A simple slice of life...who's hungry?

24 May 2010

When I saw the title 'The Boys Are Back' I envisioned something adventurous going down LA-style but after doing some research it was pretty clear that this was going to be a little more subtle and sentimental than a group of guys doing something drastic.

This movie didn't really appeal to me, not because it was the opposite of what I expected but more because it didn't hit home.

Set in Australia, Joe (Clive Owen) becomes a single parent in tragic circumstances. After the loss of his second wife Katy (Laura Fraser), he needs to fulfil his parental duties to their six year old son Artie (Nicholos McAnulty) who is only in want of his mother.

As a sports writer Joe is away a lot on assignments and now under the circumstances he needs to form a relationship with Artie other than the occasional 'Santa Clause comes bearing gifts' that he's become familiar with after a trip.

Meanwhile, Joe's eldest son Harry (George MacKay) from his first wife is coping with difficulties at home in London with his mother's pregnancy and her new boyfriend moving in. Harry feels trapped in their situation and is forced to make contact with his long-lost father (Joe) as a means of an escape when he decides to come to Australia for a while.

Joe tries to bring the boys back and do his duty as a father by making the most of it.

It's plain and tasteless and delivers the truth. Not many will appreciate its simplicity and lack of Hollywood appeal.