neumu [ cinematronic ]




	About A Boy
	Paul and Chris Weitz Hugh Grant, Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, Rachel Weisz 2002		Paul and Chris Weitz fully atoned for making the labored Chris Rock vehicle "Down to Earth" by bringing us a model interpretation of British author Nick Hornby's wry, sensitive novel "About a Boy." They're Yanks, but the Weitz Brothers — the writing/directing team that gleefully sliced into fame with the randy teen sex comedy "American Pie" — seem to have been in tune with the London setting of "About a Boy." What's more, they brought an unexpectedly light touch to Hornby's story of a well-off layabout who figures it's easier to bed single mothers because they're grateful to date anyone willing to tolerate their kids. Ideal casting didn't hurt. Hugh Grant is perfect as Will, a self-absorbed man on the make until Marcus, 12-year-old misfit son of a hippie mom, comes into his life. Toni Collette is touching as Marcus's troubled mother; Rachel Weisz is a dream as the woman who may make Will straighten up his life; but the key to the film is newcomer Nicholas Hoult, an unaffected treasure as Marcus.