The Boys

What a Movie...this movie was impacting, and left a sour taste in my mouth. Brett Sprague was an extremely nasty piece of works. David Wenham brought the character of Brett to life so brilliantly. I was in fear of this character, and what was the most frightening aspect was that this character felt real... not a "Freddy Kruger" type of unbelievable scary character, but a TRUE nightmare... there are people like Brett out there in the world, and that was what was so frightening for me. This movie had a tremendous sense of fear and danger throughout. Every performance was outstanding, especially those of David Wenham, Toni Collette and Lynette Curran. The women in the film sensed the imminent danger, but the brothers were just hopelessly and dangerously in awe of their brother, Brett. This is Australian film making at its best, and I would like to commend our film industry with taking risks, and encouraging our artists to continue to make wonderfully original and creative films. Congratulations to all concerned.

You don't often see acting like this in movies. It puts the academy awards into perspective. So said Roger Ebert in his review in Once Were Warriors. And the same applies here. David Wenham is simply jaw droppingly good in his portrayal of an unhinged, resentful and cold hearted man who sets out on a mission, intentional or not, to drive away anyone even remotely close to him. He has nothing but calculated cruelty in his words and his actions, only wanting to drop everyone to a lower level than him and give him power. Power that masks his deep insecurity and self loathing. It is simply the best acting performance I have seen in an Australian movie. Every supporting character is equally as engaging, especially John Polson as his clueless brother. Funny how a small movie mainly set in one house and based on a stage play stays with you far longer than a big budget Hollywood pic. Sometimes all you need is interesting characters and a strong script to make its mark. You will be glued to the screen from start to finish.

The filmmakers of "The Boys" get so deep inside the blamings and self pity of humanity's monsters, you could almost miss the culpability of the ineffectual women who enable them to grow up into walking catastrophes. The events of this film, set off by the first day of parole for angry young headcase Brett Sprague, lead to a decision so horribly wrong-headed and repellent, that a suspended moment of nothing but a black screen is one of the most excruciating pregnant pauses in the history of films. Up to this point, there's a kitchen sink drama like almost no other (Gary Oldman's "Nil By Mouth" a close cousin, but not nearly as upsetting) and lacerating performances by the cast and crew - The sound designer gets a deserved opening credit.

It appears that this movie was well appreciated in Australia, but had an abortion of a release here in the US. Now that it's on video, it's one of the best lost gems you're likely to score this year.

This movie is not entertainment and should be approached with caution. That said, it is a powerful insight into how a certain strata of society lives. You see the boredom and hopelessness and the effect it has on the individual and the family.

The strength of the movie lies in the control and stillness of the main character. This is not a man you want to meet, let alone upset.

This is acting at its best! Although confrontational, "The Boys" serves as a reminder that society is made up of many characters including those less than endearing in "The Boys". Brilliant ensemble acting including a stand out performance by David Wenham gives this movie the edge above the normal urban society story.