Bubble Boy Reviews

Not what you'd expect. If you'd expected anything at all.

First things last, this film is quite odd. Reading the synopsis of the film I was expecting a quite standard 'Boy on a quest for love' type film with a quirky element (ie. the bubble). But it turned out to be more a mix of 'The Goonies' meets 'Raising Arizona' meets 'Edward Scissorhands', walking alongside episodes of 'Eerie Indiana' and 'Malcolm in the Middle'. I was obviously expecting it to be quirky, what with the subject matter, but I thought it was going to be played quite straight. I firstly wasn't prepeared for the childish slapstick comedy (not always a bad thing) and general buffoonery from Jake 'Donnie Darko' Gylenhaal as he set off across America in his home made bubble suit to get back the girl of his dreams. That alone would have made this film annoying and as un-fun to watch as an adult as 'Honey I Blew up the Baby'. What made this film so unexpected was the sudden yet subtle infusion of the surrounding characters he meets on his way. The racist, almost Nazi parents. The indian with an ice cream van selling ice-creams and curry. The disturbing train load of freaks. The religious, brainwashed 'Wicker Man' style sect who believe in smiling, and will visciously destroy anyone who gets in their way. And so the list goes on. So in a nutshell this film is odd, unexpected, slightly disturbing, but fun at the same time. I wasn't really sure what to make of it. I didn't know whether to laugh, feel embarrased, or wince and wonder 'are they really allowed to say that?' But I'd recommend you watch it. It's always worth trying something a bit different, and at least it'll be something you can tell people about down the pub.

Strange

This a truly strange movie that has the potential to offend numerous groups without being a Farrelly brothers-style gross-out movie. The groups thus maligned are so surreally placed and caricatured that personally I found it hard to take offence - they're not real they just bear a passing resemblance to things that are.

Jimmy Livingston was born with no immune system and has consequently lived in a hermetically sealed bubble since birth. His mother has taken this opportunity to control absolutely what he sees, who he knows and what he learns and has indoctrinated him in an extreme right-wing philosophy. Despite this Jimmy remains pleasant and innocent since the groups maligned by his mother never impinge on his life as real people.

In time he falls in love but she ends up engaged to a waster who is to marry her at Niagra falls. Jimmy puts together a mobile bubble and ventures out into an unknown world to claim his love thus beginning one of cinema's wierder quests.

Jake Gyllenhaal is the key to the film and his performance is the right mix of naivete and courage. Most of the rest of the cast are not so much characters as cliches distorted just enough to make them funny, but they are played with enough verve to make them work.

The plot is conventional and unimaginative but the bizarre execution makes it work.

Bubble Boy (2001)

This is a superb film. Offbeat, random and hilarious, a fantastic story with subtle and unsubtle elements of comedy genius. Everytime I watch this film with a different group of friends it is always a resoudning success. A must see!

Bubblicious!

I'm not going to say much because "Bubble Boy" is best viewed with no prior expectations. Just enjoy it for what it is: a brilliantly observed, hysterically funny story of people who just 'don't fit in'.

Anyone overly politically correct need not bother.

What?

Storyline: Boy has no immune system, lives within a bubble in his home, befriend girl next door, falls for girl next door, girl next door goes to marry someone else, bubble boy goes in pursuit of his true love. Now with this as a plot, how in the world was this film made? I am just glad it was. Jake Gyllenhaal is excellent as the misguided boy in the bubble and the people he meets make no sense yet add to the humour of this film.

This film is stupid from the offset which makes it so easy to watch, and enjoyable. If you want something funny for the weekend which is not going to test your mental capabilities, then this is a must!

Fantastic, Hilarious.. The first half hour is particularly funny, especially the scene at the bus stop.. A cult classic.. and I got to oggle at Jake Gyllenhaal.. Can't be bad..

Bubblicious!!

A really great, simple, easy to watch movie. Some moments had us rolling with laughter. Of course the love story is predictable - but its the way they go about it thats unique. A great movie for a Saturday night. Enjoy!

Surprisingly funny

I didn't expect much when I saw this movie, but suprisingly, it had me laughing throughout. It's light-hearted, surreal and ridiculous...a great entertainment movie

NOT BAD

WORTH A WATCH GOOD FOR GIRLS

Superb

Bizarre at times, however this is a very funny film.