Little Boy Blue

Reviewed by J.B., 2010-02-03

This is kind of an odd movie. Jimmy West (played by Ryan Phillippe) is about twenty years old. He's abused by his father, Ray (John Savage) who makes him live in a shed and engage in sexual activities with his own mother (Nastassja Kinski). However, when a man is found dead soon after being alone with Ray West, a woman who hired the man comes looking. This woman carries a grudge against an unknown Vietnam veteran. Another twist is when Jimmy sees the injury his father received during the Vietnam War. Not the best movie, but certainly a good one. I'd recommend it, but be prepared for strong language and strong, disturbing sexual content.

Modern-day Southern Gothic

Reviewed by RaabH, 2006-09-24

This is one of those Southern Gothic flicks involving family secrets in a small town with characters and events that make your skin crawl, yet you just can't stop watching. About halfway through you'll think you've got it all figured out but one or two of the revelations towards the end will probably take you by surprise.

Ryan Phillippe does an outstanding job, showing that even early in his career he was more than a pretty face, as does Nastassja Kinski, who I guess also shows she was more than a pretty face. (As for John Savage, he can probably phone in this kind of role by now.) One quirky aspect of the script is that various characters will be just about to learn something important when the scene will cut away .. leaving you, the viewer, in the dark. It comes dangerously close to being an annoyance, but the upside is that this allows the final act to spring its surprises all the more effectively.

I appreciated that the ending was more hopeful than I'd expected, partly because I thought I'd figured things out but was proven wrong. Had this been directed by someone like David Lynch it would probably have been a masterpiece. Nonetheless, even if it doesn't rise to that level it is certainly a film that holds your attention and keeps you wondering until the end. More than a "B movie" .. maybe a B+.

Little Boy Blue

Reviewed by Budgirl, 2006-07-23

Great Movie from beginning to end.All the actors did a great job with an ending that will blow you away

Compelling

Reviewed by Cathleen M. Rock, 2005-01-06

This movie is one of my top 5 favorites. Although I tend to like the romantics, this movie is gripping and superbly acted by Ryan Philippe. It does contain stong violence and strong sexual materials. I wish it was available in a DVD version.

All in the Family

Reviewed by gonn1000, 2004-04-06

This mildly engaging indie drama presents an intriguing mood and a couple of good performances, still as a whole it doesn`t work very well. Antonio Tibaldi directs this story about a dysfunctional family and its secrets, particularly Jimmy`s past, AKA "Little Boy Blue" (played by Ryan Phillippe). Despite the mysterious tone of the film, which offers some surprises along the way, this is an average effort overall, since the pacing is too slow at parts and the ending isn`t too satisfying. The acting is convincing, though (John Savage, Natassja Kinski), so this offbeat coming-of-age tale still deserves a watch.

Not bad but not good enough either.