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6

Stream2BigScreeJan 28, 2020

Honey Boy’s Got Some Daddy Issues

The Stream: Too self-referential for its own good. The Big Screen: Great chemistry between the two lead actors. The Final Bill: Almost like reading someone’s diary that you don’t really care about –Honey Boy’s Got Some Daddy Issues

The Stream: Too self-referential for its own good.

The Big Screen: Great chemistry between the two lead actors.

The Final Bill: Almost like reading someone’s diary that you don’t really care about – intriguing but unsatisfying.

-Trip Fontaine

First, I was tempted to title this review “Honey Boy Don’t Care,” but Honey Boy do care.

Yes, friends, we saw “the Shia LaBeouf movie”, Honey Boy, this weekend. It has been marketed as “the Shia LaBeouf movie”, and it plays like that in more than one way. Honey Boy is a fictionalized account of the life of the former child star struggling in rehab and his memory of working as a 12-year-old and being chaperoned by his unreliable, abusive, felon and recovering addict father. The film was written by LaBeouf through his most recent rehab stay; and it is directed by Alma Har’el. Necessarily, there is a metafictional aspect to the plot, and it becomes too self-referential for its own good.

Honey Boy sets the main character, played by Lucas Hedges, off on his destructive road to the rehab that will force him to deal with the effects of his time with his father. Hedges plays the 22-year-old LaBeouf surrogate named Otis that leads us to the meat of the movie. Noah Jupe plays the 12-year-old Otis, and LaBeouf, himself, plays the fictionalized version of his own father named James. Setting aside all of the self-referential, self-consciously, metafictional stuff, Jupe and LaBeouf are fantastic together. Jupe is heartbreaking in the role, at once loving and fearing his father. The relationship between father and son is fraught and heavy – each scene between the two is electric. LaBeouf is mesmerizing both because his portrayal is great, but also, because you know he’s channeling the character from real life experience. He expresses the damage, rage and empathy he must have been able to find in his father.

Now, what makes LaBeouf’s performance so good is also what makes some of the movie feel empty. The Lucas Hedges parts are supposed to be the raw portrayal of the consequences of the Jupe/LaBeouf parts of the film, but they fall flat. You always want more of Jupe and LaBeouf as their characters playing off each other. Hedges’ portray is one note and his rehab scenes aren’t particularly interesting.

There are some great sequences aside from that. The direction of Alma Har’el shows that she cares about all these characters. FKA Twigs has a special part that leads to a cool scene between her and Jupe. They’re just filled with innocence and fun. It very tender.

Honey Boy plays best when it’s just grappling with the tension between the demons of the father and the needs of the son. It is difficult to put aside the specter of Shia LaBeouf when he’s front-and-center for much of the movie, but that somehow seems to mostly affect the parts concerning the 22-year-old. If you don’t care about his journey in rehab, then those parts of the movie just don’t work. While I think that Honey Boy is a good movie particularly because of Shia LaBeouf and Noah Jupe, a trip to the theater isn’t warranted.… Expand

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4

TVJerryDec 2, 2019

In an act of supreme self indulgence, Shia LaBeouf wrote this screenplay about his relationship with his father and also plays him. Meanwhile, 2 different actors assume the role of the young actor: Noah Jupe (in an impressive film debut) isIn an act of supreme self indulgence, Shia LaBeouf wrote this screenplay about his relationship with his father and also plays him. Meanwhile, 2 different actors assume the role of the young actor: Noah Jupe (in an impressive film debut) is the boy living with his father in a cheap motel while shooting a movie. Lucas Hedges (playing tortured once again) is the adult version, facing his demons in yet another rehab. In an over-the-top performance as the father, LaBeouf rants and abuses his son for much of the movie. It's painful for them and for the audience. There are some touching moments, esp. with Jupe, but this is just one long tedious psycho drama for LaBeouf.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

MarakaiAug 21, 2020

Shia LaBeouf seems to be one of those actors that people love to hate and some of his outlandish behaviour in his personal life hasn’t exactly helped that. That said, he’s an undoubted talent and has continuously impressed in numerous roles.Shia LaBeouf seems to be one of those actors that people love to hate and some of his outlandish behaviour in his personal life hasn’t exactly helped that. That said, he’s an undoubted talent and has continuously impressed in numerous roles. As for his off-camera behaviour, that can somewhat be excused when you realise the tumultuous upbringing he had as a child. The semi-autobiographical Honey Boy goes some way to exploring that struggle. Written by LaBeouf while in rehab, we are offered an insight into how abusive his father was to him while striving for success in the film industry. It’s a brutally honest drama where LaBeouf takes the opportunity to play his father and he delivers an absolutely fantastic performance. There’s a lot of bravery in both his writing and his acting that could’ve had the danger of coming across as narcissistic but it simply doesn’t. Instead, it results in a compelling, dysfunctional, coming-of-age drama where the road to stardom isn’t always glittered in gold.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

