there was no story-no suspense- no plotMan, I am a huge fan of indie films and maybe it is because I went into seeing this movie with high expectations that I was so disappointed. I get that it was filmed with the same cast over 12 years but there was no story-no suspense- no plot whatsoever. It was literally watching excerpts of a totally normal kids life as he grows up- total waste of my time. Not entertainment-maybe art. Nothing happens in this movie. In summary it is a pointless movie about how pointless life is.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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2
MeseamerFeb 26, 2015
I watched boyhood and oh my... well, I don't know if I should share but the film makes you feel as though you SHOULD think it's a classic because you are watching these people age and develop, but in reality they definitely do age but developI watched boyhood and oh my... well, I don't know if I should share but the film makes you feel as though you SHOULD think it's a classic because you are watching these people age and develop, but in reality they definitely do age but develop very little. It's as disjointed a film as you would expect from the way it was filmed over such a long period, it doesn't struggle to be coherent because there's absolutely no challenge in that respect for it to do so. There's nothing artful about the way the film is put together, it's a sequence of moments, which makes sense if you think about the last scene, a scene which tries to make this profound link, like a series of moments with nothing really changing but it feels flat, and again maybe that is the point, that it should feel flat and banal because that's more realistic but the film also tries to be something else by having several linking scenes with sombre indie songs playing in the background, the songs are so tacked on and don't reflect the mood well at all. Whether it's his character or just bad acting, Mason is underwhelming, and so is his sister through most of the film, funnily enough they both seem to act better as young kids, but as they grow the cracks start to show in the performances, I get they have been directed to act as naturally and realistically as possible but it comes across as just awkward bad acting in some scenes, which should have been cut or edited better, the editing was the worst thing about the film, far too many pointless cuts and lingering shots that do nothing, one sweeping shot is so bad it sticks out like a sore thumb. The editing was poor in terms of the sequence of moments as well, it was a basic timeline, but it was put together with no flair. In my opinion the best thing about the film was Patricia Arquette and her character, she was a very realistic mother, and the nuance to her performance reminded me of my own mom, I thought her performance was the best in the film, Ethan Hawke was good as well, and he absolutely carries the scenes with the kids. I don't think it should be viewed as groundbreaking just because ageing happens to the characters, it should be judged as just another film, I was ready to enjoy this film, and I found it relatively enjoyable, and it wasn't that the pacing was too slow, just that it felt monotonous, the film gets better, it has peaks and troughs. Maybe i'm missing the profundity of the understated realism that is the films essence, but it would feel more profound for me if i looked through some of my own family photographs and reminisced, the sentiment was lost on me, I didn't feel it but maybe that's because i have a cold stone for a heart… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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2
psyberdelicMar 4, 2015
Imagine you have next door neighbors, who are nice, but want to show you their slide show and home movies of the last fifteen years of their life... If you would enjoy that you might enjoy Boyhood... I just jumped scene to scene to see whatImagine you have next door neighbors, who are nice, but want to show you their slide show and home movies of the last fifteen years of their life... If you would enjoy that you might enjoy Boyhood... I just jumped scene to scene to see what all the hype was about... Just OK... It's not much more than a gimmick...… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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2
PiscasoOct 8, 2015
So this is one of the most boring movies ever made. No, I did not dislike it because it was long. I don't mind long movies. First, the cinematography is fine, the dad and the mom were great but that's pretty much it. The boy is the mostSo this is one of the most boring movies ever made. No, I did not dislike it because it was long. I don't mind long movies. First, the cinematography is fine, the dad and the mom were great but that's pretty much it. The boy is the most unlikable character I've ever seen a movie be completely about, that wasn't trying to make the character unlikable. The early parts were fine, it had a sense of slow progression but looking back a mere 45 minutes you realize so much had happened since then.

If anything, the idea behind the film is the best part: watching a boy grow up before our eyes. This is done well. But when the boy is a jaded **** for the majority of the movie (once he becomes a teenager) it's just bad. No matter how much work the crew did, or Richard Linklater, if the movie sucks then it **** sucks.

I'm assuming people like this movie because of the obscenely high scores it gets and sort of a lemming effect, but I encourage you to look at the movie critically and objectively.

I saw some people giving it a 10/10 because it had no melodrama, which is okay in some cases, but I would rather that this movie have a bunch of melodrama than the multiple flat scenes with awful writing. I think he was trying to be hip in a few scenes but it just fell flat. The movie has a clear aesthetic and tone, and it's pretty clear what he was trying to do. And I applaud the work he put into it. 12 years is a long time to work on a project. But that doesn't change the fact the kid is annoying, nothing interesting ever happens (even though multiple times it seems like it's going to).

Another thing I find wrong with it is the fact that it's 3 hours long. Again, nothing wrong with 3 hour movies, in fact I enjoy them more because they usually have a longer and usually more wholesome story (which Boyhood had admittedly). But there were so many points that it could have ended on. There were multiple scenes where I actually thought "and this is the end I guess, wow that was a great ending" and then another scene starts. The actual ending itself was actually pretty bad too. They did LSD in a valley or something and then it cuts to black. The car ride to college was a much better place to end. Speaking of which, there were a lot of other things that seemed like they would lead to more interesting things but never did. I won't go into detail in case you still want to slog through it 15 months later.

My final beef is that every side character that gets only one scene, or is only in it for a short time is intentionally unlikable, but in a manipulative sort of way. The drunk abusing father, the unencouraging teacher, the "cool" older kids that peer pressure, etc. Richard created these two dimensional characters to create the illusion of adversity. To make a sense of drama or progression. That he proved them wrong or something. But as I watched it I felt like he was just throwing cliches at me to try and get me to care. There were other side characters that weren't like that though. Imagine how everyone in a restaurant sees you as an extra in the story of their life. But they were also just two or one dimensional, and rarely got any development.

The family (mother, father, kid and sister) were really the only ones with development. The sister was trash, and only there in the end because she had to be, and was probably just the lesser of the awfulness that is child actors at the beginning who auditioned. The kid was as I said before unlikable and annoying. But the parents actually had some depth and the actors did an incredible job with their material.

I will end on a quote that I think sums up this movie perfectly:

"This is the most true to life movie that's ever been made when you think about it. When you get to the end you just want to die."
-Jay from Half in the Bag… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
AijixeSep 27, 2015
Patricia Arquette is simply fantastic in a film where the child actor becomes the true embodiment of white, teenage male stereotype. Also, his acting gets worse and worse as he ages. How is this actually possible?
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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1
thebreenJan 23, 2015
the rave reviews are worthless - this concept was fine but the 'acting' left a lot to be desired - i expect the attempt was to emulate real life like a documentary but thru a script - what a complete failure! i am sorry to say that i wastedthe rave reviews are worthless - this concept was fine but the 'acting' left a lot to be desired - i expect the attempt was to emulate real life like a documentary but thru a script - what a complete failure! i am sorry to say that i wasted nearly 3 hours of my life watching - please learn from my mistake at believing in the professional movie critics.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
mr_gman35Jan 25, 2015
This movie has no storyline and no real point. It follows a malnourished poorly cared for low ambition boy as he shuffles along from age 6 to 18 where he officially becomes a young man. I wonder with such a poor mother how he survives.This movie has no storyline and no real point. It follows a malnourished poorly cared for low ambition boy as he shuffles along from age 6 to 18 where he officially becomes a young man. I wonder with such a poor mother how he survives. Spoiler alert, the mom ends up divorced three times and cared more about her schooling and job than either of her kids and it shows. It's no wonder she ends up at the end of the movie lacking 2 dimes to rub together alone and in an apartment in her fifties. I was waiting for over 2 hours for the movie to get to a point and it never did. Waste of 2 and one half hours of my life. The only upside was the music which was good if you liked top 40 songs from 2002 to 2013.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
GbubrickJan 25, 2015
God help us, this was boring. Saw it on TV. If I'd paid theater prices, I'd really be po'd. Two hours of whining about the meaning of life. Just awful.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
jgray232Feb 3, 2015
This is a great idea for a movie, very original. Its just not entertaining the kid they picked to play the role has no personality. This is just a long and boring movie that could of changed movie history but they just made it to boring.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
VoigtFeb 16, 2015
Good effort. But, bad movie the plot didn´t go nowhere. The girl was simply the worst young actress i have seen since Sophia Coppola in The Godfather 3 and surprisingly Patricia Arquette couldn´t cry and made a louzy patetic scene in theGood effort. But, bad movie the plot didn´t go nowhere. The girl was simply the worst young actress i have seen since Sophia Coppola in The Godfather 3 and surprisingly Patricia Arquette couldn´t cry and made a louzy patetic scene in the end that summarized the movie.

