Boyhood

The best film of the summer – no kidding

Guardians of the Galaxy was the movie of the summer and The Fault In Our Stars was the nice surprise of the summer, but the best movie of the summer was one that took 12 summers to make.

Richard Linklater shot Boyhood over a dozen years to tell the story of a Texas kid named Mason (Ellar Coltrane) through multiple moments in his life. Unlike any movie I’ve seen, Mason (ages 6-18) grows up in front of the audience — as do his parents (Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke).

I became so interested in this family that I wished it kept going past the indulgent two hour and 45 minute running time.

Last summer, Linklater impressed many critics with Before Midnight — but not me. Everything I hated about that films' impressive but too-talky dialogue, casual pacing and its commentary of people growing in different paths, is exactly what works so well here. Bravo.

Simply put: One of the best movies of the year. Plan to slink into the chair for 3 hours.

Award potential: Despite its summer release date, it’s still on the short list for Best Director and Best Picture. Patricia Arquette is a serious contender for a nomination and perhaps a win in the Best Supporting Actress Category. Ethan Hawke’s spot will be harder to secure, but he’s fantastic in this film too.

The ten buck review: Worth ten bucks.