Boy A (2008) - 3½ Stars

A pretty intense movie about the life of a young boy found guilty of the unthinkable crime of murder, at age 10. He found comfort with his best and only friend Phillip, as he never felt any love from home as a child. His father was abusive and his mother, quite the hypochondriac, the parents never shared in their child's daily struggles of life. When a young girl is found murdered, Phillip and this young boy are on trial for murder. Phillip is found hanged in his home, labeled a suicide while this "Boy A" is sentenced to do his time in juvenile prison.

His caseworker Terry (Peter Mullan) is there to help this young man fit back into society and in this case, also change his identity as here are still people who would like to see him dead. He sees the good in "Boy A" and is eager to give him a second chance on life with a new name and image, job and a place to live. Jack (Andrew Garfield) once released from prison, is having trouble fitting into society as he is shy and doesn't easily strike up a conversation. Mainly because he doesn't know how to act anymore after being locked away for so long. He does bond with a fellow co-worker named Chris (Shaun Evans) and even meets a girl Michelle (Katie Lyons), where he works. As his relationships develops with her, he is eager to share everything from his past with her, but he can't. He feels as if he is deceiving her by not telling her everything about his past. It's the first time Jack has ever had someone tell him they love him. As his feelings grow for Michelle, he asks Terry to allow him to tell the truth about his past. But Terry enforces in him the need to keep quiet for his own safety.

One day when Chris and Jack are out making a delivery, they come cross a car that has been sent down the mountains side after an accident. Jack scrambles down the mountain side to help. He and Chris save a young girl who was trapped in a car seat and knocked into unconsciousness. Though they are unable to save her mother, the driver, the young men are labeled heroes and their picture plastered in the local newspapers as well as on T.V.. Even though Jack, no longer looks like the photos of Boy A, it is quickly realized by all and Jack becomes aware that no matter what, his past is going to be impossible to escape.

The Weinstein Company
Director: John Crowley
Writer: Mark O'Rowe
Producers: Lynn Horsford, Tally Garner, Nick Marston

I viewed 12/08