#disappointed (read in Kevin Sorbo voice)… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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1
kokolittFeb 28, 2015
J’étais très curieuse de voir ce film, le fait de voir les acteurs changer au fils des scenes est super mais par contre il ne se passe pas grand chose... on s'ennuie vite et le film est très long... dommage
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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1
Rmiles801Mar 29, 2015
I fell victim to this movie as well seeing as how critics raved at how great this movie was, do not be fooled.. from a cinematic standpoint I could see the argument critics could make due to the unique idea put forth here, but the movie wasI fell victim to this movie as well seeing as how critics raved at how great this movie was, do not be fooled.. from a cinematic standpoint I could see the argument critics could make due to the unique idea put forth here, but the movie was awful.. I spent the entire time wanting to shut it off, by an hour in I didn't thinking "It must get better", but it never did.. I wish I could have my 2.5 hours back, this movie was absolutely painful on every level.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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1
muhadApr 3, 2015
absolutely disappointing common no action i know that is what the movie is made up but [100] , [56] that is that is what i think should be the rating common i do not understand the whole idea of the movie boyhood uh, more like( lamehood) toabsolutely disappointing common no action i know that is what the movie is made up but [100] , [56] that is that is what i think should be the rating common i do not understand the whole idea of the movie boyhood uh, more like( lamehood) to me absolutely sucks… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
ZChongMay 24, 2015
This movie is too long. had the movie ended before the party with Tony and his friends, this movie may get a postive review. If the movie did not have the party with Tony, I may have finished the movie. The one good thing that came out ofThis movie is too long. had the movie ended before the party with Tony and his friends, this movie may get a postive review. If the movie did not have the party with Tony, I may have finished the movie. The one good thing that came out of this movie was Linklater's daughter. But, 165 minutes? The concept is great but the execution is not very good at all.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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2
DJDyspepticMay 18, 2015
I honestly don't understand what all the fuss is about regarding Linklater's films. They all end up seeming like love letters to himself. You don't get any insight into how the mother's second and third mates turn out to be failures as menI honestly don't understand what all the fuss is about regarding Linklater's films. They all end up seeming like love letters to himself. You don't get any insight into how the mother's second and third mates turn out to be failures as men and as husbands -- they're just "bad guys." I guess bad father figures are such a given in movies like this, that as a filmmaker you don't have to lift a finger to make them, what, motivated? "Look -- sensitive young boy. Bad dad. Mom's a jewel, always doing her best but kind of a screw-up herself." Yawn.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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1
moviefanatic15Jul 7, 2015
It is interesting that this film was made over the course of 12 years but it is poorly executed. I know this film is about the life of a boy but it's so boring. Who wants to watch a 2 and a half hour movie about the life of a boy. There's oneIt is interesting that this film was made over the course of 12 years but it is poorly executed. I know this film is about the life of a boy but it's so boring. Who wants to watch a 2 and a half hour movie about the life of a boy. There's one character who is a drunk and I thought he was more interesting than the main character. If you want to watch a more interesting film, watch snowpiercer or whiplash.… Expand
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3
ylopeza13Jul 22, 2015
Aparte de lo diferente que puede ser grabar a las mismas personas durante varios años para mostrar su evolución física, no encontré ninguna trama interesante y después de 2 horas de esfuerzo me rendí ante el aburrimiento.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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1
nyonyajohnMay 15, 2020
12 years of production have ultimate boredom in return
Throughoutly unengaging and I could only wish he grew up faster
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
alitgApr 27, 2016
boyhood is a piece of ****
there is nothing interesting in it
I don't know what is the reason they praise this!
maybe the fact that they stayed together for so many years made the critics to do that
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
paradeigmasJul 18, 2016
This movie was a huge waste of time. Nothing happens for the entire duration and there is absolutely nothing impressive about the film. I get it, it's supposed to reflect real life, but I'd rather experience my own boring life for threeThis movie was a huge waste of time. Nothing happens for the entire duration and there is absolutely nothing impressive about the film. I get it, it's supposed to reflect real life, but I'd rather experience my own boring life for three hours instead of watching someone else's boring life. Acting was great and on point but I still could not figure out what the point was, as the point of the movie is that there is no point.… Expand
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1
AmberRoseOct 3, 2016
I don't understand why this movie has such a high rating. I knew it took time and effort to make but that doesn't necessarily make it good. It was basically just trivial conversations about food, money and other silly things that are theI don't understand why this movie has such a high rating. I knew it took time and effort to make but that doesn't necessarily make it good. It was basically just trivial conversations about food, money and other silly things that are the concerns of another specific family. I mean we might as well record our neighbors' everyday life and consider it a movie.
It's not thrilling. It's not interesting to watch. It doesn't have any moral. It leaves you with nothing, just maybe regret of the time you wasted watching it.… Expand
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1
AlcindoromycineJan 20, 2017
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. At the end of the 165 minute film, I started to cry. I cried for about 10 minutes at how bad this movie was. I could not believe that I had wasted 2 hours and 45 minutes on a film that has accurately represented American mediocrity. I wasn't just blown away by the mediocrity of the film, I was also blown away by the films portrayal of a mediocre family. Do not mistake the intent of this critique, I wanted to honestly and accurately portray what I felt after watching this film. There are way too many things that were decidedly unprofessional, and mind you, I am taking it lightly on the children's' acting. There was one very interesting dynamic of the film that goes far beyond the screen which merits the only point I have to offer this pathetic film. Let us begin this dreadful evaluation.
There are many things that make this film disgustingly unappealing. The simple fact that it took 12 years to come up with mediocrity just shows lack of creativity. I did not enjoy watching a portrayal of a mediocre mother making extremely idiotic decisions whilst raising two children. Who still marks the doorframe to check up on height? Samantha using a phone during her elementary school years? That seems like bad parenting, just like the majority of this movie. Who pays money for cursing? While I grew up, if my parents heard cursing no matter where we were, someone was going to have it (I was an only child). Now don't get me wrong, my parents were never "abusive". They were aware of how to discipline in a controlled fashion and still manage to create a sense of respect and admiration from me. Next up, collecting rocks? Are you kidding? My parents made sure I never got into dirty habits such as collecting rocks or running around barefoot, or drinking at 15, or even having a cell phone. My parents never went on vacations without me during my developing years, my parents didn't allow me to say "whatever" as a response. My father never liked me playing video games, my father didn't drink until I was old enough to understand what occasion I should drink (age 20). Obviously I mention these things because the opposite of what happened to me happened in the film. All the things that you expect from an incredibly cliché family is included in the film, such as divorce (multiple). Drinking problems, high school problems, and college problems. If you name the ridiculous fad off the top of your head, it's probably here. Cliché divorced dad that give presents to make up for being a somewhat lousy father. Taking your kids to watch a game? Jesus, really? I can't take even remembering the film. Constant moving? Oh woe is me. Abuse? Woe is me. Don't worry I won't need to delve into the leftist stance this movie has, I would rather not stoop low enough as to talk about politics but this film shamelessly did so. Disappointed at father for a bad decision? Woe is me. The teachers advice in the darkroom was insightful at best. "Seniors having fun", that quote in my book is like a sin. Getting home late and ignoring advice? I did that once, lived outside for a week afterwards. This cast gave me a small tumor from rage.
Finally the only redeeming quality of the film was the fact that they made the story so broad and mediocre that most critics could relate and feel empathy for the film. The only strategy that worked is making the story broad enough for people to relate to it, despite it being complete trash.
Final Sentence: Boyhood is a good title because the kid never became a man.… Expand
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1
andparraroSep 24, 2017
This is the best example of a "masterpiece" that I do honestly consider a big pile of sh*t .... OVERRATED!!! Ok, you guys showed a kid becoming a weird teenager, but what else? Big stories inspire us, and this movie only helped me to rememberThis is the best example of a "masterpiece" that I do honestly consider a big pile of sh*t .... OVERRATED!!! Ok, you guys showed a kid becoming a weird teenager, but what else? Big stories inspire us, and this movie only helped me to remember (during almost 3 hours) that teenagers suck, and I already knew that :/… Expand
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1
WhyamIherexDApr 22, 2018
Cool, a movie that took 12 years to make and lets the audience experience a boy's journey into adulthood. Terrific, except it isn't at all. Me and my family could only watch about 40 minutes of this movie before we shut it off out of absoluteCool, a movie that took 12 years to make and lets the audience experience a boy's journey into adulthood. Terrific, except it isn't at all. Me and my family could only watch about 40 minutes of this movie before we shut it off out of absolute boredom. The story is weak, there were so many unnecessary moments, and some characters were literally unwatchable. Like many people here, I made a metacritic account just for this movie. Too many people judge this movie on the way it was made and the concept, not how good it actually was... Isn't judging a movie based on its overall quality the sole purpose of review sites???

