Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-26 00:29:33

You'll love it!

'This Boy's Life' is, said one critic is, "The best coming-of-age movie since 'Stand By Me' (another great movie), and he is right. The film clearly tells the story of a boy growing up in the '60's with his single mother, and they're just trying to get by. Life is hard for them, obviously. So Toby "Jack" (performed brilliantly by Leonardo DiCaprio) promises himself he'll do good in school, "make straight-arrow friends", and "keep his nose clean". Then comes Dewight. As soon as Dewight joins the family, Toby begins to rebel. He makes friends that he has a habit of smoking, cursing, and talking bad with. His grades slip and he is constantly getting in trouble. He hates his life and can't seem to settle down. If this sounds like just another drama about some kid to you, well, it's not. You just have to watch the picture to see. The dvd isn't in the greatest shape (the picture is a little fuzzy and the only extras are the trailer and a brief filmography for some of the people involved in the movie) so I would suggest catching it on tv sometime. Overall, I would give it four stars. A must-see movie!

2012-05-25 14:05:26

True Dramatized Story

I was quite sad after finishing the book "This Boy's Life" because it was such a well written book about times past and innocence lost. I rushed to rent the movie from Blockbusters and was quite disappointed. Many details were missing and some were overly dramatized, such as the scene of the wedding night between Dwight and Toby's mother. Call me old timer, if you want, but I thought it was unnecessary to be so graphic since the book certainly didn't give the details of sodomy, although I should have expected it in Hollywood productions.The book was far better. I don't suppose movies can quite capture the details of a book, perhaps only its essence. I must say the movie captures the essense well.Also, it was listed as a True Story in the beginning of the movie. It should have been called True Dramatized Story instead.

2012-05-17 07:21:12

Stark but hopeful

I just happened to catch this film on HBO one evening and was stunned at how good it turned out to be. While I appreciate some of the remarks of earlier reviewers, I don't believe that films and books should be evaluated against the same criteria, so I am more forgiving of the bedroom scene in the film. For me, the bedroom scene between Dwight and Toby's mother serves a purpose -- to show just how much of a crude, repressed guy Dwight really is, not to mention calculating, since his bedroom behavior is about 180 degrees away from the uber-gentleman he purported to be when he was courting the mother.In any case, the main interest of the film for me lies in the role of Toby as played by DiCaprio. I was never much impressed with him in Titantic and his other hits. He was adequate, but in my view much overrated. Here, however, his talent is much clearer to me, especially in the way he convinces me to believe that Toby is actually a good person, despite his behavior.But the main strength of the film is Tobias Wolff's story line. For much of the film, there is an inexorable feeling of Toby marching to his ultimate doom, not unlike one of those novels of the Victorians like Thomas Hardy. There is a sense that, no matter what he ever does, Toby is destined to become a desperate adult, trapped in Concrete and probably slowly drinking himself to death after his shift is over at the local factory. The fact that Toby gets himself out of Concrete and away from his step-father, not to mention also saves his mother, is deeply hopeful. Even though the notes at the end of the film say that he was eventually expelled from the Hill School, it's clear that he went on to make something quite impressive of himself, and that he did so in spite of all of the nasty stuff that went on during his formative years. This makes me want to recommend the film to all teens, especially boys, who feel helpless and trapped right now, as well as to the adults who care for them. Wolff's story says that no matter how difficult our circumstances, and no matter how many blunders our caregivers make, each individual still has the opportunity to shape his/her life. We are not destined for anything that we don't want for ourselves, provided we are willing to push back and fight for ourselves.Finally, as a foster parent I found this film hopeful because it shows me that well-meaning adults like Toby's mother (and me!) may make mistakes, but that a child's failure is not completely determined by our decisions. And that's a degree of comfort for those of us who are trying hard and worry about whether we're doing the right thing.

xxcowtowngurl1xx 2012-05-17 01:56:30

I laughed and cried!

