Remarkable
B. M. Kunz | Los Angeles, CA USA | 04/15/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"In the film Bad Boy Bubby, the title character is a thirty-five year old man child who has been locked inside a cramped, dingy room by his abusive mother for his entire life. When Bubby's Pop suddenly shows up after a thirty-five year absence, Bubby is flushed out of his home, and the only world he has ever known, by his Mom and Pop, and into the "real" world, where he experiences equal measures of human cruelty and human kindness.
The film is at times bleak, harrowing, funny, heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful. All of the actors do a very fine job, but Nicholas Hope's performance as Bubby is absolutely stunning. There's a long tradition of actors delving into roles of this type, Sling Blade, Awakenings or Rain Man for example, and while Hope's performance isn't as widely regarded as the lead performances in these three films, it surely would be if the film Bad Boy Bubby had received a wider release - especially in the United States, where until now it has been practically nonexistent. Now however, thanks to Blue Underground and this great DVD release a much wider audience will hopefully be able to see this exceptional film for the first time.
Once again Blue Underground has done a really topnotch job. The film transfer looks great and there are two sound options: a 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround and a Dolby Surround 2.0. Of special note, the sound for the film was recorded using a binaural sound system that is meant to allow the viewer the experience of hearing everything the same way the main character would. The extras on the disc are a 24 minute interview with director Rolf de Heer, who describes the interesting binaural recording process and reveals a lot of fascinating insights and details, including the fact that over 30 different cinematographers were used to shoot the film. There is a second 15 minute interview with Nicholas Hope who discusses his career before, during, and after Bad Boy Bubby. The short film that led to Nicholas Hope being cast in the role of Bubby, titled Confessor Caressor, is also included. And finally, there is also a theatrical trailer for Bad Boy Bubby and a poster/stills gallery. In all a great disc befitting a remarkable film."
This Is not your average Hollywood blockbuster
Nate | Brisbane, QLD AUSTRALIA | 10/09/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This movie is certainly an eye-opener. It may shock and disturb in some places but will leave you on an emotional high. You can feel yourself being consumed by the movie and almost living in the character and growing with him. Be warned this movie will stay in your head for a long time. But on a positive note there is a happy ending and is quite comical in some places, both purposely and accidently. The special features are excellent and anyone interested in movie making like myself, will definitely enjoy the very insightful directors commentary."
Shocking, then slow, then glorious
Sethara | USA | 01/15/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It really means something in the end, believe it or not. And its just enough raunch to make you uncomfortable and laugh all at once. It may seem a bit slow in the middle, but really its life changing and pretty cool, when you consider what he does. I love this movie. I have only seen it once, and my roommate loved it too."
Amusing, dark and disturbing - a highly recommended experien
D. Wilson | Cornwall | 07/28/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This movie will probably offend some people, but it is mostly a highly amusing black comedy. The central performance from Nicholas Hope is simply fantastic despite all the unconventional aspects of a character that has not been let out of his room for over three decades. Because Bubby has no clue about social convention it is almost impossible to predict what happens next - this makes for an interesting and shocking viewing.
The supplements on the DVD also contains an interesting insight into how the character was created. It shows Nick Hope to be a very precise and thoughtful person who we do not see enough of on the big screen.
Hollywood could never ever make a movie like Bad Boy Bubby - make sure you check Bubby out for yourself!"