This is, ostensibly, a romantic comedy, so it should be a prerequisite that the audience root for the lead couple to end up together. However, one half of the couple is so irritating that, frankly, I would have been happy for the ex-girlfriend to triumph. I get that 'opposites attract' is a well-used conceit, but the key word is 'attract'. I can't think of one reason why Ernie would want to stay with Tobi, who is presented as flighty, emotionally stunted, and childish. I get why Ernie is hesitant to break ties with Uta, who makes no secret of her outrageously bad behavior. His mother has basically cut all ties to him, and it's natural that he would want to keep someone in his life who has history with him, even if he realizes on some level that she doesn't exactly have his best interests at heart. But Tobi (and his friends) don't bring anything substantial to the table, and Ernie has only known them for six months. I just didn't buy it at all, and having Ernie repeat over and over "He's my soul-mate" means nothing if the audience doesn't actually see something in Tobi, as well. I wanted to like it because the actor who plays Ernie is quite engaging, but I also wanted his partner to actually deserve him.
13 Reviews
Good moments, but as a whole not worth the watch
Horst_In_Translation7 March 2015
Warning: Spoilers
"Münner zum Knutschen" is a Berlin-set film whose title says it all already. It's about a couple of homosexuals who face difficulties in their relationship and have to overcome these and the people opposing their love in order to find peace again. A solid premise, but most of it was lost in execution. The lead actor Marx was not particularly great and his character actually always seemed heterosexual to me, probably because the actor was. The other guy (Lutz) was actually the highlight of the movie and maybe the only thing close to memorable from this very amateurish effort. It looked like a student film at times and not a particularly good one at that.
The movie runs for roughly 80 minutes only and you could easily see that director Hasfogel has never done another movie before or after that so far. Four people are actually credited with writing the film and, apart from a couple truly cheesy dialogs, the script is not one of the biggest weaknesses here. With the topic, you may guess that there are no real taboos in this movie and you are correct. Not only in terms of sexuality, but also in terms of drug abuse for example. Sometimes, it tries a bit too hard though to be "offensive in a funny way". A little subtlety never hurt anybody, guys. Unfortunately, the few funny moments are quickly destroyed by very unfunny scenes including randomly thrown-in transsexuals, weird voice imitations and the whole central plot about the two main characters struggling with their relationship had also some flaws in terms of credibility.
All in all, I do not recommend watching this movie. There are really many short films about gay characters out there and here and there, we also get a good feature movie. This one is not it. The story is weak, the characters are not particularly likable and the execution is shoddy. And the worst is, the characters are depicted far too stereotypical and unimaginative.
The movie runs for roughly 80 minutes only and you could easily see that director Hasfogel has never done another movie before or after that so far. Four people are actually credited with writing the film and, apart from a couple truly cheesy dialogs, the script is not one of the biggest weaknesses here. With the topic, you may guess that there are no real taboos in this movie and you are correct. Not only in terms of sexuality, but also in terms of drug abuse for example. Sometimes, it tries a bit too hard though to be "offensive in a funny way". A little subtlety never hurt anybody, guys. Unfortunately, the few funny moments are quickly destroyed by very unfunny scenes including randomly thrown-in transsexuals, weird voice imitations and the whole central plot about the two main characters struggling with their relationship had also some flaws in terms of credibility.
All in all, I do not recommend watching this movie. There are really many short films about gay characters out there and here and there, we also get a good feature movie. This one is not it. The story is weak, the characters are not particularly likable and the execution is shoddy. And the worst is, the characters are depicted far too stereotypical and unimaginative.
German comedy
mail-9176519 October 2018
like The Three Stooges as German gays in love
jm1070113 April 2014
I've been really eager to see Men to Kiss, hoping it might finally be a German comedy I could enjoy. Nope. I'm starting to think - after at least two dozen tries - that I just never will get German humor.
To me it always seems heavy-handed, loud, grossly exaggerated, totally lacking in subtlety, intelligence, gentleness, depth and warmth. It's like The Three Stooges.
So if you love The Three Stooges and can't imagine anything funnier than The Three Stooges as German gays in love, then this is the movie for you; it's not for me.
Unfortunately, it's awful in every other way too. Every character is like a cartoon character, a shallow overblown caricature of a human being, with nothing inside its hard and garish shell. The direction is cartoonish too, with an extreme close-up of someone's mugging face in nearly every shot.
