Boyhood - A-

Rated R, 164 minutes

"Boyhood" a fascinating, remarkable journey from Linklater

"Boyhood" is an engaging, affecting and superbly acted and directed story of a young boy as he transitions from boy to man. Directed and written by Richard Linklater ("Before Midnight"), it's a fascinating character study that draws you in early on, to the point you won't feel is 2 hour, 45 minute running time. The film tells a story of a divorced couple, Mason (Ethan Hawke) and Olivia (Patricia Arquette), raising their young son, Mason Jr (Ellar Coltrane). The story follows the boy for twelve years, from first grade at age 6 through twelfth grade at age 18, and examines his relationship with his parents as he grows up. "Boyhood" is a superbly drawn character study that has garnered attention for it's highly unconventional method of filmmaking; Linklater shot the film a few days a year for 12 years straight (it was originally known as "12 Years" until "12 Years a Slave" came along last year), to show the boy's progression from small boy to the early stages of manhood. Newcomer Coltrane ("Fast Food Nation"), whose only acted in a handful of films, grounds the film in one of the year's best, most believably moving performances seen by a young actor in some time. It helps tremendously that the veteran Linklater handles his story with care - his thoughtful direction and writing is among the best he's done, which is saying a lot from the director and writer of the "Before"  movies and classics like "Dazed and Confused." The Texas-set and shot film (if you live in or near Houston some of it may be familiar to you) is like an interesting stroll through memory lane, touching on some of the more memorable aspects of the childhood, both good and bad, particularly the failed romantic relationships of his Mom and the instability of his Dad, in touching performances from both Arquette and Hawke, not to mention his sister Sam, played with warmth by Linklater's real daughter, Lorelai. "Boyhood" is a remarkable journey for sure, in one of the most touching, unsentimental and believable journey's you will see. If you're the action-movie type, then "Boyhood" most likely won't be for you, especially the length. But it's also Oscar-worthy and hopefully will play into the awards for this year, particularly for Linklater's masterful direction and writing, and all the stellar performances. Put this one on your must-see list.

Wes's Grade: A-