Brent_MarchantNov 24, 2019

A surprisingly good offering about a successful child star and his troubled father who uses tough love (sometimes a little too tough) to see his son succeed and avoid the mistakes he made in his life, a story based on the life experience ofA surprisingly good offering about a successful child star and his troubled father who uses tough love (sometimes a little too tough) to see his son succeed and avoid the mistakes he made in his life, a story based on the life experience of writer-actor Shia LaBeouf and his own dad. Told through flashbacks, viewers see how a now-adult movie star dogged by substance abuse goes through rehab to deal with his past and seek resolution, a tale peppered with unusual and unexpected ups and downs, as well as a revelation that situations like this aren't necessarily black and white. Excellent performances abound, especially LaBeouf's portrayal of the father figure and by Lucas Hedges and Noah Jupe as the elder and younger actor. Inventive cinematography and creative musical montages help to set this one apart from other similar releases, evoking heartfelt but not manipulative emotional responses. Think of this as a grittier, gender-switch, working class version of "Post Cards from the Edge," and you've got the idea what's behind this one.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

crfo333Nov 29, 2019

Honey Boy is a special movie, one that doesn't come along often. Shia LaBeouf's performance was incredible. Honey Boy is so moving.

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8

marshallonfilm_Mar 18, 2020

"Yes. She's filling your head full of fear, I pump you up full of strength. Cause we're a team and I know you got what it takes. You're a f**king star and I know it, that's why I'm here. I'm your cheerleader, Honey Boy."

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10

GeorgestrunkMar 30, 2020

Inspiring story must have been difficult to relive on screen .

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7

JordanLaytonApr 28, 2020

Shia LaBeouf plays his own father in this clearly therapeutic film for him about his troubled childhood. I had a hard time fully enjoying this film on its own merits because of the fact that Shia wrote and starred in it as his own father.Shia LaBeouf plays his own father in this clearly therapeutic film for him about his troubled childhood. I had a hard time fully enjoying this film on its own merits because of the fact that Shia wrote and starred in it as his own father. That fact stayed in the back of my head for much of the film and while it enhanced some scenes, I feel like it retracted from the film overall. It's hard to describe, but I got the slight feeling that Shia wrote this film as an explanation or perhaps even an excuse for his behavior. I know how unfair that is to him and that I should probably give him the benefit of the doubt that this was written purely to tell his story and for his own artistic fulfillment, but once that thought wormed itself into my head, certain scenes started to take another light. Regarding purely the film without any background, this is a competently made film with clear thought put into shot composition, story structure, and character portrayal of real people. Shia, Lucas Hedges, and the child actor, Noah Jupe, all gave great performances. Jupe in particular was a welcome surprise, rising above other child stars (ironically, something his character did as well).… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

tropicAcesNov 13, 2019

It’s raw and honest, if not a bit familiar; probably holds more weight for those who know LaBeouf’s career and backstory, but still incredibly acted.

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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7

matthewmirlianiNov 13, 2019

An imperfect but ultimately moving film, Honey Boy stands heavily on the shoulders of Shia LaBeouf’s Oscar-worthy performance as his own father — one of the most remarkable turns so far this year. While it does not soar to groundbreakingAn imperfect but ultimately moving film, Honey Boy stands heavily on the shoulders of Shia LaBeouf’s Oscar-worthy performance as his own father — one of the most remarkable turns so far this year. While it does not soar to groundbreaking heights, this intimate, and at times strange film dances close to cinematic brilliance, particularly in its beautiful finale.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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10

Compi24Dec 17, 2019

The keystone, nay, the crown jewel in modern society's long-standing obsession with the borderline mythic construct of what we all consider Shia LaBeouf to be. Devoted performance artist to the very end, psychologically unwell egomaniac, orThe keystone, nay, the crown jewel in modern society's long-standing obsession with the borderline mythic construct of what we all consider Shia LaBeouf to be. Devoted performance artist to the very end, psychologically unwell egomaniac, or an honest to God broken human being looking to figure himself out just like the rest of us -- whatever your opinion of the man is, "Honey Boy" will work as something of a companion piece to it. More importantly, though, it's a deeply upsetting and impactful portrayal of a bankrupt relationship between a father and his son, and the litany of morally perverse push/pull mechanisms layered therein, featuring a revelatory, career-best performance from the true-to-life subject at the center of everything -- LaBeouf himself. Taking on the role of the complex and layered quasi-tormentor that inflicted so much intentional and unintentional damage upon him throughout his own childhood, some may call this the ultimate act of self-indulgence on the part of LaBeouf. I simply see it as someone desperately trying to sort through their past, so as to construct some semblance of a better future. Add in some stark camerawork and imagery from narrative filmmaking newcomer Alma Har'el and you have one of the year's most metaphysically gratifying, emotionally gripping character studies. To be quite honest, I'd even venture to call it a masterpiece.… Expand

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10

The3AcademySinsNov 24, 2019

I found Honey Boy to be an incredibly transcending film. Calling it a movie almost doesn't do it justice. At times its a meditation. At times it a funeral dirge. At other points, its an exorcism. Its performance art, and its the mostI found Honey Boy to be an incredibly transcending film. Calling it a movie almost doesn't do it justice. At times its a meditation. At times it a funeral dirge. At other points, its an exorcism. Its performance art, and its the most accessible performance art that Shia LaBeouf has created to date.