I mean i loved the actors that were in it and i love the familyproblems because it showed a very dysfunctional family because most ofthe time family's are shown as happy and getting along with minorfights and arguments. But this movie made me laugh and cry and i don'tcry easily trust me. Every actor seemed to give it all and seemed toreally care about what they were doing. it dealt with issues peoplemight not want to talk about or might not want to face in todays world.Many scenes seemed to match everything and seemed to effect a lot ofpeoples reactions. I seemed to like the movie and i was reallysurprised because I'm not a big dramatic and crying type films. butthis film seems to be a film that everyone could enjoy and watchtogether.

John Mankin 2012-05-12 00:10:27

Life With Stepdaddy Dearest

One of the hallmarks of becoming a mature adult is being able to forgiveyour parents (or others) involved in your upbringing for their mistakes,either real or imagined, and getting on with your life. I haven't read theautobiographical book upon which this ostensibly "true story" was based, butjudging from the movie version of "This Boy's Life" (**1/2), Tobias Wolff'smemoir could have been subtitled "Getting Even with Stepdaddy Dearest." Atleast the film is honest enough to admit that young Toby is well on his wayto reform school when "Dwight" marries his clueless, footloose mother andtakes them into his home, even though he already has three other children,two of them teenagers. (These kids remain shadowy figures in thebackground.) Confined to Wolff's point of view, the film misses severalopportunities to present the stepfather as something other than just a mean,tyrannical buffoon. (What is his relationship with his other children? What happened to their mother?) The boy's friendship with the lonely gayboy in town is presented idealistically, although one can assume that Dwightwould have hit the roof if he had learned of it, and we never find out howToby simultaneously maintains his status with his straight buddies in thelocal juvenile delinquent's club. In short, too much of what happens inthis movie is simply unbelievable as presented. One might at least giveDwight some credit for motivating Toby to make something of himself (he doesput him in the boy scouts), but Wolff is reluctant to cut his formerstepfather any slack at all. Apparently, he still hates him as much now ashe did when he was a teenager. Time hasn't mellowed his perspective at all. DeNiro can do little but fall back on previous villain performances in thisone-dimensional role. As for young De Caprio he has always been good atplaying sullen little smart-asses.

skin-and-bones 2012-05-11 16:27:34

His Life Is Definitely Not One That's To Be Envied!

Compelling and well-acted film (based on the best-selling memoirs ofliterature professor Tobias Wolf) that tells the tragic true story of areckless and emotionally distant young man (played by a surprisinglywith-it Leonard DiCaprio) who's constantly shuttled from one home toanother due to his flighty and irresponsible mother's (played by EllenBurstyn) unstable relationship's with men. This of course ultimatelyleads her to marry her second husband Dwight...the step-father fromhell! A cruel, callous, jealous, childish, cranky and worst of allphysically abusive man Dwight (played by a seriously wicked RobertDeniro) makes it his business to keep DiCaprio's and Burstyn'scharacter's lives hell-on-earth as they are both made into virtualslaves to his every sadistic whim! A tight, realistic script and veryemotionally raw performances from all three leads do an absolutelysuperb job here of showing the immense toll that abuse (both of thephysical and emotional sorts) can take on a person over a period oftime, and in particular for DiCaprio himself I'd say that this isprobably his best and not to mention one of his very few watchable andbelievable performances to date. (****1/2 out of *****)

Brian Whitaker 2012-05-10 01:33:13

One of the best

This movie is one of the best I have ever seen. Deniro plays his part VERY GOOD. Anyone who hasn't seen this movie should go buy it right now. It is definetly worthy of owning. I can't say enough about it.

2012-05-09 16:55:22

Greatest Deniro movie EVER

This movie is by far the most entertaining movie I have ever seen. The acting is brilliant. Deniro is not known for comedy, but this is his greatest role, it is hilarious. I still tell my kid if he ever does anything bad "kill or cure" every time my wife makes me dinner I complain "This is all I get for dinner." If I ever get mad at my wife I call her a "Liar and a Whore." I tell my coworkers "I know a thing or two about a thing or two." If you want great lines, awesome acting, and one of the most charming entertaining movies ever watch this movie.

