Movieo
Poster for The Boys Are Back

The Boys Are Back

Inspired by a true story.

2009 · 1h 44m · PG-13 Drama
Directed by Scott Hicks

Seen it?

Overview

When the wife of sports-writer Joe Warr dies of cancer, he takes on the responsibility of raising their 6-year-old son, and his teenage son from a previous marriage. As Joe rejects the counsel of his mother-in-law and other parents, he develops his own philosophies on parenting.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
73%
Tomatometer
Fresh

Hicks's directing style is straightforward and unfussy - a description you could apply to this big-hearted film as a whole.

Dave Calhoun, Time Out
Rotten

As the film grapples with the tension between the ideals of parenthood and the realities, the script fumbles some key moments.

Ruth Hessey, MovieTime, ABC Radio National
Fresh

If The Boys Are Back takes some emotional shortcuts, it still manages to convey some of the more mystifying aspects of parenthood.

Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic
Fresh

Owen, not chasing Julia Roberts or anyone else for a change, is pleasant enough making this 100-minute argument for unconventional parenting.

Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
Fresh

A classy, intelligent, low-key affair and a fine reminder of what's really essential to most lives: family.

Tom Long, Detroit News

Comments

Talk about the film with other members

More films