Honey Boy is one of the most emotionally visceral experiences I have had in theaters this year. I think I felt every single emotion while watching this ultimately broken father and son relationship. Shia LaBeouf's performance as his own father is incredible, and every movement and line he delivers is incredibly specific and purposeful. If you're like me, and you know a lot about Shia's history and life, you will recognize a lot of the scenes from stories he has told about his childhood.

Lucas Hedges comes out of left field with a nearly-perfect take on adult Shia LaBeouf. Noah Jupe as the young Otis, as Shia LaBeouf's character is called in the movie, is heartbreakingly vulnerable. There is not a weak performance from anyone in the cast.

This is a beautiful, incredibly moving film. It's hard to watch the abuse and neglect at a lot of points, but every character is so well developed that its easy to even find empathy with the father character. This is a project that was incredibly important to everyone involved, and it shows.… Expand

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10

YeetusMcGeetusNov 24, 2019

I loved this movie. It was an emotional rollercoaster. It was hard to watch in the best way possible.

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6

netflicNov 11, 2019

This movie is a self-serving experiment when an actor and a script writer Shia Labeouf is court-marshaled into a rehab and writes a script about his own childhood and his abusive father. In his script Shia has a name of Otis who is played byThis movie is a self-serving experiment when an actor and a script writer Shia Labeouf is court-marshaled into a rehab and writes a script about his own childhood and his abusive father. In his script Shia has a name of Otis who is played by Oscar-nominated Lucas Hedges when Otis is in his twenties and a rising star Noah Jupe who plays 12-year old Otis. The interesting part is that Shia plays his own father, ex-con, ex-rodeo clown, ex-sex offender and many other exes. I assume it must be therapeutic for him.

I enjoyed Noah's performance but that was the only part of the movie that I really liked. The script was way too twisted from fragments of the rehab's present, flashes from childhood years and recent past. I have a feeling that Shia inherited self-pity from his father.
I am glad that he managed to make it after all these years with a jerk of a father. Overall the movie did not make a great impression on me.… Expand

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7

JLuis_001Jan 29, 2020

Shia LaBeouf again demonstrates that if he wants to do things right, they will also work out well. I know it's not always the case but he's obviously trying.

I really thought that he was lost when he released the the lousy Man Down and BorgShia LaBeouf again demonstrates that if he wants to do things right, they will also work out well. I know it's not always the case but he's obviously trying.

I really thought that he was lost when he released the the lousy Man Down and Borg vs. McEnroe was good but nothing noteworthy but here beyond the solid script he wrote he also delivers a performance worthy of nominations and that sadly I see went completely unnoticed but it's understandable considering how small this indie movie was.

Even so, the greatest recognition must be his good work and the surprise for those who discover it and Honey Boy is a dark proposal of redemption that must be discovered.… Expand

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2

dtfinlaNov 14, 2019

"Honey Boy" is an indulgent bro therapy bore with Capital A Acting from Labeouf.

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6

JumpCut_OnlineDec 4, 2019

Honey Boy is guided by LaBeouf’s cathartic script and humanized by Jupe’s magnificent, touching performance and the way he brings nuance and heart to this role of a 12-year-old asking for the unspoken affection of his father. LaBeouf’s visionHoney Boy is guided by LaBeouf’s cathartic script and humanized by Jupe’s magnificent, touching performance and the way he brings nuance and heart to this role of a 12-year-old asking for the unspoken affection of his father. LaBeouf’s vision of his pain and healing is indispensable, quietly crafted through the moments when both Otis and his father are at odds. It’s this heartbreaking dynamic which renders it raw. Again, delicate to revisit, but its mere existence feels like a necessary gift to film.… Expand

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0

Awais007Dec 8, 2019

I don't like this movie that's it. Story is normal. You can watch this movie if watched all previous movies.

