A Mystery Thriller that is both bizarre and disturbing
C. Clay | St Paul Minnesota | 06/06/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is not my first choice when selecting a movie and I honestly purchased it because it was a super deal and on the cover it featured (heartthrob) Ryan Phillipe (more famous for his roles in the "I Know What You Did Last Summer" series and "54"). This is an unusual and troubling film. The story is set in modern day rural Texas. It follows the very dysfunctional lives of the West family. Mom & Dad own and operate a small town bar. The family history is deep and haunting and the movie leaves you in shadows as you try to piece together this emotional drama. If I told you too many secrets, it would take away from the suspense and surprise of the movie. I will say it is quite violent and/or sexual at times and it does not end on a happy "Brady Bunch" style note. The story and acting is good, but the plot and suspense is excellent. Hence I rated the film a 4. It won several awards at smaller film festivals. Although I have not seen "American Beauty" yet, I am thinking "Little Boy Blue" is somewhat similar in it's dysfunction, only "American Beauty" had more money to throw at the film. Isn't Hollywood great? "Little Boy Blue" also stars Nastassja Kinski and features 2 fine young actors playing the part of Jimmy's (Ryan Phillipe) siblings. What is most disturbing about this movie, is that it could be based on a true story of dysfunction in America."
Phillippe's breakthrough
Ryan Meyer | Des Moines, IA | 08/06/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not to downplay the greatness of this film, as it truly is an amazing (though disturbing) movie, but I felt a short review on Phillipe's performance was in order.Ryan Phillipe is most popularly known as the heartthrob character from I Know What You Did Last Summer, 54, and especially Cruel Intentions. When watching this movie I was particularly impressed by Phillipe as I feel this is his break-through role. Many of the characters he plays express similiar emotions and demeanor, but this one is far far different. If you have doubted Phillipe's acting talent at any time, this is a movie to see."
A powerful and compelling underrated movie
retrowens | Alabama, USA | 12/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Little Boy Blue" is one of the most powerful and compelling movies I've watched in awhile. True family history slowly unfolds between a Vietnam vet (John Savage) and his wife and three sons. The movie starts out slow with what seems like a typical family that has some problems. However, as the movie goes on, Jimmy West (Ryan Phillippe) starts to wonder about his father and himself, and the relation between the two. Something just seems suspicious and he has some questions that need to be answered.Again, "Little Boy Blue" starts out slow, but when the plot starts to really show itself, the movie turns into one of the most powerful and thought provoking movies ever made. It slowly gives hints of what will solve the mystery and it really propels "Little Boy Blue" into being a disturbing, yet intriguing suspense drama. If you like powerful movies about family drama, I definitely recommend getting "Little Boy Blue." It's one of the best movies of its kind in every way."
Incredible. Why haven't others heard of it?!
retrowens | 08/10/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Whoa! Who is this Michael Boston guy? What an incredible writer! Sure, Ryan Phillipee is so watchable but geez, why don't we see him in more films like this? A great film!LBB will go down like "Badlands", "The Last Picture Show", "Blue Velvet" and if this film finds an audience someday, "American History X"."Little Boy Blue" entrances you from the get-go. I'm so glad I came across it at the video store!! (Ryan's picture on the cover helped), but damn... I mean, damn... what a story! I now have a new appreciation for little indie films. "Little Boy Blue" is da bomb! It is so cool as a film student to be inspired, which is rare, but this film did it for me.Rent it, I strongly suggest. You'll want to rent it again... like I did!I hope Boston and Phillippe get together again!Oh, those kids were adorable, too!!!"
A Well Crafted Movie
Matt Hall | Saratoga, California, USA | 03/16/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This movie is not for those looking for a light hearted movie. This movie pierces your heart over and over again. It makes you angry. I was furious, deeply saddened, and at times scared.This movie brings up emotions. This movie allows you to connect with the characters and feel like you know them deeply while they are discovering a haunting past.It's a slow start, so I can only give it four stars. But, it's worth the wait.This is the first Ryan Phillippe movie I've seen where he breaks out of his general type-cast part (arrogant and manipulative -Cruel Intentions, Godford Park) and gave a truly inspiring performance."