There is NO credibility or chemistry in the relationship between Ernst and Tobias, which is the core of the movie. They're not even credible human beings. If I can't believe that those two love each other, or even that they're real, how can I care what happens to them? I don't.
Early in the movie I started thinking the actors and even their characters seemed very familiar, and I finally realized that many of them (actors AND their characters, and even some of the sets) were in an earlier movie called Alex and Leo, which I also hated for exactly the same reasons.
Someone named Andre Schneider wrote (and produced, and acted in) both movies, so I'm going to add his name to my surprisingly short list of people whose work I will avoid like the plague from now on.
But if you saw and loved Alex and Leo, you doubtless will love this, its apparent sequel, too. Or, as I said, if the idea of the Three Stooges as gay Germans in love sends you rolling in the floor, you must not let this gem pass you by.
To me it always seems heavy-handed, loud, grossly exaggerated, totally lacking in subtlety, intelligence, gentleness, depth and warmth. It's like The Three Stooges.
So if you love The Three Stooges and can't imagine anything funnier than The Three Stooges as German gays in love, then this is the movie for you; it's not for me.
Unfortunately, it's awful in every other way too. Every character is like a cartoon character, a shallow overblown caricature of a human being, with nothing inside its hard and garish shell. The direction is cartoonish too, with an extreme close-up of someone's mugging face in nearly every shot.
There is NO credibility or chemistry in the relationship between Ernst and Tobias, which is the core of the movie. They're not even credible human beings. If I can't believe that those two love each other, or even that they're real, how can I care what happens to them? I don't.
Early in the movie I started thinking the actors and even their characters seemed very familiar, and I finally realized that many of them (actors AND their characters, and even some of the sets) were in an earlier movie called Alex and Leo, which I also hated for exactly the same reasons.
Someone named Andre Schneider wrote (and produced, and acted in) both movies, so I'm going to add his name to my surprisingly short list of people whose work I will avoid like the plague from now on.
But if you saw and loved Alex and Leo, you doubtless will love this, its apparent sequel, too. Or, as I said, if the idea of the Three Stooges as gay Germans in love sends you rolling in the floor, you must not let this gem pass you by.
Could have been a fun movie
bisslestefan22 December 2016
This movie had potential to be fun but just took all the wrong turns. Tobias is not a like able character if you see him for how he really is, which is someone who manipulates and expects others to just follow. Ernie got it right when he said he lived his life like a perpetual kindergarten child.
The film moved me to hate Ernie more than anyone for being gullible enough to allow himself to be manipulated by Tobi and Uta. Then to be blinded by Tobi and his gangs attempts to "rid" themselves of Uta just because Uta turned out to be not who he expected. Which was, a very complementary persona to Tobi.
Not worth the watch.
The film moved me to hate Ernie more than anyone for being gullible enough to allow himself to be manipulated by Tobi and Uta. Then to be blinded by Tobi and his gangs attempts to "rid" themselves of Uta just because Uta turned out to be not who he expected. Which was, a very complementary persona to Tobi.
Not worth the watch.
So much fun!
Anja-bagus28 May 2012
This Film manages to be entertaining and funny even for People who are not Gay. It has this seemingly "light" quality, which is hard to achieve. The characters are believable, the story is fast paced, but not too much. I really love whats going in in the faces: the little mimics. All actors are professional and loving to the very detail. The camera is amazing and the music underlines the scenes perfectly. The film deals with the ever present theme, but love is there in so many facets: Men, women, and the glorious City of Berlin. The film shows, that even with a low budget, one can create a little wonder, a fairy tale, something beautiful- it is a present we all need sometimes.
Remember, its title is Men to Kiss, not Men who Kiss.
jrschulz-130 May 2012
The first vision most people will have when debating whether or not to see Männer zum knutschen (Men to Kiss) is that the film would be more aptly titled Men who Kiss. It is easy to understand why when one considers the fact this films focus is gay lovers. I suggest that any of you who have formed this preconceived notion evict this thought from your minds immediately. This production is not about men who make out and it is entirely free of gratuitous erotica. Men to Kiss is a light-hearted, albeit absurd, comedy starring Frank Christian Marx and Udo Lutz in the lead roles. It is a German production, filmed almost entirely in Berlin, with English subtitles.
