Hicks's directing style is straightforward and unfussy - a description you could apply to this big-hearted film as a whole.
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
As the film grapples with the tension between the ideals of parenthood and the realities, the script fumbles some key moments.
If The Boys Are Back takes some emotional shortcuts, it still manages to convey some of the more mystifying aspects of parenthood.
Owen, not chasing Julia Roberts or anyone else for a change, is pleasant enough making this 100-minute argument for unconventional parenting.
A classy, intelligent, low-key affair and a fine reminder of what's really essential to most lives: family.
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