About a Boy (2002)

Living off the royalties of his father's legacy, fashionable Londoner Will Lightman (Hugh Grant) is the epitome of shallow. His lifestyle affords him the opportunity of doing nothing. So Will spends his days searching for available women. Bored and alone, Will wonders if this is all life is. 15 year-old Marcus (Nicholas Hoult) is the son of a emotional, quirky, and suicide-prone Fiona (Toni Collette). A chance meeting develops into an odd and unexpected friendship for both boys as Will and Marcus learn life's lessons.

About A Boy is a surprisingly effectual dramedy. Hugh Grant is his charming self, but unlike his typical rom-com fare, About A Boy takes an unexpected and enjoyable turn that celebrates life and friendship. Grant does more than just look good; he imbues Will with a gradual transformation from emotionally stunted boy to maturing, responsible adult. Young Hoult plays a sad little kid nicely. Toni Collette plays her neglectful mother to a tee {annoyingly good}. Rachel Wiesz appears in a small, uncredited role.

About A Boy takes a 'it takes a village' approach to Marcus' story, but directors Chris and Paul Weitz allow the film to grow, almost organically, focusing on Marcus and Will's friendship. The sub-plots: Fiona, school-bullies, Will's shallow lifestyle, all become unnoticed in the course of the film.

Based on Nick Hornby's best-seller, this film could have been a lot of things. Fortunately, About A Boy is more than it should--which is lame. Instead you'll find a genuine story with surprising heart.