I had the opportunity to view this film at the Calgary Fairy Tales Queer Film Festival 2012 which is runs from May 24 to June 2. Producer/Actor Frank Christian Marx is taking this film on a world tour and thus far it has received critical acclaim.
Men to Kiss is about the trials and tribulations of two gay lovers, banker type Ernst (Marx) and Tobias (Lutz), prone to histrionics, who are still unsure of the strength of their relationship only have the ultimate femme fatale, Ernst's sadistic childhood friend Uta (Alexandra Starnitzky), dropped within their midst, hell-bent on splitting this couple up.
What transpires is a refreshing comedy that jumps from genre to genre throughout the film, leaving the audience never bored. It borders on the absurd, takes a helping hand from slapstick and corn, and takes generous helpings of sarcasm and sardonic humour as side dishes. Lead Frank Christian Marx also wrote the script and it is obvious that his influences are diverse and well developed. Be it a Fellini like surrealism, a Monty Pythonesque absurdity, good old fashioned Carry On slapstick, or Marx Brothers style corn, Marx and director Robert Hasfogel morphed these genres into a dramatic comedy, surprisingly, that is uniquely their own.
Early in the film, the couple's friends become aware of Uta's mad desire to break Ernst and Tobias up. What transpires is a hilarious plot to save them from Uta's clutches. Business like Ernst and flamboyantly histrionic Tobias compliment each other well playing off of one another as the serious straight fall guy and the comic who never seems to take things seriously, that is until Uta arrived on their doorstep.
This is the first gay themed film that I have viewed that does not enter into the realm of gay politics and rights. It is strictly a comedy about two lovers that just happen to be gay. If you enjoyed La Cage aux Folles, the probability is high that you will enjoy Men to Kiss. It will appeal to both straight and gay audiences alike. According to Frank Christian Marx, in Germany it is getting better reception in front of non-gay audiences.
I had the opportunity to view this film at the Calgary Fairy Tales Queer Film Festival 2012 which is runs from May 24 to June 2. Producer/Actor Frank Christian Marx is taking this film on a world tour and thus far it has received critical acclaim.
Men to Kiss is about the trials and tribulations of two gay lovers, banker type Ernst (Marx) and Tobias (Lutz), prone to histrionics, who are still unsure of the strength of their relationship only have the ultimate femme fatale, Ernst's sadistic childhood friend Uta (Alexandra Starnitzky), dropped within their midst, hell-bent on splitting this couple up.
What transpires is a refreshing comedy that jumps from genre to genre throughout the film, leaving the audience never bored. It borders on the absurd, takes a helping hand from slapstick and corn, and takes generous helpings of sarcasm and sardonic humour as side dishes. Lead Frank Christian Marx also wrote the script and it is obvious that his influences are diverse and well developed. Be it a Fellini like surrealism, a Monty Pythonesque absurdity, good old fashioned Carry On slapstick, or Marx Brothers style corn, Marx and director Robert Hasfogel morphed these genres into a dramatic comedy, surprisingly, that is uniquely their own.
Early in the film, the couple's friends become aware of Uta's mad desire to break Ernst and Tobias up. What transpires is a hilarious plot to save them from Uta's clutches. Business like Ernst and flamboyantly histrionic Tobias compliment each other well playing off of one another as the serious straight fall guy and the comic who never seems to take things seriously, that is until Uta arrived on their doorstep.
This is the first gay themed film that I have viewed that does not enter into the realm of gay politics and rights. It is strictly a comedy about two lovers that just happen to be gay. If you enjoyed La Cage aux Folles, the probability is high that you will enjoy Men to Kiss. It will appeal to both straight and gay audiences alike. According to Frank Christian Marx, in Germany it is getting better reception in front of non-gay audiences.
What happens if you're a gay man and your best friend is a woman?
Red-1259 October 2012
Männer zum Knutschen (2012), directed by Robert Hasfogel, is a German film shown in the U.S. as "Men to Kiss." Ernst (Frank Christian Marx) is a rather serious young banker, who is in a relationship with Tobi (Udo Lutz). Tobi is a will-of-the-wisp relaxed guy who lives to obtain pleasure for himself and others.