The vibe and idea this movie was going for could of been executed way better than this. Give me some decent actors and a good crew of technicians, editors, and directors; that's all I need to make a movie that trumps this one.… Expand
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1
BladeLover2049Aug 18, 2018
A film where the cinematographic force is as strong as that of a mouse. The dialogues are interesting ... but when putting it in place we put it next to where the mediocre movies are placed. Mediocre in the sense of wanting to evokeA film where the cinematographic force is as strong as that of a mouse. The dialogues are interesting ... but when putting it in place we put it next to where the mediocre movies are placed. Mediocre in the sense of wanting to evoke literature and not the cinema. A shameful movie.… Expand
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2
AmyMArtNov 5, 2019
Let's be honest, without the gimmick of being shot over 12 years this film is needlessly slow and borning. The only saving grace is that it was somewhat interesting seeing the actors age naturally over time but that doesn't save from theLet's be honest, without the gimmick of being shot over 12 years this film is needlessly slow and borning. The only saving grace is that it was somewhat interesting seeing the actors age naturally over time but that doesn't save from the absolutely boring and cliche plot.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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2
MavstarNov 23, 2019
Why the heck is this considered such a great movie. Very dull and lack luster performances.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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0
mycoffeemachineJan 29, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This show is terrible, don't be fooled by the super high ratings. It's so bad I created an account here on metacritic just to warn you not to waste 3 hours of your life watching this show about nothing. NOTHING. There is no plot, no character development, no climax, NOTHING. It sucks. How it was filmed in 12 years does nothing for the **** plot… Expand
7 of 8 users found this helpful71
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10
BrushedRedJan 6, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. You either simply love this movie or loathe it. Personally I loved it. Definitely 2014 movie of the year by far. I agree that sometimes it can be dull and its a little long, but such is life. You're watching a boy grow up and figure out what he wants to do with his life, especially after some of the experiences he's seen/lived through. The first 30 minutes are probably the worst part of the movie, after that it's really good. I suggest sticking with it. Lots of good quotes all throughout the movie and I feel like it's gotten a lot of praise for accuracy. I'm a little older than Mason but growing up, it was similar. I enjoyed some of the things he did/played when I was younger. Kinda the way Forrest Gump did to baby boomers back in the 90's. I feel it's relevant to call Boyhood "This Generation's Forrest Gump." There's a lot to love in the movie. I'd give it more along the lines of an 8.7-8.8 but figured I'd bump the rating a bit. Deserves higher than an 8.1… Expand
8 of 10 users found this helpful82
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1
5thStFreddieJan 15, 2015
Everyone knows this is a film made over 12 years, with the same cast - shot one week or so every year. Other than that, what's the story? The mom has bad taste in men, the son has the worst hair cuts in history, and that fake, "nobodyEveryone knows this is a film made over 12 years, with the same cast - shot one week or so every year. Other than that, what's the story? The mom has bad taste in men, the son has the worst hair cuts in history, and that fake, "nobody understands me" angst that should pass for drama. This is what's happening to American film - even the alleged good movies are awful. This is a great film like what - On the Waterfront, To Kill a Mockingbird? Amadeus, Chinatown? It's like every year was written a different writer, or by Linklater trying to figure out what to do. There's no central theme/plot or problem: a story line that challenges, tears them apart, shows a real portrait of a family in the midst of struggle. Nothing. Without the 12 year gimmick, this film has nothing going for it. Four of us, all film fanatics, could not wait for it to end.… Expand
8 of 10 users found this helpful82
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0
diondiikaJan 22, 2015
i realy really dislike this movie , 12 years of making really makes all critics blind, this movie really has no plot, those people suffering from insomnia are suggested to see this movie
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
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greenstarJan 28, 2015
Really wanted to like this film based on all the praise and liking some of Linklater's earlier films, but the unanimous critical praise should be the first clue that the reviews are a herd-like following of other reviewers rather than lookingReally wanted to like this film based on all the praise and liking some of Linklater's earlier films, but the unanimous critical praise should be the first clue that the reviews are a herd-like following of other reviewers rather than looking at the movie apart from the name branding and previous praise heaped upon it. If you like wasting 2 hours and 45 minutes of your life watching contrived, cliched and poorly written scenes and actors then this is your movie. If you want to see people age over 12 years, looking through your own family albums would be a much better use of time than suffering through this mess. Universal acclaim = critic/review failure.… Expand
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0
tjosephubertFeb 12, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie is completely, utterly, boring. There's literally nothing that happens. It's about a boy living an extremely dull and cliched life. There's virtually no drama that happens throughout the entire movie, and the drama that is presented is still quite listless and unimportant. In other words, this movie is about as plot-less as a movie can get. It took twelve years to film, and yet, those years span by quickly and dully, one event after the other, with no point or order, just chaotic and random. But what makes the movie so dull was the main character.

In the movie, there is nothing bad happens to the main character, nothing to make you connect with him. There's nothing life changing. In fact, the three biggest "bad" things that happen to him are that his mother can't find "the right guy" (after divorcing his father, she marries her college professor who turns out to become a drunk, and then she marries one of her own college students, who turns out to have mental stability problems due to him serving in the military; both of which she ends up divorcing as well), and his father sells the car that he had thought would be his when he turned sixteen, and his girlfriend cheated on him, which resulted in their relationship ending. Other than this, nothing happens. He literally goes through life showing as little emotion as possible, just floating by, as though he was in a coma, or constantly tired.

So, finally, after two hours and thirty mintutes, you come towards the end of the movie. The "boy" is now an adult who has graduated high school and who is going to be going to college. Upon him packing his last things, his mother breaks down saying that there's nothing more that is going to happen with her life. That her life has just been a series of events: her having her children, her divorcing her husband, her raising her children, her marrying a man, divorcing him, raising her kids some more, marring her college student just to divorce him as well, and finally, her sending first her daughter to college, and then her son. Then she concludes with saying that what comes next is, "[her] funeral." To this, the boy, replies that she's off by forty years, "or something." Then she says that, "[she] expected there to be more." The movie then cuts to him driving on the road to college.

When he finally arrives at college, he meets his new roommate, who is friendly and invites him to go hiking with his girlfriend and another friend (who is also a girl). When Mason (the main character) sees that she's pretty, he decides that he'll go. Before he goes, his new roommate hands him a hallucinatory mushroom and says that by the time they reach the mountains, it will have an effect. It then fast forwards to them walking to the mountains and we see that Mason and the new girl are getting along very well. Then it cuts to them sitting and chatting. Across the distance, he sees his roommate yelling into the wind, and he begins to talk to this new girl, named Nicole, about how we need to, "seize the moment." Nicole replies with saying, "I think moments seize us," and it shows Mason thinking for a moment, and then it cuts to the end credits.

I think what bothered me the most about the film was the fact that, despite it having no order, there was a point, but it wasn't that great of one. Mason, who lived his entire boring life on coasting mode is finally forced to see that if he keeps doing this, he will end up like his mom––just living, but not truly alive in the sense of being satisfied with life. The point is that we need to let the moments seize us, and we need to live. Yet, what made this theme so irrelevant was the fact that there was hardly a moment for him to have ever seized! There was no bad, barely any good, nothing that would have made is life have any significant meaning. By the end of the movie, you ask yourself, "Is my life really this boring?" And do you know what my answer was? "No, there's more drama in mine."

