Emotional has been an overused adjective in trailers for motion pictures coming to theatres.  But, as a description for The  Boys Are Back, it’s the perfect choice.   The film, inspired by a true story, is touching and inspirational.  Settle back with your favorite person(s), plop the DVD into your player and enjoy a memorable film.  Oh, you may want to set out a box of tissues, as this drama is a tearjerker.

Joe Warr (Clive Owen) is a popular sportswriter who is at the top of his game, and a dedicated family man.  One night while enjoying a party with his wife, she collapses, leading to her untimely death.  Distraught over the loss of his devoted wife, and suddenly thrust into the role of single parent, Joe finds himself unprepared to take on the challenge.  With his six year-old  rambunctious son Artie, Joe tries to pull everything together, juggling the challenges of a demanding job, running a household and dealing with the unknown.  When Joe invites his estranged teenage son for a visit, his life takes on another challenge.

This performance by Clive Owen stands up there with his best ever.  The consummate actor fills the role, providing some magical moments that inspires and entertains.  I liked the bathroom scene where Joe throws out all the rules and implements a new order within the household.  His co-stars are very good too, and that is probably why the film works. 

Direction by Scott Hicks is top-shelf, getting excellent performances from the whole cast, some cool wide shots of the locales, touching close-ups during poignant scenes, and using an imaginative hand with Allan Cubitt’s emotional script.

Bonus features are few, but good.  I enjoyed The Boys Are Back: A Photographic Journey and A father and Two Sons, On Set. 

The DVD is rated PG 13 for some sexual language and thematic elements, so be adult-minded when having immature youngsters watch the film.

FINAL ANALYSIS:  An emotional film with memorable performances.

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