Despite the similarity in the subject matter, one critic asserted that "Love That Boy" is not a "male version of "Lolita"," but rather just a statement of how love can be perplexing. This critic complimented Litz and Dixon's acting, and called "Love That Boy" "a little gem of a film." Katherine Monk of "The Ottawa Citizen" also addressed the subject matter, saying that the film is "a little bizarre- not to mention disconcerting... the film rides the edge of ickiness." However, Monk credited Dorfman and Litz with "charm" and "style" that eased these factors. Litz herself acknowledged that sex between the main characters "would be gross."