The Boys Are Back (12a)
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Scott Hicks, after the unpleasant belch of foodie-flick No Reservations, is here back on the life-affirming carousel he first rode with Shine.
It stars Clive Owen as Joe Warr, a sportswriter for an Australian newspaper who's left to raise his young son after the death of his wife from cancer. His laissez-faire approach to parenting and domesticity turns the house into a sty and eventually runs into trouble when the older son (George MacKay) from his first marriage comes out to stay. It's based on a memoir by The Independent journalist Simon Carr, though you'd never guess it, because nothing of that writer's wit or elegance has been allowed to colour the mawkish, self- approving tone of the adaptation by Allan Cubitt. The film has a situation but no drama, cutting between Joe's sublimated grief and a slightly nauseating sentimentality about kids and the "crazy" things they say.
Owen's voiceover is a cringeworthy accompaniment on the film's heavily signposted road to redemptive hugs and Joe's tentative romance with a divorcee. Bereavement is a valid starting-point, but this really gives the healing process a bad name.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments