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The Boys Are Back DVD Review

Clive Owen makes the flawed “The Boys Are Back” worth watching.

Grades:

Content: B

Picture: A

Audio: A-

Extras: B

The plot: After he loses his wife to cancer, Joe must try and juggle his new life as a single father and a sportswriter. To make matters more complicated, Joe must also try and bond with his teen son (from his first marriage) whom he hardly knows. Will Joe be able to mature and grow up and become a father to his sons? The film is based on a true story.

While the story is a touching character study in its own right, “The Boys Are Back” succeeds primarily because of actor Clive Owen. Owen is one of those actors who can do any role. Whether he’s in an action movie (“Shoot ‘EmUp”), a sci-fi film (“Children Of Men”) or a drama like ‘Boys,’ he’s convincing in everything he does. You really buy his character as he struggles to connect with his sons and come to terms with the loss of his wife. It’s a powerful performance and it carries the movie.

On the downside, the movie does have a few issues. For one, there are far too many music montages here. Nothing takes me out of a movie more than sentimental music montages and ‘Boys’ goes overboard with them. Additionally, I think the movie could have used some editing. Clocking in at 104 minutes, the movie is a bit sluggish. The writer tends to beat you over the head with ideas and themes which is unnecessary as the themes of the story are apparent early on.

Summary: If you are in the mood for a good drama, “The Boys Are Back” is worth a watch. It’s not perfect by any means, but it’s a touching story.

The 2.35:1 widescreen picture quality is worthy of praise. The cinematography in this movie is gorgeous and the DVD does it justice.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track is perfectly fine. This isn’t a very audio heavy movie so not much is required from the DD track here.

February 4, 2010 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 1 | Clive Owen, The Boys Are Back DVD Review