In conclusion, if you want to see a long movie that drags on and on about a boy just living his life, then you'll love this movie. Even though it had a theme presented at the end, in my opinion, it just wasn't enough to save the movie overall. It is sad really, because it was such an ambitious project. But by creating such a dull life where nothing happens, I feel that they wasted those twelve years, because in all actuality, most people's lives are far more chaotic and show signs of actual character development due to things that happen, both good and bad, in their lives. That's what this movie failed to do: deliver on experiences that are worth watching. What's left instead is dull, listlessness that fails to satisfy someone who wanted to be entertained. I wanted to see sadness, hopelessness, as well as extreme elation and happiness. To see someone grow into a great person despite and because of circumstances. What I got was boy coasting his entire life though a movie that has a run time far too long.… Expand
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0
snowrider155Feb 22, 2015
One of the worst movies I have ever seen. Bad acting, terrible script, no plot, too long. Cheesy after-school special scenes with cliche, one-dimensional characters. The loveable loser dad. The single mom who has to pull herself up by theOne of the worst movies I have ever seen. Bad acting, terrible script, no plot, too long. Cheesy after-school special scenes with cliche, one-dimensional characters. The loveable loser dad. The single mom who has to pull herself up by the bootstraps. The a-hole abusive 2nd husband. What a joke. And don't get me started about the kid. I don't give a rat's ass about the boring brat. Negative stars.… Expand
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0
AntonBellFeb 25, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So, I am an avid movie fanatic. I love pretty much all movies, I haven't a specific genre or preference when it comes to film. I had heard much about "Boyhood," and since the Oscars had "snubbed" it, I desperately wanted to see it (in no small part to critics claiming that this is the "Pulp Fiction" of the Oscars...one of my favorite films). I expected to love it. I expected to walk away from "Boyhood" with a respect for Linklater and Arquette. I expected to have been moved. None of this happened. I have since read that this film is "boring." I am so seldom bored that the thought is almost foreign to me. No longer. Boring doesn't even begin to describe it. It is stale and trite. Yeah, I said trite. Doesn't anyone remember "Before Sunrise?" Linklater is having the exact same conversation he had in that film only now it's Mason having it with his girlfriend in Texas instead of Ethan Hawke having it in Paris. Please, someone give Richard a copy of "Being and Time" so that we don't need to suffer his existential crisis again. The ending lines are precious. "I thought there'd be more," bemoans Olivia. Gimme a break. How many times have we heard *that*? And the icing on the cake, Mason, high with his new college buddies..."You know how you're supposed to seize the moment...? Maybe the moment is supposed to seize you." Wow. Now there are some pearls right there. I get it...he's attempting to explore the "now" we all chase...but anyone who has taken philosophy 101 has thought about this. It's adolescent drivel. He's attempting to explore the relationship of time to the audience. Whatever. There are better ways in which to do that, I'm sure. What they are, I have no idea...I'm not a film maker. But this film was such a massive disappointment, I really cannot be bothered to try to come up with a something better. I hated the characters, for none of them were properly developed. Arquette's performance was dry at best. I thought she was almost as painful to watch as the actor playing Mason. So, what you end up with is a plotless film, with no character development, and an aging director desperately chasing this moment he purports should be chasing him. It's a catastrophically bad film. It's symptomatic of a society so muddled with narcissism that we are romanticizing simplicity to a fault. Yeah. Don't waste your time.… Expand
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
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0
oriasfalloszFeb 25, 2015
it's a perfect hallmark film but nothing more. i don't know why are there so many good reviews. when the film was started i though that it can develop, but no, it's just boring and pointless. i hated the characters, the whole plot, it's veryit's a perfect hallmark film but nothing more. i don't know why are there so many good reviews. when the film was started i though that it can develop, but no, it's just boring and pointless. i hated the characters, the whole plot, it's very unrealistic and a bad-king mixture of stereotypes from the american films… Expand
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0
Suzana98Jul 26, 2016
This movie is so monotonous and boring that I'd rather sit and watch grass grow that watch it. Surrounded by awful characters and terrible acting, this movie in no way deserved to be nominated for an Oscar. I admit it that the 12 yearThis movie is so monotonous and boring that I'd rather sit and watch grass grow that watch it. Surrounded by awful characters and terrible acting, this movie in no way deserved to be nominated for an Oscar. I admit it that the 12 year filming thing was an amazing idea and I agree that a lot of hard work had gone into this, but come on, it barely has a good story line. I'd rather take a look at my boring life that watch somebody else's.… Expand
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0
danielb613Jan 15, 2015
I just spent 5 minutes making this account, just so I could diss the 3 hours I wasted on this awful, boring movie. I think I could've filmed an equally good movie about day to day life
10 of 13 users found this helpful103
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SharpsterFeb 2, 2015
Linklater has made the movie equivalent of the Emperor's New Suit!. "It is very beautiful" say the critics but there is nothing resplendent to be seen here! in fact, there is nothing of merit to be seen at all because the movie isn't wearingLinklater has made the movie equivalent of the Emperor's New Suit!. "It is very beautiful" say the critics but there is nothing resplendent to be seen here! in fact, there is nothing of merit to be seen at all because the movie isn't wearing any artistic clothes. Who has the courage to stand up and proclaim that Boyhood is naked?… Expand
6 of 8 users found this helpful62
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3
pacame13Jan 20, 2015
It's fun to see how the character played by the same actor develops in the film. But in my opinion the experiment did not produced positive outcomes, what you are left with is with a movie without any feeling with mediocre acting and evenIt's fun to see how the character played by the same actor develops in the film. But in my opinion the experiment did not produced positive outcomes, what you are left with is with a movie without any feeling with mediocre acting and even worse writing. It is unbelievable that this much effort and time was invested so we could compare a movie with looking at a family's photo album.

I don´t recommend watching this movie, a complete waste of my time.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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0
BroyaxNov 23, 2019
Oh dis donc, 12 ans pour faire un film... record battu ! et c'est donc "ça" qui fait le buzz puisque les mêmes acteurs et actrices sont venus pointer régulièrement pour aider au remplissage de cette espèce de chronique (?) de la vieOh dis donc, 12 ans pour faire un film... record battu ! et c'est donc "ça" qui fait le buzz puisque les mêmes acteurs et actrices sont venus pointer régulièrement pour aider au remplissage de cette espèce de chronique (?) de la vie quotidienne d'une famille recomposée décomposée et voire plus si affinités.

Il ne faut par conséquent pas s'étonner que le film dépasse les 2h40, car en vérité, ç'aurait pu être pire... quoique en l'état, ce machin très psycho-social est déjà périmé avant d'être fini ou éventuellement consommé. C'est d'une banalité et d'un ennui rarement atteints et ça n'a aucun intérêt.

Ni du côté dramatique ou mélodramatique, ni du côté de la comédie, ni... d'aucun côté en fait. On préfère à dire vrai se taper une saison entière de Derrick que les deux heures et trois quarts de ce machin qui brasse de la merde à n'en plus pouvoir. C'était bien la peine d'y passer 12 ans... 6 mois auraient suffi. Et encore...… Expand
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jacquesmJan 29, 2015
If this is what is to grow up in America, it "Really Sucks". This is not a true depiction of life, some really good acting combined with allot of bad acting. allot of irritating scenes, especially in the beginning. It shows how undisciplinedIf this is what is to grow up in America, it "Really Sucks". This is not a true depiction of life, some really good acting combined with allot of bad acting. allot of irritating scenes, especially in the beginning. It shows how undisciplined children in the U.S. are, and the lack in parenting. I hated this movie, and considering it took 12 years to make, that gave the director ample time to edit out the bad parts, which he didn't. This movie doesn't deserve the praise it got, especially not directing wise. Any idiot could picked up a camera and shoot a film like this. Appalling.… Expand
5 of 7 users found this helpful52
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10
jawiegand13Aug 31, 2014
Filmed over a 12 year period, "Boyhood" is the simple, relatable and extraordinary journey of a boy and his family. The wonderful premise and Richard Linklater's outstanding direction make "Boyhood" the year's best film, as of yet, and a sureFilmed over a 12 year period, "Boyhood" is the simple, relatable and extraordinary journey of a boy and his family. The wonderful premise and Richard Linklater's outstanding direction make "Boyhood" the year's best film, as of yet, and a sure contender for best picture. One of the best qualities of "Boyhood" is how well the audience can relate to the characters. I found myself transported back to my own childhood while watching Mason grow up before my eyes; whether it was in watching the interactions and typical sibling disputes between Mason and Samantha or just seeing Mason acclimate to the challenges of growing up. Another refreshing aspect is how the film's plot doesn't revolve around a sinister villain, winning a championship game or surmounting impossible odds, but rather is simply about the beautiful and thoroughly entertaining adventure of "Boyhood."… Expand
5 of 7 users found this helpful52
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1
unionjack26Jan 12, 2015
Well, no matter how much work you put into it, if it's not good, it's not good... and doesn't deserve accolades for effort...

I've seen some of Linklaters and Malicks films and I'm not a fan... not to say I have to be, but if you're goingWell, no matter how much work you put into it, if it's not good, it's not good... and doesn't deserve accolades for effort...

I've seen some of Linklaters and Malicks films and I'm not a fan... not to say I have to be, but if you're going up for an award some things should be paramount... (Tree of Life is still the worst award nominated film I've ever subjected myself to)...

A plot would be nice... a story... a payoff... consistency... competent acting... believable dialogue... character development... motivation are just a few things I'd expect in an award nominated film... It didn't take me on a journey... It showed me a series of pointless scenes to show a passage of time... Seemed like a lot of it was written (or ad-libbed) as they went (later confirmed to a degree by his daughter)...

