Hugh Grant has seldom been able to hold his own as a film star. His best successes have been when he has paired up with others, like Julia Roberts on "Notting Hill." Here he pairs up with an adorable tween boy (between a child and a teenager), played by Nick Hoult.

The plot of "About a Boy" is revolutionary. It concerns a middle-aged "playboy" type being schooled in the meaning of life by a young boy. That these stories are never told by Hollywood goes to show how unique and bright the film is. It also lays much kudos at the feet of novelist Nick Hornsby for creating a story that is both a breath of fresh air and a thoughtful and honest fable. Anyone who was lucky enough to check out last year's equally unique "High Fidelity" will understand immediately how rewarding Hornsby's stories can be.

Hoult is a real find here. Able to evoke sympathy in even the most insipid moments (he's treated like a complete outsider by his classmates, which is ridiculous, as the film begins). Hoult's chemistry with Grant is more plausible and more interesting than any the star has managed to muster with a female leading lady. We grow to love and respect the bond between boy and man, and to understand just how important it is. For, if nothing else, the film proves that friendship and respect has little to do with age, gender or sociological background.

Writer/Directors Chris and Paul Weitz are good filmmakers because they understand the most basic yet most difficult genre there is to create, comedy ("American Pie"), and comedy is all about timing, as is directing. They understand set-up, execution and reaction. Their timing is perfect here even though this is much more a sweet, warm and fuzzy film rather than a comedy. Although there are a few humorous moments, the film is far more concerned with human emotion than hilarity.

Yes, it's hard to find anything at all to complain about with "About a Boy." It's a beautiful and sweet film. Grant was wise to opt for a warm and fuzzy right now. And the Weitz brothers prove that they're just as adept at making us smile and laugh as they are at making us bust a gut.

Note:

Also with Toni Collette and Rachael Weisz.

Score by pop band Badly Drawn Boy.

Report Card Script: A+ Acting: A+ Cinematography\Lighting: A+ Special Effects\Make Up: A+ Music: A+ Final Grade: A+

And Help Support Filethirteen! Get Your "About a Boy" Stuff... Search: All Products Books Popular Music Classical Music Video DVD Toys & Games Baby Computer & Video Games Electronics Software Tools & Hardware Outdoor Living Kitchen & Housewares Camera & Photo Wireless Phones Keywords: