BoyActors - Reviews/Ratings by Cinefan

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Reviews by Cinefan

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285 reviews/ratings - 15 pages (20 reviews/ratings per page)

Little Lord Fauntleroy (1995)

An excellent version of Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic story. Michael Benz is outstanding as the young lord and Truan Munro puts in a good performance as his American shoeshine friend, Dick. A TV series can always dramatise a book in more depth than a movie. The character of Fauntleroy is, therefore, more demanding on a young actor but Benz rises to the occasion with aplomb. Apparently in the horse riding scene with George Baker, Benz's horse bolted and was only stopped by George galloping after it!

A wonderful production by the BBC and a worthy addition to any boy film shelf.

My Movie Rating:

9 / 10

Little Lord Fauntleroy (1936)

Freddie Bartholomew was born to act the part of Little Lord Fauntleroy. He does so in this film with posh voiced aplomb. A host of wonderful supporting actors make this version a fine vintage example.

My Movie Rating:

7 / 10

Little Manhattan (2005)

This is one of those boy movies that never really caught on with me. The usual story of cutesy kids falling in love and a boy whose whole life seems to revolve around this girl. Josh Hutcherson looks too young to be completely taken up with such things and, anyway, boys his age have more boyish problems to worry about. Like getting run over in Manhattan or having his scooter pinched. Josh Hutcherson was also a rare boy actor inasmuch as he wasn't particularly good looking being a rather chubby plain-jane. Of far greater beauty but unjustly relegated to a minor role was Anthony Laflamme who played his karate opponent, Tim Staples. Here was an example of gross casting injustice when Laflamme should have had the main part then the girl would have had REAL boy beauty to send her little heart a-fluttering.

My Movie Rating:

6 / 10

The Little Prince (1974)

A mediocre film with outrageous singing by Richard Kiley who is not helped by the poor songs in the first place. However, Steven Warner gives an enchanting performance as the Little Prince. The DVD, though not recommended for the devotee of the boy actor's shelf, also lacks any extras. It's main importance is the fact it seems to be the only boy film that Steven Warner starred in.

My Movie Rating:

5 / 10

Little Shit (2018)

A quite sad short with some nicely filmed scenes. Badger Skelton (who calls a boy Badger?) is very good in his part as a disadvantaged boy with sick mother and bullying brother.

My Movie Rating:

6 / 10

The Little Vampire (2000)

A kiddie vampire movie with a difference - this time the vampires are the goodies. Rollo Weeks is good as the posh voiced boy vampire. Slightly stilted acting however takes the edge off the film. Some good comedy moments but nothing outstanding.

My Movie Rating:

6 / 10

The Littlest Angel (1969)

One of those films with just about plausible props but easily forgettable song numbers. However, a cute performance from Johnny Whitaker in his natty shepherd outfit.

My Movie Rating:

4 / 10

Local Boys (2002)

Anything with Jeremy Sumpter in it is worth watching - mainly for Jeremy - the best looking boy actor to date! Here, his acting abilities come to the fore as he plays Skeet, a child with a nervous disorder. The film is pure Americana but rises above the usual teen effort. Nice to see his mom didn't mind him making friends with a strange man! Plenty of sand, sun and surfing.

My Movie Rating:

7 / 10

Lockie Leonard (2007)

An absolute hoot with all the embarrassment and pains of growing up performed marvellously by Sean Keenan who is excellent as Lockie Leonard. Corey McKernan as his younger brother, Philip, offers great support, too. Nicely filmed and wonderfully showing off the great Australian outdoors of sea and surf. Good series that keeps to a high standard.

My Movie Rating:

8 / 10

The Long Days of Summer (1980)

Surprised this movie has not received any reviews to date. To me, this film is most notable for its boxing scene between Ronnie Scribner and David Baron. One of the best choreographed boxing matches I've seen on screen with both boy actors looking quite attractive, in their own way, in their neat shorts.

My Movie Rating:

6 / 10

Lord of the Flies (1963)

One of the classic boy films made with a bunch of ordinary British schoolboys who, apparently, had a great time making it. Tom Chapin as Jack is and looks good as the leader of the hunters. A proper little fascist against whom Ralph (James Aubrey)is a well meaning wimp.

