BOYHOOD (2014)

Boyhood has garnered so much PR, it's almost gotten impossible to expect the film to live up to expectations.  That said, I shocked by just how NOT into it I was.  A bad film?  No.  Does it deserve a "Best Picture" honor, no matter the award?  HECK, no.  The film's hype comes from being shot over a 12-year period, so you get to see the young actors in the cast grow up before your eyes ... but the fact remains, for 2 hours and 45 minutes nothing happens in this film.  There are no real conflicts - just scenes of potential drama (young Mason tries drugs for the first time, or is given a rifle by his grand-dad for his 15th birthday, or one scene of him being taunted by bullies) - NONE of which are ever followed up on.  I spent almost three hours waiting for something to happen, when in the end it just felt like watching Mason's family's home movies.  Again, not a bad film ... but if this wins a Best Picture Oscar over its more creative and structurally engaging competitors, I may never watch the Oscars again. (rated R)  C

BOYHOOD trailer