Many movies come and go, striving to be a big hit, entertaining us as they go along. Some movies fail miserably, some remain in the middle, and then some make it. The movie About A Boy, starring Hugh Grant, falls into the category of making it. The plot is generic: bad guy turned good guy, and nerdy kid finally fits in, but this generic “chick-flick” plot line is intertwined with clever humor allowing the movie to be more entertaining. About A Boy fulfills the requirements of a good comedy: abnormal characters, as shown through style and fashion, character development, humorous language, as well as the all-important entertaining plot.
The heart of the movie is Will, a never employed 38 year-old bachelor. Will is proud to be “an island” without any attachments and enjoys his lifestyle. He comes up with a clever idea to meet single mothers through a support group, SPAT. His plan is inevitably faltered, and he becomes entwined with a young boy, Marcus, whose mother is hit by depression. Marcus seeks attention from Will daily, tearing into his “busy” schedule. However, Will and Marcus ultimately develop a relationship that helps both of them to learn important life lessons. Marcus begins to f

Marcus style is a bit dishambled, which contributes to his battle for acceptance from his peers. His hair is cut with a uni-bang extending far from the usual boy cut. His dress looks thrown together. In the scene at the park, he has on a cardigan with a bright rainbow on it. (Definitely not “cool”) His outlook on life is very mature for his age although he does not fully understand adult relationships. He discovers that “two is not enough, you need three” when his mother attempts suicide; he then tries to set his mother up with Will, an unpopular union. He develops a crush on the “bad girl” at school, whose dress and style single her out as well. He begins to listen a popular band, as supplied by Will. “Shake You’re A**” by Mystical becomes his first chance to talk to his crush and adds comic relief.

About A Boy is an entertaining comedy that includes a fresh approach on an old plot. The comedic value is shown throughout the movie by use of the characters, as well as an intertwining comedic/dramatic plot. The movie fulfils most of the requirements of a good comedy and serves as a good example of a good comedy.

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