The liberal agenda (which I mostly agree with) was stuck in there too obviously and made it feel even more like a really bad LIfetime movie...

Reading the reviews, it comes across as people pretending to like or understand the film to fit in, be in the know or appear smart... I prefer to take a serious look at this and be truthful...

I was looking forward to the film... I read the hype, was excited about the premise and am fan of new exciting film ideas... but they have to be well executed... (that's the thing)...I'd like to know what about this film was done well?

Linklater had 12 years to plan out a script, story, plot... to direct the actors to better performances... he had a $4 million budget (with no stunts, SFX, costumes, sets, etc)... He made the most basic of films types: I dialogue-driven drama with no costly name actors... There is no excuse...

If I come across harsh, it's because this film received so much unwarranted or deserving hype and rave reviews... Had this won at a film festival and went to DVD, great.... good for them... For this to be beating out other great films for awards (and for acting and directing too?!?!?!), it deserves some questioning into what the hell are people liking about it?

Is Linklater blackmailing everyone? Were all the critics bribed? Is he best friends with Kim Jong Un?

This film fails to exceed in any of the categories set forth by the awards shows... I'm so glad the SAG Awards are coming soon, so I can gauge how it'll do up against some other greats films... I don't think I can stomach the Oscars if Boyhood is a frontrunner...

Does this film have any rewatchablilty for anyone not involved with the production? Were they any "positive" stand-out performances? Powerful moments? Surprises/twists? Engaging story? Characters to care about?

One last question I'd like to pose...Taking out the fact that all the main actors were available to work at various points within a 12 year period; that is, no one died or decided to quit (though Linklater's daughter wanted her character killed off because she didn't want to do it anymore, to which he said 'no, it would be too powerful for the film' - so instead, nothing happens)... What exactly about his movie was done well or successful?… Expand
5 of 7 users found this helpful52
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10
JoshFriesenJan 13, 2015
Richard Linklater has proven himself to be our primary guide to cinematic time travel. Whether it’s in his Before Trilogy which captures the arc of a relationship over a decade or his lighter fare like Dazed and Confused which looks back onRichard Linklater has proven himself to be our primary guide to cinematic time travel. Whether it’s in his Before Trilogy which captures the arc of a relationship over a decade or his lighter fare like Dazed and Confused which looks back on our teenage years through the lens of nostalgia, he has shown an uncanny ability to demonstrate on screen the subtleties of how time affects us all. Boyhood, which was shot over twelve years, following characters as the actors that play them literally age, is Linklater’s magnum opus. The persistence and determination of the all involved in the production is admirable and they deserve the attention they are receiving, however what is more remarkable is the film itself. A film so modest, light, and carefree and yet so powerful, Boyhood is the antithesis of the modern Hollywood blockbuster (Interstellar) characterized by their pomposity and heavy handedness. Here is a film that never claims it is telling us anything and yet in the end tells us everything.… Expand
4 of 6 users found this helpful42
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0
iluluJan 19, 2015
Unbearably boring, I can't believe I wasted 3 hours of my life watching someone growing up as everyone else did, no story, no action, no drama, no nothing, it would have been a lot better if it was documentary movie with the character acting normal
4 of 6 users found this helpful42
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0
MateusShieldsAug 9, 2015
Boyhood is acclaimed for being original, but because it's new and different it doesn't mean it's good, and honestly that's about al Boyhood has going for it. Sure there are some good things, Patricia Arquette for example, but otherwise it'sBoyhood is acclaimed for being original, but because it's new and different it doesn't mean it's good, and honestly that's about al Boyhood has going for it. Sure there are some good things, Patricia Arquette for example, but otherwise it's slow, dull, uneventful and boring. It's a nice idea, but the only time in the film where my interest was mildly spiked was when the glass is thrown and maybe the next 10 minutes. Originality does not compensate for the 3 hour waste of time Boyhood is. At even at that Boyhood isn't that original, it's essentially does what a TV series does, only that compressed into three hours, without any significant comedy or drama, with dull and generally annoying characters and a generic story. This is probably the most overrated film ever, it sucked, it was boring and slow and I'm not being petty, I'm not saying that I like it less because of it's critical acclaim, I'm simply saying it's a terrible movie, that may have worked by being relatable, (although it's so boring even if I could relate I would still want to shoot my TV), and original, but not more than that, it just isn't well rounded, it doesn't have the balance between relatable and interesting, and that is what the goal for this film should have been… Expand
4 of 6 users found this helpful42
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0
S0LiDAug 23, 2016
It's totally impossible make a movie so bored... I fell asleep in the first hour, really tedious movie. I can't understand the good reviews for this sleeping pill, seriously.
4 of 6 users found this helpful42
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8
thurm33Feb 20, 2015
Ground-breaking movie project but I agree with some other users that this should not be the only reason why the film gets over the top reviews. If you do not take into account the effort made in creating this film, it turns out to be aGround-breaking movie project but I agree with some other users that this should not be the only reason why the film gets over the top reviews. If you do not take into account the effort made in creating this film, it turns out to be a better-than-average one, but not best a best-of-year film. It is a good luck at the reality of parenting and childhood these days, the struggles that fall on both sides, but there are some parts that don't seem to really go anywhere. Overall, it's a humbling, emotional, empathetic and thoughtful film but may be a bit too long and "pointless" without a plot to appeal to most audiences. It helps to go in with the notion of the effort that this film required, which helps you appreciate it more.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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5
NikolayGJan 25, 2015
In brief.
Want to see a great film about boyhood? See This Boy's Life.
Want to see Ethan Hawke's best? See Predestination. Want to save 3 hours? Skip Boyhood. I loved Before Sunset, Sunrise, and Midnight. But Boyhood is not good. DOIn brief.
Want to see a great film about boyhood? See This Boy's Life.
Want to see Ethan Hawke's best? See Predestination.
Want to save 3 hours? Skip Boyhood.

I loved Before Sunset, Sunrise, and Midnight. But Boyhood is not good.

DO NOT BELIEVE THE HYPE.

Boyhood gets attention for the gimmick of being filmed sporadically over 12 years, so you get to see the kids in the movie grow up. Big whoop. Not an ounce of Hollywood gloss here. The movie goes for realism in the extreme. Homes are dirty, kind of crappy and depressing. It also passes over obvious places other movies would go; it skips cliches. No the step dad does not try to sexually abuse his step daughter. Which was a breath of fresh air. But it also crosses a line of being too realistic in terms of having no real plot. For awhile there IS kind of a plot as the mother deals with a difficult domestic drama. But after that the film sprawls. Example. The dad (minor spoiler, nothing big; probably you'll read about it in any review) seems not entirely to have reached closure with his ex. Maybe is considering getting back with her? But suddenly the movie cuts; it's years later; the dad is with another woman and has had a baby with her. I don't know about you, but between those cuts there might have been some good drama, but it's just skipped. Despite the title, the film dwells on every family member, so it's not like Ethan Hawke is a minor character. Yet they pass over a giant life event.

Minor spoiler is now over.

Yes stories should flow from character, but there should still be a story. Character reveals itself through the crucible of a crisis. Aside from the drama early on with the mom's domestic issue, there is no crisis here, and no story. When Hitchcock was asked what he thought of slice-of-life stories, he said he preferred to give people a slice of cake. I left this movie hungry for that cake. And besides, so-called slice-of-life stories, the good ones, do have a crisis. It's just that it's subtle. We didn't get that here.

There is no depth of the boy's life plumbed here. Just sketchy skit-like scenes semi-related.

Another point. Aside from Ethan Hawke, no one in this movie seems to have a positive attitude about anything ever. It's one thing not to be Disney, but this movie mistakes chronic maudlin negativity for drama. A story requires conflict. But much of the activity in this film doesn't rise to the level of actual conflict. Instead it's just a manifestation of some kind of low grade depression that never quits and slowly grinds down the teeth on the gears of your spirit.

Even though the movie is too realistic, in other ways it is too unrealistic. There is oddly stilted fake sounding dialog in the first 20 minutes or so. Also, the son (the "boy" of the title) encounters adult men who act exactly the same toward him all the time, step dad, teacher, boss, all of them criticize him in exactly the same way, and that's all they do. You could switch out the dialog for all these guys. They are all the same. Except Ethan Hawke. Another unrealistic thing. When the boy finally lands a girlfriend, she just happens to be one of the most beautiful women you've ever seen in a movie. This pimply pug nosed boy, without athleticism, brilliance, money, or particular promise, gets a girlfriend who probably would have thought herself too good for a young George Clooney. It's ridiculous. And they were going for extreme realism?

