Honey Boy (2019)
Stars: Shia LaBeouf, Lucas Hedges, Noah Jupe
Runtime: 94 minutes
Synopsis: A young actor's stormy childhood and early adult years as he struggles to reconcile with his father and deal with his mental health.
Performances: 9/10
Screenplay: 7/10
Editing: 6/10
Cinematography: 6/10
Score/Soundtrack: 7/10
Verdict: Shia LaBeouf's life has been a rollercoaster filled with controversial moments. His talent is undeniable, but his reputation was stained with each outing of his, whether it was by attending a red carpet event with a bag on his head or the multiple arrests he's been subjected to. It wasn't until very recently that he was diagnosed with PTSD while in a rehabilitation center, and while there, he decided to write a screenplay centered around the cause of his trauma: his father.
"Honey Boy" is the nickname his dad, a modest rodeo clown, gave him as a child in between auditions and acting gigs. But their relationship was everything but sweet. Complicated doesn't even begin to start describing the liaison he shared with him, and its depiction is by far the most interesting aspect of a film in which Noah Jupe as a fictitious young version of LaBeouf and LaBeouf himself as his father absolutely shine. Their performance and chemistry was believable and genuine, and that is thanks to a solid script in which my only real issue was the time jumps between past and present. I never felt the weight of the scenes taking place in current times, and thought that they were unnecessary within the context of the story and far less interesting than the depiction of the actor's difficult childhood. Another thing that could've benefited from some improvement was the film's personality, which admittedly was a little lacking.
"Honey Boy" remains despite these minor flaws a film that will resonate with many people, me included. It's a movie that doesn't take many unnecessary detours and dives straight into the main subject, which in my opinion was fascinating to see unfold. It's as good as therapy can get, and we have Shia LaBeouf at the height of his power to thank for the session.
"Honey Boy" is the nickname his dad, a modest rodeo clown, gave him as a child in between auditions and acting gigs. But their relationship was everything but sweet. Complicated doesn't even begin to start describing the liaison he shared with him, and its depiction is by far the most interesting aspect of a film in which Noah Jupe as a fictitious young version of LaBeouf and LaBeouf himself as his father absolutely shine. Their performance and chemistry was believable and genuine, and that is thanks to a solid script in which my only real issue was the time jumps between past and present. I never felt the weight of the scenes taking place in current times, and thought that they were unnecessary within the context of the story and far less interesting than the depiction of the actor's difficult childhood. Another thing that could've benefited from some improvement was the film's personality, which admittedly was a little lacking.
"Honey Boy" remains despite these minor flaws a film that will resonate with many people, me included. It's a movie that doesn't take many unnecessary detours and dives straight into the main subject, which in my opinion was fascinating to see unfold. It's as good as therapy can get, and we have Shia LaBeouf at the height of his power to thank for the session.
FINAL GRADE: 7/10
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