About a Boy (NBC) -- S: Walton, Driver -- From the creator of Parenthood
02-22-14, 10:23 PM
#1
DVD Talk God
Thread Starter
About a Boy (NBC) -- S: Walton, Driver -- From the creator of Parenthood
Based on the best-selling Nick Hornby ("High Fidelity," "An Education") novel, writer Jason Katims ("Friday Night Lights," "Parenthood") and director Jon Favreau ("Iron Man," "Revolution") present a different kind of coming-of-age story. Will Freeman (David Walton, "Bent," "Perfect Couples") lives a charmed existence as the ultimate man-child. After writing a hit song, he was granted a life of free time, free love and freedom from financial woes. He's single, unemployed and loving it. So imagine his surprise when Fiona (Minnie Driver, "Good Will Hunting," "Barney's Version"), a needy single mom and her oddly charming 11-year-old son, Marcus (Benjamin Stockham, "1600 Penn"), move in next door and disrupt his perfect world. When Marcus begins dropping by his home unannounced, Will's not so sure about being a kid's new best friend, until, of course, Will discovers that women find single dads irresistible. That changes everything and a deal is struck: Marcus will pretend to be Will's son and, in return, Marcus is allowed to chill at Will's house. Before he realizes it, Will starts to enjoy the visits and even finds himself looking out for the kid. In fact, this newfound friendship may very well teach him a thing or two that he never imagined possible - about himself and caring for others. Writer Jason Katims, director Jon Favreau, Tim Bevan ("Les Misérables," "About a Boy"), Eric Fellner ("Les Misérables," "About a Boy"), Liza Chasin ("Les Misérables," "About a Boy"), Robert De Niro ("About a Boy," "Meet the Parents") and Jane Rosenthal ("About a Boy," "Meet the Parents") serve as executive producers. "About a Boy" is a production of Universal Television, Working Title Television, True Jack Productions and Tribeca Productions.
PRINCIPAL CAST INFORMATION:
ˇ Al Madrigal as Andy
ˇ Annie Mumolo as Laurie
ˇ Benjamin Stockham as Marcus
ˇ David Walton as Will
ˇ Minnie Driver as Fiona
RECURRING/PREVIOUS CAST INFORMATION:
ˇ Anjelah N. Johnson-Reyes as Laurie (Original Pilot)
CREW INFORMATION:
ˇ Eric Fellner as EP
ˇ Jane Rosenthal as EP
ˇ Jason Katims as CRTR/EP
ˇ Jon Favreau as EP/DIR (Pilot)
ˇ Liza Chasin as EP
ˇ Robert De Niro as EP
ˇ Tim Bevan as EP
Premieres tonight on NBC at 11:05pm ET/PT
Moves to Tuesdays at 9pm starting this Tuesday
Last edited by DJariya; 02-22-14 at 10:28 PM.
02-22-14, 11:24 PM
#2
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: About a Boy (NBC) -- S: Walton, Driver -- From the creator of Parenthood
I thought the end concert went entirely too well. He just needed to save it from being a disaster. I also disagreed with having Will write the successful song. It meant he had at least done something with his life. I think it's better if he's leaching off something his dad did.
I guess Leslie Bigg is supposed to be playing an amalgam of Susie and Rachel. Of course, she wasn't in the principal cast so who knows what kind of role she'll play even if the show is successful enough to stay on the air more than a few weeks.
Still, Hornby's story is still there so the show has potential.
I guess Leslie Bigg is supposed to be playing an amalgam of Susie and Rachel. Of course, she wasn't in the principal cast so who knows what kind of role she'll play even if the show is successful enough to stay on the air more than a few weeks.
Still, Hornby's story is still there so the show has potential.
02-23-14, 08:08 AM
#4
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: About a Boy (NBC) -- S: Walton, Driver -- From the creator of Parenthood
I'd like to know how long it's been since a network show had it's premiere on a Saturday. I'm thinking it's been at least 15 years.
02-23-14, 11:36 AM
#5
Suspended
Re: About a Boy (NBC) -- S: Walton, Driver -- From the creator of Parenthood
I liked it enough to watch it through the Season.
Who was that blonde? Damn.
Who was that blonde? Damn.
02-23-14, 11:41 AM
#6
DVD Talk Limited Edition
02-23-14, 01:03 PM
#7
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: About a Boy (NBC) -- S: Walton, Driver -- From the creator of Parenthood
No kidding, this guy has more pilots than Delta Airlines. But then again, they dumped the premiere on a Saturday night, 5 minutes after prime time ended even. I guess it's Olympics related, but still very odd. Like somebody at NBC wanted to prove no one would watch.
02-23-14, 01:07 PM
#8
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: About a Boy (NBC) -- S: Walton, Driver -- From the creator of Parenthood
It got a 2.2 in demos after the Olympics. Tonight, they will air growing up Fisher after the closing ceremonies. About a boy is being moved after the Voice so it will be given the best shot to succeed. I just don't understand why he is being given shot after failed shot when he plays the same role each time.
02-23-14, 01:47 PM
#9
Suspended
Re: About a Boy (NBC) -- S: Walton, Driver -- From the creator of Parenthood
He has a million fucking lives.
02-23-14, 01:55 PM
#11
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Re: About a Boy (NBC) -- S: Walton, Driver -- From the creator of Parenthood
Not bad. Just watched it online, and was surprised that it was a 30 minute show. I was expecting a 1hr (not sure why).
I enjoyed it. I'll set the dvr, and see how it goes.
I enjoyed it. I'll set the dvr, and see how it goes.
