DVD Reviews: The Boys Are Back

The Boys Are Back

There are so few truly heartwarming movies today, that it’s a joy to be able to say that The Boys Are Back is a film that really touched me. With it’s superb cast lead by Clve Owen who finds himself a single parent after the death of his wife, this story of love, parenthood and a life turned upside down with fill you with emotion and lift your spirits.

Based on the true story of sportswriter Joe Warr (played by Owen) and mostly set on Australia’s breathtaking south coast, this movie that could have been ordinary – is extraordinarily striking. Arte (Nicholas McAnulty) as the six year old son with a zest for life and the energy of a dozen boys makes Joe’s job just that much more “interesting.” When Joe brings his estranged son (George MacKay) from a previous marriage to live with them this new family becomes a challenge. Joe’s parenting skills are a bit, well…unorthodox, making for some wild moments.

A potential romance is thrown into the mix, when the mother of one of Arte’s school friends takes a liking to Joe. With typical familial problems, this film could have been a yawner. Fortunately, the outstanding acting as well as director Scott Hicks’ impeccable eye have created a movie that’s Oscar worthy.

Make sure that you have a FRESH box of tissues nearby when watching The Boys Are Back.


Bonus Features – 

• The Boys Are Back: A Photographic Journey – OMG. This bonus feature left me speechless, with tears streaming down my face. The montage of inspiring photos taken from the film and set, along with director Scott Hicks commentary made me feel like I was a part of it. This is the most amazing bonus feature that I think I’ve ever screened and it did justice to the film that it represents.
•  A Father and His Two Sons On Set – Simon Carr and his two sons, on whom this movie is based visit the set. The interaction between real life and characters in a movie are caught meshing together, especially between the now grown sons and the actors who play them on screen. 

Review by Broad “Z”  – Zippy

The Boys Are Back is available for purchase from Amazon.com for $19.99 or from retailers nationwide.

Thank you to Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment for providing a copy for our review. We were not paid for the content and all opinions are strictly our own.