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5

moviemitch96Nov 30, 2019

This was an autobiographical film written by and starring Shia LaBeouf about his upbringing as an up-and-coming child star in Hollywood under the supervision of his abusive alcoholic father, and how he copes with it in rehab during his teenThis was an autobiographical film written by and starring Shia LaBeouf about his upbringing as an up-and-coming child star in Hollywood under the supervision of his abusive alcoholic father, and how he copes with it in rehab during his teen and young adult years. LaBeouf plays his father in this film, while Noah Jupe and Lucas Hedges portray a loose version of Shia as a child and teen/young adult respectively. Intrigued by its high ratings clear back from when it premiered at Sundance in January, I decided to check it out. Unfortunately, this film mostly proved a waste of time, at least for me it did. To me, all it seemed to be was a statement/excuse on Shia's behalf as to why he's always getting drunk, arrested, and behaving so poorly in Hollywood nowadays. While I can certainly see that the guy clearly has demons, it didn't necessarily make me feel any more sympathy for him, if that's what he was aiming for. On top of that, watching the young child actor playing the 12-yr-old version of him swear constantly, smoke cigarettes, and hang around trashy women isn't really my idea of a good film. By the end of it all, I was pretty convinced that this not only served to try and appear as a sympathy piece for LaBeouf, but also as a pat on the back for himself, which I definitely think is completely undeserved. Overall, I won't deny that there were some standout performances (Noah Jupe, despite all of the uncomfortable adult things he's portrayed doing in this film, really pulls no punches with his at times highly emotional performance, and Lucas Hedges does a great job as usual too!) Otherwise there's nothing really worthwhile here if you ask me.… Expand

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10

imtheonlytyeDec 11, 2020

This movie is phenomenal and made me quite emotional. I loved it so much. I will always come back to this movie. The actor is amazing!

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5

Mauro_LanariMay 31, 2020

(Mauro Lanari)
"Honey Boy" literally. Like Robert Downey Jr.'s biopic "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints" (Dito Montiel, 2006) or that of Joaquin Phoenix's (fake) "I'm Still Here" (Casey Affleck, 2010), plus the artistic environment of "The(Mauro Lanari)
"Honey Boy" literally. Like Robert Downey Jr.'s biopic "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints" (Dito Montiel, 2006) or that of Joaquin Phoenix's (fake) "I'm Still Here" (Casey Affleck, 2010), plus the artistic environment of "The Fang Family" (Jason Bateman, 2015): a dysfunctional childhood that, lost the cathartic effect to overdose, verges on rhetoric and self-indulgence with a narcissistically vanity suspended between exhibitionism and voyeurism.… Expand

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7

DawdlingPoetAug 11, 2022

This is quite a sobering watch. It certainly highlights a dysfunctional father to son relationship - one I believe based on the upbringing of actor Shia LaBeouf. I can't not feel sorry for him for being basically lumbered with a verbally,This is quite a sobering watch. It certainly highlights a dysfunctional father to son relationship - one I believe based on the upbringing of actor Shia LaBeouf. I can't not feel sorry for him for being basically lumbered with a verbally, emotionally and somewhat physically abusive father. The films title comes from a nickname the father gives. I certainly wouldn't say its a complimentary one, put it that way. It's a somewhat insightful film I suppose...I'm not sure quite how much can be learnt from it per se but its not a bad film as such, its a frustrating film in a way but then I guess its a sort of story that needs to be told, in one respect. The characters are somewhat quirky and I suppose overall yes I'd recommend it, if it interests you, though its not what I'd call a perfect film - I'm a bit unsure what conclusions to come to, what the ending was really...… Expand

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9

GreyhoundesSep 6, 2020

Honey Boy? More like honey, boy that movie was good! Noah Jupe, Shia LaBeouf, and FKA twigs kick ass in this movie

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8

GazMoviesOct 11, 2020

This is the story of Shia LaBeouf and his relationship with his father. Shia LaBeouf is playing his Dad in this, it must have been hard for Shia to play his Dad who mentally abused him for years. This movie had me hooked from the veryThis is the story of Shia LaBeouf and his relationship with his father. Shia LaBeouf is playing his Dad in this, it must have been hard for Shia to play his Dad who mentally abused him for years. This movie had me hooked from the very beginning the story is very emotional and honest you feel the sadness of a lonely frightened 12 year old boy who couldn't rely on his father to protect him. I did wonder why his Mam wasn't around more it didn't do a very good job of explaining why she wasn't there. I also thought the end of the movie could have been better. A very good movie with just a couple of little issues. Shia LaBeouf's performance in this was really emotional I think it deserved more recognition than it got at the awards last year.… Expand

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8

Gamzguy17Aug 21, 2021

It's more a therapeutic prescription than a film, but that certainly doesn't mean outsiders can't feel its emotional power. Kudos to LaBeouf's screenplay and acting to doubly tackle his trauma headfirst into a well made film with the help ofIt's more a therapeutic prescription than a film, but that certainly doesn't mean outsiders can't feel its emotional power. Kudos to LaBeouf's screenplay and acting to doubly tackle his trauma headfirst into a well made film with the help of the rest of the cast and Alma Har'el's direction.… Expand

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