Director: François Girard
Actors: Dustin Hoffman, Kathy Bates, Josh Lucas, Kevin McHale, Eddie Izzard
Writer: Ben Ripley
Country: USA
Runtime: 106 min
Rating: PG
A film about a choir simply must feature stellar music. Director François Girard’s Boychoir (2014) features the real-life American Boychoir, and the sounds that these young singers produce throughout the film are nothing short of incredible. The music in this work is undoubtedly the high point of a family film with a bit of a weak plot and false script, yet it is enough for adults to enjoy while younger family members can become caught up in the narrative.
Young Stet (Garrett Wareing) may be a troubled kid full of rage, but he also has an incredible singing voice. After the death of his mother leaves him virtually alone in the world, Stet is enrolled in a prestigious music school. Even though he is inexperienced and unable to read music, a kind teacher (Kevin McHale) and pragmatic headmaster (Cathy Bates) are able to see his natural potential. However, Stet does not get along with Choirmaster Carvelle (Dustin Hoffman), a strict and old school disciplinarian. Carvelle may require exact obedience from his students, but he has the potential to draw forth the best music possible from them. As Stet begins to learn and to fit into the choir, his confidence grows until he is ready to take on the challenge of a solo and to be in the spotlight for the very first time.
Young star Wareing is an impressive actor as well as singer, and although he is able to represent a youth full of anger and violence, he also presents a sympathetic character for which it is easy for an audience to cheer. Stet’s problems are clearly a result of his turbulent home life, and underneath his protective shell lies a heart of gold that his earnest teacher and new friends are able to draw forth. Veteran actors Hoffman and Bates are always a pleasure to watch, providing dry humour as well as a certain warmth to their film, and McHale shines as the wonderfully sweet and eager music teacher that any child would be fortunate to study under.
The music that is featured heavily in this film is the kind that can only be produced by exceptionally talented individuals of a precise age, and none of the haunting choral pieces in the work disappoint. It is the script, unfortunately, that dissatisfies, as the lines the young actors deliver often sound unreal and a little forced. Although this work may be a film meant to appeal to young people, I do not believe that it was necessary to dumb down their dialogue in this manner, and would have liked to see more of an internal and complex look at the characters. The plot also becomes a little bit far fetched as it progresses, but I suppose a dramatic conclusion is necessary in such a work.
Adults who are unable to buy into the obvious storyline and slightly contrived script of Boychoir should still be able to find enjoyment in its wonderful, frequent music and strong acting performances. Family features must appeal to all, and this safe and pleasant work is one that can be appreciated by young and old if they are willing to check all traces of cynicism at the theatre door.
