Boyhood

The summer is usually a time for big-budget, less than intelligent spectacles at the local multiplex. But every so often a truly unique gem comes along. Boyhood is that movie. An extraordinary film about a boy from age 6-18. However, the director, Richard Linklatter (Before Midnight, Bernie), didn't use multiple actors for the part;  he used one actor (Ellar Coltrane) and shot the film over the next 12 years. Also starring Ethan Hawke (frequently in Linklatter films) as Mason's dad and Patricia Arquette as his mom. Although it would have been easy for Linklatter to show a variety of events (like 9-11) to indicate the date in the film, Linklatter used less obvious pop culture references to help reference the time period. I can't say enough about this film. I loved it. Clocks in at 2 hours, 45 min. but I thought it flew by. Definitely one of the best of the year; maybe more than that.

4.3 out of 5