Ernie's childhood best friend, Uta (the beautiful Alexandra Starnitzky) arrives determined to destroy the relationship. (Also, if necessary, to destroy Tobi.) The plot of the movie is the interaction among the three of them. Added to the mix are Tobi's friends--some gay, some straight. It becomes clear to everyone--except, of course, Ernst--that if the relationship is to survive, Uta must be forced to leave. Uta, however, is a tough customer, who won't leave without a struggle.
Although I enjoyed the film, there were some weak aspects to it. Uta was so impossibly evil that even Ernst would have caught on sooner rather than later. Tobi's charm appealed to Ernst in the film, but would it appeal to him in real life? Would he really want a partner-- straight or gay--who lived solely for pleasure? We have to accept that for Ernst the answer was "yes." My thought was that sooner or later Ernst would want someone who cared about art, literature, politics, gay rights--something other than the next diversion.
Still, "Men to Kiss" was a pleasant enough movie. I enjoyed it, and would recommend it, although I don't think it's worth seeking out and seeing at all costs. The film was shown at the Little Theatre as part of the excellent ImageOut--the Rochester LGBT Film & Video Festival.
Ernie's childhood best friend, Uta (the beautiful Alexandra Starnitzky) arrives determined to destroy the relationship. (Also, if necessary, to destroy Tobi.) The plot of the movie is the interaction among the three of them. Added to the mix are Tobi's friends--some gay, some straight. It becomes clear to everyone--except, of course, Ernst--that if the relationship is to survive, Uta must be forced to leave. Uta, however, is a tough customer, who won't leave without a struggle.
Although I enjoyed the film, there were some weak aspects to it. Uta was so impossibly evil that even Ernst would have caught on sooner rather than later. Tobi's charm appealed to Ernst in the film, but would it appeal to him in real life? Would he really want a partner-- straight or gay--who lived solely for pleasure? We have to accept that for Ernst the answer was "yes." My thought was that sooner or later Ernst would want someone who cared about art, literature, politics, gay rights--something other than the next diversion.
Still, "Men to Kiss" was a pleasant enough movie. I enjoyed it, and would recommend it, although I don't think it's worth seeking out and seeing at all costs. The film was shown at the Little Theatre as part of the excellent ImageOut--the Rochester LGBT Film & Video Festival.
An enjoyable, fantastical debut from Ente Kross Film
dkavanagh-315-48102612 March 2012
From an impressive line up at Queer Screen's Mardi Gras Film Festival, Men to Kiss was a highly memorable film.
The storyline is cute, funny and silly whilst remaining somehow believable and real. There are some great twists and subtle turns. Full of encapsulated moments, the film explores that line between friendship and obsession- an obsession born of unfulfilled desires and unrequited passion.
Frank Christian Marx is sweet and pitiful and at the same time brave and strong as the innocent Ernst. Udo Lutz is vibrant and assured, yet vulnerable and (rightfully) insecure as the adoring boyfriend Tobi. With a talented pool of actors it's hard not to love all the major players in some part as well as the oddball characters they meet along the way.
Filmed in Berlin, Men to Kiss gives a snapshot into the lives of a group of close, quirky friends and *their* Berlin. A place for friendship, romance, unpredictable nights and unforgettable moments.
Starting from the end and skipping back in time, you invariably know where the story is going to end- but not the why and the how, which makes the last few moments of the film excruciatingly tense in a very funny way. An enjoyable, fantastical debut from Ente Kross Film, it will be interesting to see what they come up with next.
The storyline is cute, funny and silly whilst remaining somehow believable and real. There are some great twists and subtle turns. Full of encapsulated moments, the film explores that line between friendship and obsession- an obsession born of unfulfilled desires and unrequited passion.
Frank Christian Marx is sweet and pitiful and at the same time brave and strong as the innocent Ernst. Udo Lutz is vibrant and assured, yet vulnerable and (rightfully) insecure as the adoring boyfriend Tobi. With a talented pool of actors it's hard not to love all the major players in some part as well as the oddball characters they meet along the way.
Filmed in Berlin, Men to Kiss gives a snapshot into the lives of a group of close, quirky friends and *their* Berlin. A place for friendship, romance, unpredictable nights and unforgettable moments.
Starting from the end and skipping back in time, you invariably know where the story is going to end- but not the why and the how, which makes the last few moments of the film excruciatingly tense in a very funny way. An enjoyable, fantastical debut from Ente Kross Film, it will be interesting to see what they come up with next.
