Bubble Boy (El chico de la burbuja)

well, NOT really. The mom is what made this movie very funny. Her character was great, especially with all the not so nice things she did and said, but then in the next sentence she would praise Jesus. I also got a kick out of all the weird characters bubble boy meets on his trip to Niagra Falls.

This movie was so much better than a lot of other comedies. I guess all the controversy over the fact this movie makes fun of people who really live in bubbles is what killed it at the theater. If I'd known this was actually worth watching, I would have seen it a lot sooner.

FINAL VERDICT: Remember this is a comedy. Don't take it so seriously. This movie is silly; it is not trying to be offensive. Just take it for what it is worth and you will laugh and have a good time. This is definitely worth the 90 minutes it takes to watch it.

In a mother's (Swoose Kurtz) attempt to keep her little boy Jimmy (Jake Gyllenhaal), she convinces him that he needs to live in a bubble to protect him from germs, and "little girls". Well, it was inevitable that he should grow up. His favorite girl Chloe (Marley Shelton) is running off with another man and this will burst Jimmy's bubble.

Slapstick's moronic attempts at humor mask this hero's journey through space-time. He learns more about himself as he encounters many new religions and cultures. All encounters are intertwined with each other in some fashion and there are no loose ends. It fits the formula well with a timeline and a direction to a goal that not even the hero is aware of.

When I rented it, I was expecting to be disappointed. What a shock! An awesome film with a delightfully goofy plot. I did not find it offensive in any reagrd. In fact, I disagree with those who have called the film "stupid" or "dumb" or void of any real social commentary. In a nutshell, Almost everyone Jimmy encounters on his adventure is trapped in their own self imposed bubble. Truth is, we all find ways to insulate ourselves from the world, and impose "Bubbles" to convince ourselves of non-existent limitations that prevent us from being and doing what we want. The film's irony and beauty lies in the fact that while Jimmy's bubble is the most obvious, he is the free-est character in the film. He refuses to accept the limitations of his bubble, and will follow his heart no matter what the cost. How many of us can look in the mirror and say the same about ourselves? Well worth the cost of rental. One of the least recognized film jewels of the century so far.

Bubble Boy has all the makings of a disposable comedy, something you'd expect to see on cable and maybe (what the hell) give it a shot. And that's how it gets ya. The film has an outsized heart, the story of an immuno-compromised kid that defies his station in life and goes on a quest for the girl of his dreams. Along the way, we're met with some of the funniest supporting characters the early aughts had to offer. I was ready to dismiss this movie at first glance but I'm relieved I didn't. It's a blast.

I am definitely NOT the target audience for "Bubble Boy"...a film definitely aimed at the 16-21 year-old age bracket. I'm in my 50s and the reason I decided to see this was one thing...Jake Gyllenhaal. I've seen many of his films and really admire him as an actor and risk-taker. So, I decided to see the film even though I assumed I wouldn't like it. And, it turns out I liked it more than I thought. However, I should warn you...the film IS often offensive (especially when it comes to BROAD stereotypes of various religions) AND it's pretty dopey at times.

Gyllenhaal plays Jimmy, also known by many as 'Bubble Boy'. This is because he was born with no natural immunities and spent his entire life in a sealed environment....and he finally decides to construct a bubble-type device so he can leave. Why does he want to leave his home? Because he's in love with the girl next door....but she's going to Niagara Falls to marry some jerk. Along the way Bubble Boy meets lots of assorted oddball characters...most of which are pretty charming.

This film isn't much of a showcase for Gyllenhaal's talents, though he seemed to put his heart into the film and smiled throughout. But it's not among his better work, as it lacks depth and is just a dopey and occasionally offensive teen/young adult movie.