[HPFGU-Movie] December Boys Review (spoilers!)

[Valerie Flowe]

I went to see December Boys today and wanted to share my thoughts. 
Don't want to spoil it for those of you who haven't seen it yet, so...
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SPOILER SPACE
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First of all, I am very surprised that it is only playing in ONE 
theatre in all of the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Sheesh! I had 
to go all the way into DC (I live in the suburbs). I'm trying to figure 
out who they are marketing this film to (not that I've seen much 
marketing!). If they are hoping to cash in on Dan Radcliffe's fame, 
then playing it downtown DC where very few teen girls live, was not a 
good choice. In fact there were only adults in the theatre...hmmm.

I found December Boys to be a sweet, quiet little film. By that I mean 
that it doesn't have the special effects, exploding sets and the 
fantasy, such as our dear Harry Potter films. Very true-to-life 
situations and emotions: [wanting to belong, wanting to be loved, 
coming of age by learning some of life's harsh lessons: [sometimes you 
have to take a crappy job to survive; sometimes people get cancer; 
sometimes love and sex can be misconstrued.]
The relationship between the 4 December Boys is endearing. Each of them 
have their own personalities; I found Maps (Dan Rad.) and Misty's 
characters the most developed. In fact one critique that I read was 
that the movie couldn't decide whether it wanted to be about Misty's 
longings to be adopted, or Maps' sexual coming of age. Though I know 
plenty of movies that have simultaneous plots, so I don't think that's 
very relevant.
Dan is beautiful (another critic said he looked like he dropped out of 
a GQ magazine, or something to that effect.) Those large soulful eyes 
just really make him stand out against the crowd. He is prettier than 
the girl IMO, LOL!!!) I found myself not liking her as she is a bit of 
a loose floozy, just getting her kicks with Maps, whereas he is 
completely smitten with her. I adore his little giggle when she says 
she'll 'teach him'. He is waaayyy out of his league with this naughty 
young lady! The 'deflowering' scene is implied without being graphic.
Some scenes seem a bit forced (like when Dan was yelling at the 
motorcycle guy, or when the crazy ole fisherman was dancing around.) 
But overall I thought the actors do their characters credit.
I don't imagine December Boys will win any awards or break any box 
offices, but it is a compelling and emotional story.
It will be interesting to see what sort of film Daniel takes on after 
the HP series is finished. I wonder if he has a career plan, or if he 
will take it as it comes? Not sure if this film will do anything 
substantial for his career, other than to show that he can act without 
the glasses and wand! In actuality the Maps character is quite similar 
to Harry Potter;  insecure, hesitant, melancholic. And very unlike Dan 
(from what I read), who is happy, curious and vivacious.
I think Equus did wonders for his career, though of course, being on 
stage, the masses of humanity did not get to experience it. (I do hope 
it comes to Broadway with him!!) I look forward to watching his 
continued development.
Valerie