"Honey Boy" Review - Inside A Fun Drunken Ride

When you hear the name, Shia Labeouf, you can’t help but think of a lot of things. His arrests, his song about him being a cannibal, or you may just have great memories of him from your childhood. Whatever it may be, you can’t argue this guy has had a really wild career. For years, it was hard for me to take him seriously anymore. Now there’s a movie about him…sort of. Whatever the case is, it’s certainly a lot to unpack.

Honey Boy however is a surprisingly well made film that brings Shia’s personality into a new light; one that many including myself probably didn’t know about. It’s not a fully autobiographical story, but it does echo many parts of Shia’s life, from his work on Even Stephens and Transformers, to his rehab that ultimately led to him writing this beautiful screenplay in the first place. His writings take us on a journey through a talented kid’s childhood and the extremely complicated relationship this kid had with his father, whom Lucas Hedges, Shia, and Noah Jupe all play so hauntingly well. Sure, it’s a troubling story about family abuse and troubled lifetimes, but it’s more centered on love and dedication to one’s dreams, unlike something like I, Tonya. The script is only anchored by some incredibly colorful and meaningful directing by Alma Har’el through some smooth camerawork and eerie music.

It’s not the best Shia LaBeouf project to come out this year. That honor still goes to Peanut Butter Falcon. But it is an overall well made enjoyable film that I think finally puts into perspective why Shia’s life has been so unique to put it lightly. I’m sure the regular fan or moviegoer will be intrigued if not fully blown out of their seats.

Two Nebs Up!