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

[Charlotte Roberts]

>From: Valerie Flowe <valerie.flowe at verizon.net>
>Reply-To: HPFGU-Movie at yahoogroups.com
>To: HPFGU-Movie at yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Re: [HPFGU-Movie] December Boys Review (spoilers!)
>Date: Sat, 22 Sep 2007 23:57:52 -0400
>
>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.
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>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

Thanks for sharing that, Valerie.  So far still no theatres in Canada are 
playing December Boys, not even in Toronto (I live right outside there).  
:''(  I'm kinda distraught that the movie industry is doing this to me... I 
feel deceived that I don't get to see this!  And I agree that they're making 
big mistakes not opening it in places where teenagers are more likely to see 
it.  :-P  I had to read your comments even though there were spoilers, 
seeing as it's the closest I've been to seeing it so far.
Charlotte