It’s time for a wonderful film from 2000 starring Michael Douglas and Tobey Maguire. This is my Wonder Boys blu-ray review, it released on blu-ray back in November 2020 but unfortunately not in the UK meaning this yet another imported version I’m reviewing.
- Wonder Boys (2000)
- Import
- Genre: Comedy
- Directed by Curtis Hanson
- UK Rating N/A
- Discs: 1
- Released By Paramount
- Blu-ray Released: 24 November 2020
Plot
Professor Grady Tripp (Michael Douglas) is struggling to produce a follow up to his highly successful first book. His publisher wants to see the first draft but Grady can’t stop adding to it largely due to his use of drugs. In his daytime job he teaches students how to write. Those students include James Leer (Tobey Maguire) a talented but dark writer and the highly attractive Hannah Green (Katie Holmes). Both seem to be more than a little obsessed with Grady.
Style / Direction
Wonder Boys (2000) was directed by Curtis Hanson with Dante Spinottihandling the cinematography. The film is based on the novel Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon. The film succeeds largely because of its wacky and wonderful humour.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is comes from Christopher Young.
Acting / Characters
Michael Douglas and Tobey Maguire make a rather odd couple. Douglas plays Professor Grady Tripp an author that had success with his first book and is now long overdue with his follow up. Meanwhile Tobey Maguire takes on the role of student James Leer who attends Professor Tripp’s class and is himself a talented writer. The film centres on these two characters and they both produce outstanding performances.
The supporting cast is similarly excellent and well chosen with Robert Downey Jr. playing Crabtree, Grady’s publisher. He’s completely off the wall and highly entertaining. Then there’s Frances McDormand as Chancellor Sara Gaskell who also happens to be having an affair with Grady.
There’s also a strong performance by Katie Holmes as Hannah Green another of Grady’s students. In short there’s not really a bad performance in the whole film.
Cast
- Michael Douglas as Professor Grady Tripp
- Tobey Maguire as James Leer
- Frances McDormand as Chancellor Sara Gaskell
- Katie Holmes as Hannah Green
- Rip Torn as Quentin “Q” Morewood
- Robert Downey Jr. as Terry Crabtree
- Richard Thomas as Walter Gaskell
- Richard Knox as Vernon Hardapple
- Jane Adams as Oola
- Alan Tudyk as Sam Traxler
- George Grizzard as Fred Leer
- Kelly Bishop as Amanda Leer
- Philip Bosco as Emily’s father
- Michael Cavadias as Miss Antonia “Tony” Sloviak
Conclusion: Wonder Boys (2000) Film Review
Wonder Boys is a zany comedy that really is a must see. Its casting is perfect with Douglas and Maguire excelling. If you are yet to watch this film you really are in for a treat.
If you’ve enjoyed my Wonder Boys blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following films:
Conclusion: Wonder Boys Blu-ray Review
The picture quality is excellent and my only complaint is the lack of a UK blu-ray release.
Extras
- Cast & Crew Interviews
- Songs of Wonder Boys
- Things Have Changed – Bob Dylan Music Video
Wonder Boys (2000) Blu-ray
Wonder Boys (2000) has not had an offical UK blu-ray release so far. However it can be picked up region free via Amazon. Always check the version you are purchasing will play on UK players.
The Amazon links on this page are affiliate / associate links. By buying through the links we may receive a commission for the sale. This has no effect on the price you pay.
Popcorn Cinema Rating: Wonder Boys (2000)
MOVIE RATING: MUST SEE
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Wonder Boys (2000) Film Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip NOT be representative of the blu-ray version
That concludes my Wonder Boys blu-ray review. I’m aiming to review more classic comedies movies soon even if I have to obtain a non UK blu-ray version. What’s next? Check back soon…
Summary: Wonder Boys (2000) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Wonder Boys (2000)
Duration: 111 mins
Director(s): Curtis Hanson
Actor(s): Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, Frances McDormand, Katie Holmes, Robert Downey Jr.
Genre: Comedy
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
Wonder Boys is a must see zany comedy
Pros
Fabulous Cast Zany Comedy
Cons
No Official UK Bluray Release