Boyo-2 2012-05-06 02:32:03

Leo's movie

The title got it right. This is Leonardo's movie through and through. Youcan't wait for him to get away from his ineffectual Mother and hisStepfather. Not many young actors could hold their own with DeNiro, butLeonardo succeeds beautifully. See this movie if you still have any doubtsabout his acting ability; for once, the 12-year-old girls got it right byanointing him the actor of this generation.

2012-05-05 14:37:22

Do Yourself A Favor: Read the Book.

This is one of those cases where the book is WAY better than the movie. The graphic gratuitous sex scenes are not in the book, and as Tobias Wolff himself has wondered, since signing over the rights, and I'm paraphrasing, "This is a story which is seen through a kid's eyes; How would the kid have known what was going on inside his Mother's bedroom?" It looks like the movie makers just wanted to throw in some gratuitous T & A garbage.Another thing: in the book, Dwight, the father, is abusive, yes; however, he is also so pitiful and bumpkinesque that he evokes as much laughter as he does villification. In the movie, Dwight is a 2-dimension stereotypical alcoholic abuser and that's all.Read the book.

2012-05-03 23:49:51

A+++++Film, Great Story & Actors,

This review is from: This Boy's Life (DVD) This is one film that is superior to the book, although I like the book, too. Robert DeNiro is perfect as the very crude, sometimes funny, but mostly mean step-father. That he can play diverse roles with such conviction is amazing. Saint or sinner, he is always believable. The film captures the late 50's era and the precarious situation of a savvy, wily and very witty teen boy and his divorced & striving working mom realistically...and their journey to what the mother thinks will be a better life. There are both frightening and hilarious incidents...also, much courage and bravery. Ellen Barkin and Leonardo DeCaprio are excellent...so true and believable in their roles. I was rooting for them all the way. The movie led me to read the book, which then led me to read another book by the author's older brother, who went to live with the father rather than the mother and his harrowing experiences. This film should be seen by all troubled teens..I also see it as a warning to women with children who find themselves with an abusive partner. My only criticism is the implication that anyone who stays in a small town like Concrete and works in a factory or with their hands is a loser (not everyone can become a writer/teacher)...the important thing is that one can eventually escape and free oneself from a bad homelife or situation and not let it or other set backs ruin one's future or whole life.

gina d 2012-05-03 20:53:40

An Okay Movie

This movie is based on a memoir by Tobias Wolff.It is about his life, growing up with his mom, who always had abusive boyfriends. Whoever wrote the script did not capture the complexity of the story. It was over- exagerated how Dwight would beat up Toby (Jack) at the mere sight of him. In the book Dwight is a very complex person. Don't get me wrong Robert De Niro did a fine job acting.There are some good aspects of the movie like when Toby is in the street by himself watching men pass by and pretending their his dad.But I think that a lot of important things were taken out.Such as the house being painted white or Kenneth coming to Chinook(Concrete). Overall it is an okay movie.

2012-05-03 18:46:38

Real. Absolutely REAL.

I have always liked Leonardo DiCaprio. I think that his portrayal in the television show 'Growing Pains' was very heartfelt and brought a lot of depth to the show. Since the time that he first started there, I began to fall more and more deeply in love with his acting ability and his talent. There are, however, few of his movies until recently (Gangs of New York) that I could say I really enjoyed. This was one of those few. I tend to carry a copy of this movie around with me now in the hopes that I'll find a video player, that is how intense my feelings are for this particular movie. I have also read Tobias Wolff's autobiography on which this movie was based, and I have got to say that the movie outshines even the book! A rare thing indeed!Never have I seen better acting than that which is performed by DiCaprio and De Niro in this particular movie. They are a stunning team, work brilliantly together, and truly bring the effect of the relationship between Jack (Tobias) and his step-father home to the audience. If this movie doesn't make you cry, nothing will! The film industry needs to put out more movies like this more regularly. Nothing can compare to a great movie with a lot of heart that shows, ultimately *reality*. "This Boy's Life" does just that where many, many others have failed. Brilliant acting by DiCaprio, De Niro and Barkin and outstanding directing make this one to own and to treasure.