In my own life growing up I encountered some real weird sh!t. So did friends. They say 'sh!t happens' for a reason. But if this is supposed to be this kid's life, either they skipped over that type of dramatic stuff or he had one heck of a mundane childhood! Also, these people seem to have no center. If they have values or principles or beliefs, that's skipped over too. There is some banter that might try to be passing for philosophy but it amounts to nothing of substance. Yes as an adult paying bills and just trying to survive, you don't go around espousing basic values every day of your life, but these people seem so empty inside, as if they are animals that just happen to be able to speak. There's something off-putting about them from my perspective. They are not like people I have ever known.

Ethan Hawke does a good job acting in Boyhood, but why did he agree to do it? Predestination, his other new movie, is sci-fi, but it's also a study of character as revealed and developed through a protagonist's response to a crisis. It is stellar, brilliant, the best of the best. I am chalking it up on my list of the very best films (of any genre) that I have seen. It will be right beside Before Sunset on my BLU Ray shelf. Predestination raised Ethan Hawke in my estimation, and even Boyhood, which I saw a short time later, cannot bring him down entirely. So let me divert you dear reader. See Predestination. Skip Boyhood… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
BrettBGowenDec 27, 2014
This film is an absolute masterpiece. Being about the same age as Mason, I found that this film and his story reflects my entire generation. It has its dull moments and its exciting moments throughout this story, but that is what life is;This film is an absolute masterpiece. Being about the same age as Mason, I found that this film and his story reflects my entire generation. It has its dull moments and its exciting moments throughout this story, but that is what life is; it's subtle at times and game-changing at other times. And if you had to pick one film that showcases life, it's "Boyhood." No matter what age you are, you can't help but seeing aspects of your own life in the lives of this family.

These actors put TWELVE years of their lives into the portrayal of these original characters. And if that isn't the performance of a lifetime, I don't know what is. Patricia Arquette deserves the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Olivia, Mason's mother; her acting has a perfect combination of subtlety, realism, and emotional depth.

It was so difficult to put my feelings about this film into words, because it is just that remarkable and revolutionary. Richard Linklater has the right to call this film his "Mona Lisa."… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
WheelzFourReelzJan 18, 2015
While I don't think Boyhood is quite as strong as everyone says it is, it's still a fantastic drama that has achieved something amazing that no movie has ever done- being filmed over the span of twelve years.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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1
wrw0010Feb 10, 2015
The concept was brilliant but was wasted on a movie that ultimately said nothing. The universal praise for this film is groupthink made manifest.

The characters were unlikable (and some were downright caricatures) and the dialogue wasThe concept was brilliant but was wasted on a movie that ultimately said nothing. The universal praise for this film is groupthink made manifest.

The characters were unlikable (and some were downright caricatures) and the dialogue was plodding and pointless. There was no plot or arc or denouement. Honestly, this may be the worst film I've ever spent time watching. 45 minutes in I felt like the movie had staggered on for hours. By the time it was over, I felt like watching the movie had taken 12 years.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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1
Beardfull1Jan 11, 2015
Booooooooring!
It was like watching three hours of your nephew's life slide show.
No plot, no script, no great acting... Nothing!
I gave it a 1 cause it takes a lot of guts to film something so forgetable for 12 years!!!
7 of 11 users found this helpful74
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7
jdb26354Aug 10, 2014
Earth to critics - Boyhood may have been a successful experiment, but it is by no means a masterpiece. A transcendent film should convey some memorable archetypes, and this film, for all its cataloguing of the experiences of growing up as aEarth to critics - Boyhood may have been a successful experiment, but it is by no means a masterpiece. A transcendent film should convey some memorable archetypes, and this film, for all its cataloguing of the experiences of growing up as a boy, with a sister, a mother, and several fathers - one biological, and the others there chiefly to display male shortcomings - comes up with few, if any. Despite the protagonist's criticisms of Facebook - valid enough, in my view - the movie resolves into a timeline as much as anything else. It's not that I did not enjoy the movie - it was perfectly entertaining. However, this is a film review site, and as such desperately needs some balance in the assessment of this particular offering.… Expand
10 of 16 users found this helpful106
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0
MikefromAngusJan 3, 2015
A really "cool" idea about shooting the film using the same characters over 12 years. But its pointless! The movie is boring, slow and just drags on and on.
5 of 8 users found this helpful53
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10
Justin765Aug 10, 2014
Boyhood embodies greatness. It inspires and exhilarates. It is poignant and uplifting. Boyhood celebrates life like no other and examines its often obscure meaning.

The film chronicles the fictional life of Mason from age five to eighteen.Boyhood embodies greatness. It inspires and exhilarates. It is poignant and uplifting. Boyhood celebrates life like no other and examines its often obscure meaning.

The film chronicles the fictional life of Mason from age five to eighteen. The plot follows his coming to age and the turmoil it often brings. This film is unique when it comes to story telling because it was filmed over the course of twelve years. This allows the film makers to experiment like no other and exemplifies to its audience the real time that passes in between scenes. You watch as Mason matures and you develop a deep connection with him that is almost universally unrivaled by other films. I became so engrossed in his character that the nearly three hour run time felt like mere minutes.

Boyhood is brimming in high quality. Richard Linklater directed this film flawlessly. His direction highlights the emotion of the film and projects life into it’s characters. Linklater’s screenplay also perplexes the characters and is filled with memorable dialog and subtle wisdom. The combination of these elements defines the film and its soul. The assembled cast is also top notch. Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette star, and newcomer Ellar Coltrane plays the title role of Mason. The chemistry between the actors is unmatched and it only continues to evolve as the film progresses.

Boyhood is a celebration of life, from its triumphs to it’s heartbreak. It inspires us to live and as the film so eloquently put it “let the moment size you”. Boyhood instills its soul into every frame. It teaches us that life worth living. It shows us that beauty is all around us and we simply just have to let go to experience it. Boyhood is unlike anything that has proceeded it and likely unlike anything that will follow. It is revolutionizing in every sense of the word and is undeniably the best film (thus far) this year and possibly of this decade. I can not urge you enough to experience this monumental piece of art.… Expand
5 of 8 users found this helpful53
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1
RenanSilveiraAug 10, 2014
This is not the perfection you think it is. Its a long and boring story, not so much original. Well, these 12 years of recordings make everybody think "oh lord, what amazing". Ok, but this its not enough to make this a great thing. Sorry.
9 of 15 users found this helpful96
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7
LynJan 11, 2015
Totally understand the raves for the groundbreaking technique -- filming over so many years -- but I found this film pretty depressing. One critic says it "hold(s) up a mirror to the human condition," to which I can only lament that I HOPETotally understand the raves for the groundbreaking technique -- filming over so many years -- but I found this film pretty depressing. One critic says it "hold(s) up a mirror to the human condition," to which I can only lament that I HOPE not all boys are surrounded with adults who are pretty much screwed-up a--holes. The casting also falls short, as the children do not look at all as if they were produced by Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette. All that said, it IS really interesting to see the characters age and change, though the profundity (to me) falls short of Linklater's "Before Sunset." Final note: The soundtrack is extremely well done. It doesn't hit you over the head with songs of the different eras, but weaves music together artfully.… Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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10
squeezingsDec 26, 2014
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Easily the best movie I have watched in a long time. It's deep, thoughtful, realistic, but not heavy-handed. I like how there's really no moral to the story. As someone who had a somewhat disjointed childhood (like Mason), this is what actually happens. When you grow up, things are generally fine. You bear some scars from the experience but overall you just move on.… Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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10
Frosali16Oct 9, 2014
More of an experience than a movie. It was brilliant to see the cast grow and develop over twelve years. Last year the winner of best picture was 12 Years A Slave seems funny that Boyhood the front runner to this years race had its cast andMore of an experience than a movie. It was brilliant to see the cast grow and develop over twelve years. Last year the winner of best picture was 12 Years A Slave seems funny that Boyhood the front runner to this years race had its cast and crew be slaves to the film for 12 years.… Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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6
JohnKristoferMay 9, 2015
In 2002,Richard Linklater has an idea of a film that became the greatest gimmick in movie history. Journey a long with a six year old boy growing up in an awkward way.The movie is beautiful but nothing interesting.Get ready as this filmIn 2002,Richard Linklater has an idea of a film that became the greatest gimmick in movie history. Journey a long with a six year old boy growing up in an awkward way.The movie is beautiful but nothing interesting.Get ready as this film force you to watch a boy who grows up and that's about it. But the movie.The movie has no plot or even the fun out of it,It's just a gimmick that works I think whiplash is much better than this.I gave it a mixed review cause it has potential and yes it is a beautiful film but it lacks the magic and the plot(I think).… Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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10
RoseJul 28, 2014
There are some movies that are excellent and then there are some that are ground-breaking. Boyhood is in that rarefied air of the latter. It is important to define what Boyhood is as much as what it isn't. This is not your typical movie ofThere are some movies that are excellent and then there are some that are ground-breaking. Boyhood is in that rarefied air of the latter. It is important to define what Boyhood is as much as what it isn't. This is not your typical movie of cliff hangers and shocking revelations. This is not a movie of searing performances and of acting the part of some highly unusual character ala Rain Man or Raging Bull. This is clearly not a movie of escapism and triumph of good over evil.

