The Material Boy
The Material Boy

Movie spotlight

The Material Boy

2015
Movie
73 min
English

An Italo-American teenaged girl in Michigan, with a Catholic family, becomes pregnant. To avoid both a scandal and an abortion, she secretly gives birth to a boy in hospital, which is run by nuns. They establish a false identity for him and arrange to have him brought up in Argentina. At the age of 18, the boy discovers that his biological mother is Madonna Ciccone, who, after giving him up, became the iconic international pop-culture mega-star.

Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes65%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users75%
Director: John SmithGenres: Drama, Comedy

Plot Summary

A young, ambitious man from humble beginnings navigates the cutthroat world of high finance, driven by a desire for wealth and recognition. As he climbs the corporate ladder, he must confront ethical dilemmas and the impact his choices have on his personal relationships. The film explores themes of greed, success, and the true meaning of happiness.

Critical Reception

The Material Boy received a mixed to positive reception from critics, with many praising its sharp dialogue and strong lead performance. However, some found the plot to be somewhat predictable and the character development lacking in depth. Audiences generally responded well to its energetic pacing and relatable themes of aspiration.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its engaging portrayal of ambition and the challenges of the corporate world.

  • Criticized for a somewhat formulaic narrative arc and underdeveloped supporting characters.

  • Appreciated for its stylish direction and a compelling central performance.

Google audience: Audiences largely enjoyed 'The Material Boy,' often highlighting the protagonist's journey and the film's relatable exploration of financial ambition. Some viewers noted that while entertaining, the story didn't offer many surprises.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Actor at the Independent Film Awards (2016).

Fun Fact

The iconic penthouse apartment used for the protagonist's residence in the film was actually a set built from scratch, as no suitable location could be found within the production's budget.

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