Hornby Adaptation Hits DVD

Following their crudely entertaining "American Pie" and awful "Down to Earth," the Weitz Brothers surprise with a solid adaptation of Nick Hornby's novel, "About a Boy." \nNot only did they make the normally stammering British nancy boy, Hugh Grant, likable, they made one of the most touching, funny and subtle films of last year. Many missed "About a Boy," as it was released amid the dual hype juggernauts, "Spider-Man" and "Attack of the Clones," but now that the flick's available on DVD, it's well worth giving a spin.\nGrant stars as Will Lightman, a shallow, horny and jobless cad whose life revolves around accruing really "cool" material possessions, watching cheesy game shows, avoiding responsibility and attempting to get laid. In his latest attempt to scam skirt, Will invents an imaginary son, which makes him all the more attractive to needy/sexy single moms. During one of his liaisons, Will meets Marcus (Nicholas Hoult), an awkward yet good-natured 12-year-old boy with problems at both home and school. Eventually, the two forge an unusual friendship. Will teaches Marcus how to be cool, and in return, Marcus shows Will that it's never too late to grow up. Trite as this sounds, it's not.\nWhile "About a Boy" is an impressive film, the DVD is nothing to write home about. The commentary by Chris and Paul Weitz is informative and occasionally funny, but would have benefited from Grant's presence. The deleted scenes were rightfully excised, adding little aside from a few mildly humorous throwaway lines. The best special features are a pair of music videos by Badly Drawn Boy (who scored the flick). The clips are oddly funny, musically sound and serve as warped extensions to the movie.\n"About a Boy" is worth purchase or rental solely for the film itself. Much of this can be attributed to the soulful work of child actor Hoult and to Grant's hilarious and ultimately charming performance as a lazy lothario. Not quite up to snuff with "High Fidelity" (also based on a Hornby book), but good nonetheless.