This is the movie that Terrence Malik was trying to make when he made his artsy inscrutable Tree of Life. This is an easily accessible story of life in all of its reality without a single bit of artifice used to tell the story. This is also a movie trying to be shown and told through a boy;s eyes. Scenes that are shown and are memorable because that is what would register in the child's eyes at that time and place in their life. The authenticity documented by taking 12 years to film it and accept the changes in the world that would have to fit the storyline can not be replicated in a traditional movie. This gives it the gravitas of a true story and makes it all that much more believable.

The other revelation of this movie is that it should be on some level the story of your life. There has to be some empathy and connection to what you see on screen that is relatable to one's own experiences. This movie is more then a passive watching experience, this is a mirror into ourselves and what the passage of life means to us. The beauty of this movie is that it doesn't have to be the son who you relate to, even though he is the focus. You can be any of the immediate family or none at all and still connect in a visceral way to the characters.

Linklater didn't tell the story of just a boy, he told the story of us all and what can be more engrossing then watch a filmmaker take the time to take snippets of our lives and put it on screen in his own imitable style. We are all much more enriched by having this truly wonderful movie made.… Expand
7 of 12 users found this helpful75
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6
FranzHcriticAug 10, 2014
An overrated film, exceedingly so. There are several funny moments that are genuinely human and natural. Yet the film is about half an hour too long and the ending fails to accomplish anything. While the concept of the style of filmmaking isAn overrated film, exceedingly so. There are several funny moments that are genuinely human and natural. Yet the film is about half an hour too long and the ending fails to accomplish anything. While the concept of the style of filmmaking is brilliant, how does it help the movie? The acting was slightly above average. The scenes of alcoholic step-fathers and philosophical conversations is completely unnecessary. Linklater is normally a better director than this.… Expand
7 of 12 users found this helpful75
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5
AxeTAug 17, 2014
An obscenely massively OVER-praised little film. I like Linklater and follow his work, but please.
This movie is short on plot, narrative arch and drive, and character (thin at that); but long on didactics,
platitudes and sentiment. TheseAn obscenely massively OVER-praised little film. I like Linklater and follow his work, but please.
This movie is short on plot, narrative arch and drive, and character (thin at that); but long on didactics,
platitudes and sentiment. These jackass critics should all be fired. They are so shallow they champion a film based purely on its gimmick (which I'm glad he tried it, it will go down in cinematic history but a gimmick does not make an excellent film) and its wearing of their politics on its sleeve. DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE and DO NOT EVER FOLLOW The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, or Rolling Stone critics to name just a few. They are utterly worthless.… Expand
7 of 12 users found this helpful75
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0
leaveitApr 9, 2015
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this movie is that it's reported as having a score of 100, when really the score is 97.48, and the zeitgeist that caused the critics to collude around a supposedly perfect score, even when there werePerhaps the most interesting thing about this movie is that it's reported as having a score of 100, when really the score is 97.48, and the zeitgeist that caused the critics to collude around a supposedly perfect score, even when there were criticisms.… Expand
4 of 7 users found this helpful43
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1
hockeymaniac87Oct 15, 2014
I saw this movie with my girlfriend on the account that the concept of it was very intriguing, but I spent over 3/4 of the movie curled up in a ball groaning, yelling, hyperventilating, and biting my arm hair because it was overwhelminglyI saw this movie with my girlfriend on the account that the concept of it was very intriguing, but I spent over 3/4 of the movie curled up in a ball groaning, yelling, hyperventilating, and biting my arm hair because it was overwhelmingly painful to watch. (I do that at bad movies.) THE CONCEPT IS GREAT! Good job! That's it! Like others have said about it, if I wanted to watch a movie about life I'd strap a cardboard box to my body and view things through it like it was a TV set. We all enjoy reliving experiences outside of our own life, like in driving games when you decide you want to actually drive the speed limit and use your turn signal, BUT IT GETS BORING REAL QUICK! This movie is not only extremely boring, but inconceivably pointless. "Oh but they had abusive step dads!! That's dramatic!" The first step dad spent 5 minutes in one scene talking about chores and overacting his drunkenness. In another scene, the main character talked about why he didn't like Facebook for ten minutes. The acting is atrocious across the board, except for when Ethan Hawk plays a more respectable middle aged dad towards the end. Every line was forced and seemingly read off of a cue card written from a script that I feel like one of my old depressed Navy friends never finished.

There is literally only one scene worth mentioning that can be considered well written: The first time the main character comes home late as a teen, he arrives at a small party that his mom and new (second) step dad are having. The step dad says "Do you know what time it is?" At this point the viewer believes that there's going to be a fight, but when the main character says that it's sometime after midnight, the step dad says "Happy birthday." OF 3+ HOURS of horrible writing, THAT ONE SCENE is the only thing remotely well written and heartfelt!

People, I'm doing this as a public service because I spent 20 minutes of the movie googling on my phone why this film got good reviews. Don't be roped in by this nonsense. They did a great job taking 12 years to film something with all the same actors, I'll give them that. Unfortunately, they couldn't time travel forward to see how horrible those actors would become.

Do yourself a favor and spend twelve years with an actual human instead of Boyhood. It will probably be way more interesting and will seem a lot less shorter than this movie.

Rating: Garbage
Favorite line: "I'll email these to everyone!"… Expand
4 of 7 users found this helpful43
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0
southafricaJan 28, 2015
How can people write good reviews!! First review I write and this is so far is the **** MOVIE EVER!! If this movie remind you of your life then you really had a **** boring life! No action, no ending, no meaning! Just a movie about the lifeHow can people write good reviews!! First review I write and this is so far is the **** MOVIE EVER!! If this movie remind you of your life then you really had a **** boring life! No action, no ending, no meaning! Just a movie about the life of a boring boy! Life is to short to waste 2 hours or more on this **** Apparently it took 12 years to make this **** FOR THIS A 0!!! In 2 hours I could have had sex!, surfed, got drunk or stoned, studied or do what the **** I want! I will never get this 2 hours back! **** YOU!!!!!… Expand
4 of 7 users found this helpful43
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0
dsanford123Feb 10, 2015
I don't get it, paint drying is more entertaining. After 2 hours we finally fast forwarded to the end. I'm sorry they wasted 12 years, at least I only wasted a little over 2 hours and a couple bucks with Redbox. Thank goodness we didn't seeI don't get it, paint drying is more entertaining. After 2 hours we finally fast forwarded to the end. I'm sorry they wasted 12 years, at least I only wasted a little over 2 hours and a couple bucks with Redbox. Thank goodness we didn't see it at the theater, I would have been pissed. Just goes to show you that professional critics are full of nonsense. Boring, dull, we don't have to see a movie to know that the day to day life of most people is pretty dull. We go to movies to escape it.… Expand
4 of 7 users found this helpful43
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0
jfglniaFeb 14, 2015
This was the most boring movie I have ever watched. I cannot understand what the hype is all about.

The only interesting scene in the movie is the one where the restaurant manager thanked the mother for encouraging him to go to college.This was the most boring movie I have ever watched. I cannot understand what the hype is all about.

