The combination of Steve Carell and Timothée Chalamet in a family drama makes "Beautiful Boy" one of the season's most anticipated dramas. Carell plays writer David Sheff, dealing with the addiction of his promising son (played by Timothée Chalamet.) The boy progresses from weed to cocaine to crystal meth. As an addict, he manipulates his parents and stepmother through multiple rehab visits. "Beautiful Boy" wears out the viewer with one near-death experience after another. I especially dislike films that end with preachy sentences, as if the filmmakers don't trust us to receive their message. Chalamet has a great future. Steve Carell has made an impressive shift from comedy to drama. Together they can't quite save this. "Beautiful Boy," rated "R," 1 star. Does it deliver what it promises? Hard to watch. Is it entertaining? Pummels the viewer. Is it worth the price of admission? I don't recommend.