02-23-14, 01:59 PM
#12
Suspended
Re: About a Boy (NBC) -- S: Walton, Driver -- From the creator of Parenthood
Well, it was technically a book first.
At lets not forget, Katim's other shows based on old movies/books have been staples for a while now on NBC (Friday Night Lights, Parenthood). They know what they are getting into and so far, it's worked out well for them
I'd much prefer that over 'original' shit like Super Fun Night and Mixology. Or to dig deeper into NBCs schedule, Whitney.
At lets not forget, Katim's other shows based on old movies/books have been staples for a while now on NBC (Friday Night Lights, Parenthood). They know what they are getting into and so far, it's worked out well for them
I'd much prefer that over 'original' shit like Super Fun Night and Mixology. Or to dig deeper into NBCs schedule, Whitney.
02-23-14, 02:02 PM
#13
Suspended
02-23-14, 03:30 PM
#14
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: About a Boy (NBC) -- S: Walton, Driver -- From the creator of Parenthood
I know NBC didn't really give it a chance, but I actually liked Bent. I thought it had potential. It also had a pretty good supporting cast.
02-23-14, 03:52 PM
#15
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: About a Boy (NBC) -- S: Walton, Driver -- From the creator of Parenthood
This was actually the first thing I recall seeing this actor in, and I thought he worked in it quite well - even if he did remind me of a cross between the two young male lead characters on The Crazy Ones. Who knows, maybe this will end up being the right vehicle for him?
My wife and I both liked this pilot, so we'll be tuning in for the show.
02-23-14, 11:49 PM
#17
DVD Talk Legend
Re: About a Boy (NBC) -- S: Walton, Driver -- From the creator of Parenthood
What kind of schooL is it that let's people throw objects at kids on stage during a school talent show.
02-24-14, 08:25 AM
#20
DVD Talk Legend
Re: About a Boy (NBC) -- S: Walton, Driver -- From the creator of Parenthood
I enjoyed this... although I've never seen the movie so I'm going in fresh. It's not ground-breaking or anything but it's certainly better than any of the other new NBC comedies I sampled this season (most of which are already cancelled).
02-24-14, 09:31 AM
#21
Suspended
Re: About a Boy (NBC) -- S: Walton, Driver -- From the creator of Parenthood
My wife loved the pilot (as did I, wouldn't miss a Katim's show) and have never seen the movie so we watched it yesterday.
Pretty terrible, IMO. I had seen it years ago but it just didn't hold up very well. I can see how they shrink 90 minutes down to 22 (tossing many of the subplots and the extra women), but I very much enjoy the TV show adaption. Maybe it's just my distaste for Toni Collete and Hugh Grant (what happened to him?).
Pretty terrible, IMO. I had seen it years ago but it just didn't hold up very well. I can see how they shrink 90 minutes down to 22 (tossing many of the subplots and the extra women), but I very much enjoy the TV show adaption. Maybe it's just my distaste for Toni Collete and Hugh Grant (what happened to him?).
02-24-14, 10:17 AM
#22
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Agreed. I don't know what it is, but I don't like this guy at all.
02-24-14, 05:56 PM
#23
DVD Talk Special Edition
02-25-14, 02:25 AM
#24
DVD Talk God
Thread Starter
Re: About a Boy (NBC) -- S: Walton, Driver -- From the creator of Parenthood
You know I wasn't expecting much from this as I'm not a fan of David Walton. But I am a fan of Jason Katims, the writer and producer of this show, and his writing made this work.
Had a lot of charm and I enjoyed Will's relationship with the kid and how he helped him out at the school concert. This felt more like a comedy drama like Parenthood, so it felt odd ending after 22 minutes.
Interesting that this show is also in the same universe as Parenthood since Walton recently guest starred on it recently as Will. I know Dax Shepherd is supposed to guest star here as Crosby in a future episode.
I'm in for the season.
Had a lot of charm and I enjoyed Will's relationship with the kid and how he helped him out at the school concert. This felt more like a comedy drama like Parenthood, so it felt odd ending after 22 minutes.
Interesting that this show is also in the same universe as Parenthood since Walton recently guest starred on it recently as Will. I know Dax Shepherd is supposed to guest star here as Crosby in a future episode.
I'm in for the season.
02-25-14, 11:05 AM
#25
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: About a Boy (NBC) -- S: Walton, Driver -- From the creator of Parenthood
You know I wasn't expecting much from this as I'm not a fan of David Walton. But I am a fan of Jason Katims, the writer and producer of this show, and his writing made this work.
Had a lot of charm and I enjoyed Will's relationship with the kid and how he helped him out at the school concert. This felt more like a comedy drama like Parenthood, so it felt odd ending after 22 minutes.
Interesting that this show is also in the same universe as Parenthood since Walton recently guest starred on it recently as Will. I know Dax Shepherd is supposed to guest star here as Crosby in a future episode.
I'm in for the season.
Had a lot of charm and I enjoyed Will's relationship with the kid and how he helped him out at the school concert. This felt more like a comedy drama like Parenthood, so it felt odd ending after 22 minutes.
Interesting that this show is also in the same universe as Parenthood since Walton recently guest starred on it recently as Will. I know Dax Shepherd is supposed to guest star here as Crosby in a future episode.
I'm in for the season.
I definitely got the dramedy vibe from this, and found it extremely similar to the feel of Parenthood, and Friday Night Lights, which is a good thing. I didn't mind that it ended at 22 minutes, but I did want to see more. If the next few episodes are like this, I'm in for a season.