The only interesting scene in the movie is the one where the restaurant manager thanked the mother for encouraging him to go to college. Truly a waste!… Expand
4 of 7 users found this helpful43
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0
starwooowMar 8, 2015
totally awful film. the only reason why this movie got rave reviews because it made in 12 years. that doesn't mean anything. 2,5 hours with boring and pointless idea. i'm just glad boyhood didn't win major oscar.
4 of 7 users found this helpful43
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6
Brent_MarchantJul 18, 2014
An ambitious, inventive undertaking that, unfortunately, doesn't live up to its hype. The film's novel approach isn't enough to overcome its episodic nature and its pedestrian performance by a dull, insipid protagonist surrounded by an arrayAn ambitious, inventive undertaking that, unfortunately, doesn't live up to its hype. The film's novel approach isn't enough to overcome its episodic nature and its pedestrian performance by a dull, insipid protagonist surrounded by an array of characters far more interesting than he is. The insights it offers come too few and far between and aren't especially revelatory when they do. All in all, an underwhelming effort that leans a little too heavily on its own self-congratulatory nature.… Expand
14 of 25 users found this helpful1411
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10
BraveLToasterAug 28, 2014
Richard Linklater created the most realistic representation of high school on film in Dazed & Confused nearly twenty years ago. Now he trumps that with a film that can't even claim to be a facsimile of what it means to grow up, because itRichard Linklater created the most realistic representation of high school on film in Dazed & Confused nearly twenty years ago. Now he trumps that with a film that can't even claim to be a facsimile of what it means to grow up, because it actually is documenting over 12 years the same actor as he changes from a child into a man. Years from now people will look back at this movie as a record of what it was like to be a child in this new century.
A perfect time capsule of a film.… Expand
5 of 9 users found this helpful54
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8
Trev29Aug 12, 2014
All in all it was a very interesting movie that provided a unique experience. The length is not necessary. At some point you have to know when the end a movie. Over-hyped.
6 of 11 users found this helpful65
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2
brieflyAug 9, 2014
A more apt title is: Boy, Hoodwinked. Once again I fell victim to universal critical praise for a movie that's only redeeming merit is that Ethan Hawke isn't overly smarmy for a change. The acting is pretty bad overall, but maybe that'sA more apt title is: Boy, Hoodwinked. Once again I fell victim to universal critical praise for a movie that's only redeeming merit is that Ethan Hawke isn't overly smarmy for a change. The acting is pretty bad overall, but maybe that's because the characters are such stereotypes -- the scene on the camping trip with the five boys might have just shown the cue cards being raised for each kid to read off of. The story is endless and tedious and uneventful. Save your money.… Expand
13 of 24 users found this helpful1311
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10
Landon012Jul 23, 2014
12 years in the making sounds like a long time, especially for a movie. Boyhood is a simple movie, but on the grand scheme of things, it has more to it. In the run time of 2 hrs & 45 mins, you get to witness these characters grow up in front12 years in the making sounds like a long time, especially for a movie. Boyhood is a simple movie, but on the grand scheme of things, it has more to it. In the run time of 2 hrs & 45 mins, you get to witness these characters grow up in front of our very eyes. What this movie has is realistic dialogue, great acting, a great score, and the brilliant directing by Richard Linklater. Some may say this movie could be the best of the year, and it very well could be. GO SEE THIS MOVIE.… Expand
7 of 13 users found this helpful76
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0
royphishoohJan 11, 2015
I have just wasted nearly three hours watching this tedious self-indulgent drivel. If this awful tripe beats "Theory of Everything" at the Oscars it will be a disgrace. This incredibly over-rated film is another example of a writer-directorI have just wasted nearly three hours watching this tedious self-indulgent drivel. If this awful tripe beats "Theory of Everything" at the Oscars it will be a disgrace. This incredibly over-rated film is another example of a writer-director having nobody to say "That's a bad idea"… Expand
7 of 13 users found this helpful76
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10
amf32Jul 18, 2014
Linklater took a huge risk with this film; and it payed dividends; to me one question plagued my mind throughout the last half of the film : How can a this film with almost no plot apart from life itself be so engrossing and emotionallyLinklater took a huge risk with this film; and it payed dividends; to me one question plagued my mind throughout the last half of the film : How can a this film with almost no plot apart from life itself be so engrossing and emotionally grasping and how can it possibly have an ending ? I don't know if the ending was the greatest , but god damn I loved that it did what it did.

See this film.… Expand
10 of 19 users found this helpful109
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9
AkashVijayJan 19, 2015
Okay I may be in the vast minority in this one but I feel Boyhood is tremendously overpraised. It's not, by any means, a bad film, just not nearly as good as most critics claim it is. The problem I have with this film is its glaring lack ofOkay I may be in the vast minority in this one but I feel Boyhood is tremendously overpraised. It's not, by any means, a bad film, just not nearly as good as most critics claim it is. The problem I have with this film is its glaring lack of substance. There is not a single character in this film that goes through some kind of character arc. The minor changes they undergo are left obscure and there are no hints as to what brought about those changes. None of the characters are likable. The entire film almost is a passive observation of this family's uneventful progression through the years. Although that worked very well in the first half of the movie the second half seemed superfluous. It brings back some of the most overused cliches (honestly if I had a nickel for every time a movie showed the divorced dad as cool and buff and the divorced mother as the complete opposite). The kid actors are great but as they age they seem less and less convincing. The dialogue as well suffers from cranky and mawkish moments. And on top of all that it lacks lacks a narrative structure. If you look at the Tree of Life, which is just as unstructured, Malick took advantage of that and turned it into a meditation on human behavior. Boyhood didn't even attempt to achieve anything of the sort. Tree of Life was poetry; Boyhood is just product. All the reviews I've read so far seem to be obsessed with the concept of the film rather than the final result. To me, Boyhood is yet another film that didn't come close to justifying its overblown hype.

Re:Edit: But now that the hype has settled, I do agree that it's a great film. It explores the notion of growing up, our ethical definitions about what is right and wrong and the truth behind the social "code" for well-being. Mason (Ellar Coltrane) starts of as a young boy who enjoyed spraying paint in the corner of streets and collecting arrow heads. As the film continues he grows into a deep and thought-provoking teenager who's obsessed with understanding human behaviour, the significance of our actions and the value of life itself. He's able to express his emotions though art. Ethan Hawke's character grows responsible and matures as the film progresses. His conversations with Mason transcend from talking about the next Star Wars movie to understanding the purpose of life and living. Patricia Arquette is very very good as the mother obsessed with the idea of "fixing" her family through marriage (and she does marry men of all sorts). She grows up to realise that chasing the conventionality of society is a pipe dream and does not lead to a better life. On the contrary it's a burden to her and her children for the most part.
Life doesn't have to be perfect. It just needs to be lived.
The true genius of Boyhood is how it's able to juggle all these characters, in one go and still provide them depth, clarity and most importantly an identity.
At the end of the movie. Nicole asks Mason if he believes in the expression "seize the moment". Mason replies, "It's the moment that seizes you" and he's absolutely right.… Expand
13 of 25 users found this helpful1312
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2
indiefilmnycAug 12, 2014
It amazes me all the hype and praise for this movie, especially by critics and a lot of fans. I for one, just don't get it. Ok, I like some of Linklater's films and you can say, that Boyhood is unique in that it 'supposedly' captures a whiteIt amazes me all the hype and praise for this movie, especially by critics and a lot of fans. I for one, just don't get it. Ok, I like some of Linklater's films and you can say, that Boyhood is unique in that it 'supposedly' captures a white boy growing up over 12 years. But I'd take any other boy's story over this lame, lackluster ride for over 2hrs at that. Some nice cinematography and most of the acting is on point, but wtf is the story. Oh, thats right, a boy growing up!? And his dysfunctional family? sorry, this pales in comparison to real life for many outside this bubble. Forget all the hype and save your money and watch this when it hits cable or netflix. If you really want to see a story of a boy aging over time and life's impact, go watch the documentary, "American Promise." Here's another case in point, where you DON'T listen to these so called professional critics. What a bunch of baloney.… Expand
9 of 18 users found this helpful99
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10
phumberJul 19, 2014
I have a high tolerance of films where 'not much happens' (for example 'Lost in Translation' or 'The Class') and I like the previous Linklater films 'Before Sunrise' and particularly 'Before Sunset', so if those films leave you cold thenI have a high tolerance of films where 'not much happens' (for example 'Lost in Translation' or 'The Class') and I like the previous Linklater films 'Before Sunrise' and particularly 'Before Sunset', so if those films leave you cold then perhaps this isn't for you, and possibly this film will most appeal to parents whose children are now adults. That said: 'Boyhood' is now my new favourite film. This film allows you to see your own efforts at parenting through the eyes of the children Mason and Samantha who are virtually powerless as their parents make mistake after mistake and force changes upon them - moving state, moving school, moving adults in and out of their lives - the children just gamely get on with the changes in their lives as best they can. One of the film's many strengths is that the four central family members are all depicted as good decent people who are 'Just winging it' as Ethan Hawke says. This film is perhaps a work of art in that an entire fictitious childhood has been created and filmed for us to witness. And just like in a real life, a slight occurrence can be surprisingly moving: seeing your child in his graduation robes, or being acknowledged for 'just being there' and seeing the project of parenthood through. All of life is here, and all coming of age dramas will now struggle to shine in comparison.… Expand
9 of 18 users found this helpful99
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