Yeah I know I'm a little late to the party. I was bad about hitting the movies in 2014 so I'm catching up by watching all the Best Picture nominees.
Loved it. Loved every second of it. It hit so close to home for me. Even though Mason's upbringing was different from mine I felt like I could relate to it on so many levels (especially the growing up around Houston part). The ups, the downs, the relationship with his sister, relationship with his mom, the troubles with his stepfathers, first girlfriend, the conversations with teenage guys about getting laid and being stupid, going off to college, rebelling as a youth. I challenge any male who grew up in Texas to say they didn't relate to something about the movie. Yes, I teared up after it was over. I thought it was a truly magnificent story and I'm a little sad some people didn't see the beauty in it.
The main criticisms I've heard of the movie are that it's dull and there isn't really a resolution. But I think that's the point- it isn't some glamorous Hollywood story with a noble protagonist and an intense conflict, climax, and resolution. It's about life and growing up. The ups and downs you go through from childhood through adolescence and how those experiences shape the person you become.
SPOILER ALERT- when it ended, after that scene at Big Bend, my first thought was "that's it?" But after letting the movie sink in a little, I loved how it ended. That last comment about how the moment seizes us, I found to be really beautiful and a great way to sum up the entire film.
The movie also made me remember how much I love and miss Texas. I've always loved Linklater and I'd go as far as to say this is his best.
I don't know if Boyhood deserved Best Picture but I think all the praise it's gotten is pretty warranted.
Loved it. Loved every second of it. It hit so close to home for me. Even though Mason's upbringing was different from mine I felt like I could relate to it on so many levels (especially the growing up around Houston part). The ups, the downs, the relationship with his sister, relationship with his mom, the troubles with his stepfathers, first girlfriend, the conversations with teenage guys about getting laid and being stupid, going off to college, rebelling as a youth. I challenge any male who grew up in Texas to say they didn't relate to something about the movie. Yes, I teared up after it was over. I thought it was a truly magnificent story and I'm a little sad some people didn't see the beauty in it.
The main criticisms I've heard of the movie are that it's dull and there isn't really a resolution. But I think that's the point- it isn't some glamorous Hollywood story with a noble protagonist and an intense conflict, climax, and resolution. It's about life and growing up. The ups and downs you go through from childhood through adolescence and how those experiences shape the person you become.
SPOILER ALERT- when it ended, after that scene at Big Bend, my first thought was "that's it?" But after letting the movie sink in a little, I loved how it ended. That last comment about how the moment seizes us, I found to be really beautiful and a great way to sum up the entire film.
The movie also made me remember how much I love and miss Texas. I've always loved Linklater and I'd go as far as to say this is his best.
I don't know if Boyhood deserved Best Picture but I think all the praise it's gotten is pretty warranted.