How to build a better boy

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 72 You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

So, guess what I did last night? I dived into the deep, whimsical world of Disney’s 2014 flick, “How to Build a Better Boy.” Directed by Paul Hoen, this movie is like a bag of cotton candy – sweet, fluffy, and oh-so-light. You know, sometimes you just crave something silly and simple, right? 🍿

Let’s chat about the plot first. It’s like one of those wild dreams you have and then try to explain to someone the next day. The story revolves around high school tech whizzes Mae and Gabby, played by Kelli Berglund and China Anne McClain. These two brainy besties end up crafting a super sophisticated, artificial boyfriend for Mae. Yeah, you heard that right. They literally build a better boy! The boy, Albert, is portrayed by Marshall Williams, who honestly looks like he stepped right out of a teen magazine – all charming and perfect.

Albert, the AI boyfriend, is so unrealistically perfect that it’s hilarious. Like, imagine having a boyfriend who’s designed to be your dream guy but also is a secret super-soldier. Yep, that’s the twist! Talk about an overachiever, huh? 😂

I mean, the whole concept is just way out there. You’ve got to leave logic at the door and just roll with it. The movie tosses in these teen movie staples – school dances, mean girls, awkward parents — and then adds a robot boyfriend into the mix. It’s like the writers asked, “How can we make this as wacky as possible?” and just ran with it.

Let’s talk performances. Berglund and McClain are such a fun duo. Their friendship feels genuine, and they handle the comedy and the few heartfelt moments really well. They’re like the kind of friends you’d want to hang out with, you know? And Williams as Albert? He nails the too-perfect-to-be-true vibe, managing to be both robotic and charming – a tricky balance!

The predictability factor is high with this one. It’s like, will the robot boyfriend be discovered? Will there be a dramatic reveal at the school dance? You bet. But that’s part of its charm. Sometimes, you just want a movie where you can guess the ending and still enjoy the ride.

What I loved most about this film is its unapologetic silliness. It doesn’t pretend to be some highbrow cinema. It’s a feel-good, laugh-out-loud, embrace-the-crazy kind of movie. And honestly, that’s exactly what I needed. A break from all the seriousness with something that’s just pure fun. 😄

So yeah, “How to Build a Better Boy” is a delightful, goofy escape. It’s the kind of movie you watch when you need a good laugh and a reminder not to take everything so seriously. If you’re in the mood for a movie night that’s light and ridiculously fun, give it a go. And remember, it’s all about the fun vibes with this one!

Peace Out,
Roger