2012-05-03 08:50:54

this boys life..hits it on the head...period

this movie is what the abuse of the '50's and '60's was. mr. deniro is perfect..just like my stepdad was!! the somewhat rebel attitude of the boy is so good it brought tears to my eyes. i also was a surviver of that era when it seemed all was o-k. the acting and writing portrays the "real deal" of the truth of a subculture that ran amook in that era and puts it on film like no other movie i have ever seen!! PLEASE...see this film!!!! thank you tobias for telling this story and to all who made this sad but truthful movie come to life. l. stiebeling..michigan maramp@earthlink.net

vicky 2012-04-29 05:12:03

heart warming

This is a great truelife story with main characters played by leonardo dicaprio and robert de niro . Great portrayal of a life not top have. it has a very good and happy ending. Mnay other great actors are in this movie. this is a comedy as well as a family film and sum scenes will make you crack up.

2012-04-28 10:55:05

GREAT MOVIE !!!

My only regret is that the producers of this DVD did not made any extra features! I would really liked to see some "behind the scene" features about this excellent movie!

Jamie 2012-04-27 04:51:00

This Boy's Life was disturbing

A very good movie brought on by good actors but very disturbing to watcheven again. I won't watch it again. I think what made this one a winneraside from the acting is in the story telling. It's based on a true story ofthe lead guy played by DeCaprio. I was impressed with him and especially inGilbert Grape. I think for his age at the time he carried his role well toplay a kid tormented by a truly disturbed and oh so abusive step fatherplayed far too well by DeNiro. I hope DeNiro doesn't share the qualities ofhis character in real life. He did a good job and that's what a good movieis all about. Movies that imitate real life along with good acting producesgood reviews and ticket sales to me. But like I said, I'm not dying to seeit again.

ayboday 2012-04-26 12:01:59

An excellent movie with great performances by both leads

The movie revolves around a period of time in Tobias Wolffsupbringing.Tobias' mother marries another single parent in concrete asa way to escape her financial troubles raising a lone son on her own.Iwill not get into details but heres what I thought of the movie:Deniros character is easy to despise.The kind where you would punchthrough the screen if it was possible.This was the first pre-Titanicmovie I saw for Dicaprio and he really convinced me he did not get inthe profession based solely on his looks.He gave a very empassionedperformance. The overall theme of the movie was "Escape".Find a way outof the current living situation in any way possible.Tobias fakes hisschool transcripts and it all comes down to the interview with the prepschool representative who comes to concrete to interview him.Tobias isin a suit with his hair gelled and sitting in the local icecream shoppewith his interviewer discussing his future.Suddenly two of his friendswalk in and one of them is talking about a sexual encounter he had inlewd terms.I was on the edge of my seat figuratively speaking as Tobiasalso stopped talking and was apparently uncomfortable.They pass withoutrecognize him and we all breathe a sigh of relief.On his way out afterthe swell interview,guess who shows up.Noneother than Dwight! He startscalling Tobias a know-it-all and wouldn't you know it that onlyenhanced Tobias' image in the eyes of the interviewer as the enviedoppressed wonderkid. It ended with Tobias and his mom taking theopportunity to leave when it arose with Caroline going to Washington totake a position in the Kennedy campaign and Tobias going to prepschool.It was that simple of an ending but overall I was really drawninto the movie and was satisfied.

2012-04-26 19:02:15

One of the best movies of the 90's

This is a great movie. See it; rent it... get your hands on it somehow. You'll laugh, you'll cry. It's great, I tell you.

2012-04-26 01:52:32

A GREAT MOVIE! DE NIRO & DICAPRIO EXCELLENT CAST!

This review is from: This Boy's Life (DVD) I have seen this movie many times on cable and to my knowledge it was unedited. I watched the DVD for the first time and noticed that some scenes seems a bit longer and some I did not remember. There is no mention od added scenes on the package or on the disc. I either don't remember these scenes or the cable version was very slightly edited. Anyway, This is a really engrossing film with De Niro playing a real wack job!(like he never did it before!) Dicaprio is impressive in what I think is his first picture! The whole cast is excellent in this based on a true story film. It is an easy movie to get into and it moves along at a good pace. The DVD transfer looks great with very little extras on the disc. The movie is worth it alone.