A wonderful rough diamond of a film
daniel104378 January 2013
Here comes something unexpected. A German gay screwball comedy. The movie is a very enjoyable tale of friendship, relationships and the power of true love. It's a little movie with a bigger than life heart and very inspiring actors. I find myself falling in love with the lead Frank Christian Marx. An actor who I never heard before of but who's totally worth checking out. His portray of a clueless guy who has to choose between the love of his life and his female best friend is the real deal of the film. But the other performances are good as well, especially the villain is a very enjoyable woman you love to hate. A very big plus is the music which is something very different from other German movies, it sounds much more like a mix between Disney and danny elfman. I really liked it much more than I thought I would.
a wonderful sweet movie with a lot of heart and two great performances
martin-deckerts4 March 2013
I just loved this little German movie. It's cute, funny and has one of the best villains I ever experienced in a movie. You will love to hate Uta, the woman who tries to destroy the relationship of Earnest. He and Uta have been best friends since childhood and Earnest's new boyfriend Tobias is in her way to get the man of her dreams. The movie has a really good and honest lead performance from Frank Christian Marx as Earnest but it's Alexandra Starnitzky who steals the show here. The character of Udo Lutz as Tobias is a little over the top. But in one scene (you will know) he's hilarious. And the chemistry between the three actors is pretty intensive.
great comedy with a very sexy and talented lead actor
martin-bleekemolen17 January 2013
Robert Hasfogel's Men to Kiss is a wildly amusing, sitcom-y, flick made much better by the central performance of its co-writer, Frank Christian Marx—who bears a resemblance to Jon Hamm.
In this crazycrackers German comedy, Ernst (Marx), a straight-laced banker, falls hard for the nutty tres-gay Tobias (Udo Lutz)—but the situation becomes uber complicated when Ernst's best friend Uta (a delightfully unhinged Alexandra Starnitzky) arrives in Berlin and, quite literally, threatens Tobias' life if he doesn't leave Ernst.
Hasfogel choreographs the zaniness nicely and has cast the ensemble with a potpourri of bizarre types. Udo Lutz does his best to play what is a very cartoony character. Ditto, Starnitzky.
The wackiness of certain moments and situations keeps the audience laughing while the delectable Marx keeps the proceedings grounded with an honest and heartfelt portrayal of a clueless guy trying to bring his boyfriend and best friend together, not realizing that one of them is a thundering loon.
In this crazycrackers German comedy, Ernst (Marx), a straight-laced banker, falls hard for the nutty tres-gay Tobias (Udo Lutz)—but the situation becomes uber complicated when Ernst's best friend Uta (a delightfully unhinged Alexandra Starnitzky) arrives in Berlin and, quite literally, threatens Tobias' life if he doesn't leave Ernst.
Hasfogel choreographs the zaniness nicely and has cast the ensemble with a potpourri of bizarre types. Udo Lutz does his best to play what is a very cartoony character. Ditto, Starnitzky.
The wackiness of certain moments and situations keeps the audience laughing while the delectable Marx keeps the proceedings grounded with an honest and heartfelt portrayal of a clueless guy trying to bring his boyfriend and best friend together, not realizing that one of them is a thundering loon.
Entertaining, heartwarming and with two main characters to fall in love with
karinasturm3 May 2020
'Men to Kiss' is a heartfelt comedy with two main characters I could watch all day long. They both are quirky, relatable, and lovable in their own way. And I was impressed with how professional this movie was produced. As a German who watches German TV regularly, this film was far above what one would expect on German TV, and I can see how it won international awards.
Even though one might have been able to guess how the film ends - like in most romantic comedies - 'Men to Kiss' offered some astounding elements and scenes all throughout the film, which spiced up the whole story.
The orchestra music underlined the whole film in a very coherent way and made some scenes even more emotional. It also showed the dedication and passion the filmmakers put into the production.
Overall, I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with the main actors, and I would recommend this film to anyone who wants to have a heart filled with love after watching this charming comedy.
Even though one might have been able to guess how the film ends - like in most romantic comedies - 'Men to Kiss' offered some astounding elements and scenes all throughout the film, which spiced up the whole story.
The orchestra music underlined the whole film in a very coherent way and made some scenes even more emotional. It also showed the dedication and passion the filmmakers put into the production.
Overall, I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with the main actors, and I would recommend this film to anyone who wants to have a heart filled with love after watching this charming comedy.
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