Punks (2000)

The tale of 4 gay African-American friends in L.A: shy, virginal photographer Marcus, outgoing Lothario Hill, hot-to-trot rich kid newbie Dante, and fabulous drag diva Crystal.

Director:

Patrik-Ian Polk

Writer:

Patrik-Ian Polk

Stars:

Seth Gilliam, Dwight Ewell, Andre Johnson

3 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Seth Gilliam	...	Marcus
Andre Johnson	...	Chris' Boyfriend (as Andre McClain)
Dwight Ewell	...	Hill
Rockmond Dunbar	...	Darby
Jazzmun	...	Chris / Crystal
Renoly Santiago	...	Dante
Loretta Devine	...	Health Counselor
Vanessa Williams	...	Jennifer
Devon Odessa	...	Felicity
Rudolf Martin	...	Gilbert
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Marc Avalon	...	Masseur
Kevin Aviance	...	Miss Smokie
Dustin Blair	...	Sexy White Guy
Rainbow Borden	...	Wild Guy #1 / Jim
Rodney Chester	...	Alexis Carrington Colby Dexter

Storyline

The never-ending search for Mr. Right takes a surprise detour into totally unexplored territory with "Punks." This sparkling, rhythm-and-blues-driven romantic comedy is the story of four close-knit friends trying to find that mythical relationship that will finally make things right. But if you think that sounds familiar, think again, because "Punks" is the first-ever comic love story set amidst the world of African-American gay men.

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Plot Keywords:

california | west hollywood california | thirty something | swimming pool | singing group | 

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Taglines:

Their makeup is fabulous. Their shows are flawless. Their fights are infamous.

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Genres:

Comedy | Music | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexual content including graphic dialogue, and for language

Did You Know?

Trivia

This movie was the subject of a September 4, 2019, segment on the National Public Radio podcast "Code Switch," titled "Searching For Punks." The segment was provoked first by the fact that the film is now very difficult to find in any format or on any streaming service. The reporters interviewed the writer and director Patrik-Ian Polk, who said that despite the movie's success on the film festival circuit, because of the taboo nature of the gay black subject matter, only one very small company offered to distribute the movie. That company failed to purchase the rights to any of the music heard in the film. Consequently, the movie never received a real distribution.

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Connections

Referenced in The Skinny (2012)

User Reviews

A Pleasant Surprise

When this movie began I didn't think I was going to like it at all. It seemed to be the same old tired and true gay story with all the exaggerated stereotypes. However, as I continued to watch, giving the movie a try, I found a pretty good, moving film. I identified with the main character in so many ways. I thought the acting was good too. I really felt the chemistry between the characters, emotionally as well as sexually. Kudos to the actors, producers, directors, etc for creating a decent movie about the life of black, gay men.

I do have one complaint. I was disappointed with the climax. It was like a two yard dash. It was like, boom, bam, that's all folks.

On another hand I must say that the Charlie's Angels reference in this movie made me laugh out loud for a long time. Good one.

Details

Official Sites:

e2 Filmworks Urbanworld Films

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 January 2000 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$14,250, 4 November 2001

Gross USA:

$160,083

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$160,083

Company Credits

Production Co:

Tall Skinny Black Boy Productions, e2 Filmworks

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color