It is a matter of debate whether schoolboys, left to their own devices, would deteriorate to the level shown in the film. Golding has been criticised for painting too gloomy a picture of what would happen to children in those circumstances.

My Movie Rating:

8 / 10

Lord of the Flies (1990)

A reasonable attempt at this story but not as good as the 60s original. Having the boys as military cadets was okay BUT the plot is greatly weakened by having an adult, albeit injured, among their party. Also the 'monster' is unnecessarily altered from the original dead airman whose parachute flaps in the wind and frightens the boys. Chris Furrh is, and indeed looks, great in the part of Jack, leader of the violent hunters. Interesting, though sad to note, is the absence of any nudity which was present in the original.

My Movie Rating:

6 / 10

Lost in Space (1965-1968)

This was one of the few memorable boy TV shows featuring as it did the wonderful talent of young Billy Mumy. Coupled with the over-the-top performance from Jonathan Harris as Dr Smith and not forgetting the robot, they almost carried the show between the three of them. The rest of the characters were pretty staid by comparison and reduced to little more than cyphers. It would seem Will's parents shouldn't have let their son anywhere near Dr Smith being the cowardly, selfish character he represented. But this unusual combination only proved to be the essence of the series without which it would have got nowhere.

The imaginative props look dated now but that takes nothing away from the high standard of entertainment provided. A real TV classic.

My Movie Rating:

8 / 10

Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)

I am unable to give this film a high rating as it isn't really a BOY film more an adult action movie. The action is good and the first time I viewed this film I wasn't sure of Emil Minty's actual gender. He did marvellous as the little kid but, unfortunately, there were no extras or interviews with the DVD. Therefore, as the film is mainly adult material I have given five stars for Emil's performance.

My Movie Rating:

5 / 10

Magic Kid (1993)

I am surprised two of my compatriots only gave this film 4 and 5 stars. I found my DVD of it (the cover of mine not being quite so eye-catching as the one illustrated) on a market stall for a pound. I thought this was one of those boy film gems you come across only rarely. Ted Jan Roberts is outstanding as Kevin, the Ninja boy and someone who obviously got the part through his knowledge of the martial arts. I am also surprised it took until August 27th 2011 for this film to be added to the BA list.

It is competently directed by Joseph Merhi. Stephen Furst is good in his part as Kevin's bumbling uncle. Ted Roberts is an attractive boy (in the dark haired Italian fashion) and has a marvellous American boy accent. The plot is pretty standard but is well acted throughout with plenty of comical characters. An uncle who owes money to the local Mafia who, in turn, are portrayed as bungling gangsters.

Members might be interested to know that there was a sequel 'Magic Kid 2' directed by Stephen Furst but, I would agree, it wasn't anywhere near as good.

My Movie Rating:

6 / 10

The Magnet (1950)

One of those rare British boy films that came out in the fifties and is typical of the time. A pleasant boyhood adventure even showing scenes of the now long gone famous Liverpool elevated railway.

My Movie Rating:

6 / 10

Mail to the Chief (2000)

Another of those boy meets President movies though nowhere nearly as good as 'First Kid' with Brock Pierce.

My Movie Rating:

5 / 10

The Man Without a Face (1993)

Obviously a film that is a must on any boy film collector's shelf. The subject matter dealing with love between a man and a boy is controversial enough for a start. I wonder what made the book's author, Isabelle Holland, actually decide to write on such a subject. Apparently, in the book, the teacher does have sex with the boy but, of course, such 'shocking' things could not appear in a nice Hollywood movie.

Great acting from Nick Stahl who possibly was worthy of a BA Oscar nomination for his performance. The build up of the relationship is well handled by Mel Gibson, the director.

My Movie Rating:

8 / 10

Manny's Orphans (1978)

Just watched the football match on YouTube so cannot really score this film so I've given it a neutral 5. Interesting to see the boys in 1978, nearly all of them far better looking than today's boys, wearing neat shorts and, of course, the usual script where the winning goal comes in the last second.

My Movie Rating:

5 / 10

Martian Child (2007)

A good film with wonderful acting from a very young Bobby Coleman. Although improbable, you always have the sneaking question whether David is a Martian child or not? Some interesting extras on the DVD, too.

My Movie Rating:

8 / 10

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