Dangerous feelings
Bakang Israel | Friday April 24, 2015 14:30
She is back, but this time in The Boy Next Door. Yes, the title says it all. The Boy Next Door (2015), stars Jennifer Lopez (Claire Peterson) as a lonely high school teacher, Ryan Guzman (Noah Sandborn) is a new friendly neighbour who later changes like a chameleon showing his true colours. There are also supporting characters in Ian Nelson (Kevin Peterson), and John Corbett (Garrett Peterson) who also increase woes and complete Claire Peterson’s dysfunctional family.
Director Rob Cohen brings the fascinating dramatic lives to life on the screen. The director started the global iconic movement of Fast and Furious as he directed the very first instalment of the film in 2001 as well as XxX-State Of The Union in 2002.
The Boy Next Door basically revolves around Lopez who has earned a reputation for playing roles, where she is caught up in estranged love affairs. As the story unfolds a recently cheated on married woman, Lopez’s Claire, falls for a younger man who has moved in next door. Their torrid affair soon takes a dangerous turn because the younger man would not give up on their romantic affair. Claire soon catches up with Noah’s past, but there is a price to pay. The story is simple and authentic, and anyone can relate to it as it touches on one of the most important subjects in a relationship, which is infidelity and its ramifications. This is best explained by the climax of The Boy Next Door with what started as a happy friendship turning into something horrible, with regret after regret.
The movie is very informative; it shows that there is always a price to pay for cheating. This is demonstrated when Noah starts stalking Claire, turning into the movie villain popping up everywhere making her fear her own shadow. There is a scene where Noah goes the full length to expose her by posting their intimate moments in Claire’s entire classroom.
The movie is engaging, as you see a woman caught up in a web of bad deeds, which put her family in danger, and she tries desperately to put them out of harm’s way.
The Boy Next Door is filled with action as well as thrilling moments. For example, Noah cuts the brakes of Claire’s husband’s car to get him out of the picture. It was my first time seeing Guzman play the antagonist in a film as he usually plays decent roles. He kept us on the edge of our seats by being a hard nut to crack as the psychopathic neighbour who even with a busted eye could not stop.
Claire: “We have all done things in our lives we wish we wouldn’t have.”
Noah: “Are you trying to play me Claire.”
The box office reception and the response at cinemas seem positive.
This is judging by the fact that The Boy Next Door was at number two on the box office chart during its world premiere in January. Also the film was produced on a mere $4 million budget, but went on to amass $50 million, which says a lot. The film is on its third week locally.
Movie: The Boy Next Door
Genre: Erotic, Thriller
Duration: 1 hour 30mins
Age Restriction: 16
Release Date: April 3, 2015
Director: Rob Cohen
Main Cast: Jennifer Lopez (Claire Peterson), Ryan Guzman (Noah Sandborn) Ian Nelson (Kevin Peterson), and John Corbett (Garrett Peterson)
This week’s leading movies at
the BOX OFFICE are.
1. Furious 7
2. Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2
3. Unfriended
4. Home
5. The Longest Ride
The Boy Next Door and Lopez’s illicit love affair earn a decent 8/10 rating, as the movie is a riveting portrayal of real life events. This is reminiscent of Gone Girl and other pulsating thrillers.