Review of The Boys Are Back (2009) by Luke H — 21 Jan 2014

This movie was a surprise to me (in a good way) as I'd never heard of it before and only bothered with it because I saw Clive Owen's name attached. I can't understand why this movie has gone under the wire though and remained so underrated as the performances are just fantastic, particularly from the boy playing Owens youngest son, Artie (Nicholas McAnulty).

He is amazing, acting like a real kid not a Hollywood version, complete with temper tantrums and utter brattiness that all parents will appreciate yet his grief is at times also absolutely heartbreaking.

Filmed in South Australia (and England) the scenery is beautiful and only adds to this honest and well portrayed story of a father trying to cope and carry on following the death of his wife, while raising his two sons in a nonconformist way.

This really is a story of fathers and sons as all the women have lesser roles. Despite the heavy content this still manages to have a few lighter comedic moments. Just a great heartfelt movie. 05.13.