This is an enjoyable film on its own terms. I found the production values and acting to be somewhat variable but I did feel transported to a small town in the Northwest. I was quite moved by the story of a young man who is not sure that he has seen enough of life in order to stay settled down with his more experienced, worldly partner. His sidekick from a previous life, Frieda, is a memorable character in her own right and brings real humor to the story. I would recommend this film. It is not top-notch drama but it is an interesting film containing love and truth.
5 Reviews
Poor Hugh!
pscheck210 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Fortunately, I had to watch this film twice, to understand it's sad conclusion! At first, my sympathies were with Collin, a person trying to find himself in this world! He enviesr Hugh's co9smopolitian lifestyle, a lifestyle he wishes he had! But on second viewing, I came to the conclusion that Collin was bored with Hugh, and wanted outt to explore other relationships! Why, there is a scene at the party, where he has eye contact with one of the male hunks, and visualizes making love to him! Collin is a potential cheater, a egotist who knows his physical appeal, and needs to flaunt it. Too bad he couldn't be honest with Hugh at the beginning, to save him (hugh) the heartbreak!
amateur, yet endearing
hblood8 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I've given this film 7 out of 10 starts because it has told a story that doesn't get told very much, but gosh, it feels like a student film. The dialogue was most objectionable in its hallow and stilted attempts to depict real life casual communication. I cringed quite a few times for such a short movie, and I think that the script needed a workshop or something.
*** Spoilers below ***
Nonetheless, in the time that's passed since I saw the movie, what has stuck with me is not the risible dialogue but rather the moving conflict at the heart of the movie, that the younger partner in a gay couple is having serious second thoughts, while the older partner is planning an anniversary party. The film handles dramatic irony well, and it's tense and painful to watch Hugh, the lovable older partner, preparing a party in honor of his beloved, when we know that his world is about to end.
It's an honest and genuine depiction of unrequited love, or at least unsure love.
The plot between the gay couple is balanced by the introduction of a friend from the past, Frieda. On the one hand, Frieda was portrayed by the cast's most talented actress. Her screen time was a relief from the stilted scenes with the two men. Her character was also interesting, in relief to the domestic and mundane gay couple's life. On the other hand, her character was also so clichéd: She's whimsical! She wears stripes during the day, and polka dots at night! She even shoplifts! She shoplifts polka dot high heels to match her whimsical dress! She drinks too much! Maybe in 1994 her outer trappings were less clichéd. Trappings aside, her character shine in this black and white movie.
The DVD I watched also contained an 8 minute short, "Love and Deaf," which was just about the sweetest things I've ever seen. It made me smile all day.
*** Spoilers below ***
Nonetheless, in the time that's passed since I saw the movie, what has stuck with me is not the risible dialogue but rather the moving conflict at the heart of the movie, that the younger partner in a gay couple is having serious second thoughts, while the older partner is planning an anniversary party. The film handles dramatic irony well, and it's tense and painful to watch Hugh, the lovable older partner, preparing a party in honor of his beloved, when we know that his world is about to end.
It's an honest and genuine depiction of unrequited love, or at least unsure love.
The plot between the gay couple is balanced by the introduction of a friend from the past, Frieda. On the one hand, Frieda was portrayed by the cast's most talented actress. Her screen time was a relief from the stilted scenes with the two men. Her character was also interesting, in relief to the domestic and mundane gay couple's life. On the other hand, her character was also so clichéd: She's whimsical! She wears stripes during the day, and polka dots at night! She even shoplifts! She shoplifts polka dot high heels to match her whimsical dress! She drinks too much! Maybe in 1994 her outer trappings were less clichéd. Trappings aside, her character shine in this black and white movie.
The DVD I watched also contained an 8 minute short, "Love and Deaf," which was just about the sweetest things I've ever seen. It made me smile all day.
Adequate, very adequate
wayngeo22 April 2002
I just picked it up off the shelf at the video store, looking for something dramatic and romantic and gay. This film fit those categories. It was very artsy and somewhat depressing. and filmed in black and white. It's an adequate film if you're in the mood for mediocre b/w films with low budgets and amateur actors.
The basic premise behind the film is Hugh and Collin have been together for about a year. Hugh throws a surprise party for them. Meanwhile, Collin is having second thoughts about remaining in a relationship. (any relationship). Hugh invites an old friend of Collin's (Frieda) to the party in rural Washington and half the film is about her quest to arrive at the party, from a bar room (gay bars in rural Washington?) to second-hand stores.
Scenery and idea is great, acting and script is passable. But only if you're into artsy-fartsy films.
The basic premise behind the film is Hugh and Collin have been together for about a year. Hugh throws a surprise party for them. Meanwhile, Collin is having second thoughts about remaining in a relationship. (any relationship). Hugh invites an old friend of Collin's (Frieda) to the party in rural Washington and half the film is about her quest to arrive at the party, from a bar room (gay bars in rural Washington?) to second-hand stores.
Scenery and idea is great, acting and script is passable. But only if you're into artsy-fartsy films.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
