Monster Pies (2013) User Reviews

Absolutely loving this low budget indie Australian film

[david-3165 · 9/10 · 24 December 2013]

I agree with many of the comments left so far and none of them prevent me from absolutely loving this low budget indie Australian film. The story is not new, but these are stories that should be told and told again. Especially as there are so few from an Australian perspective.

As others have mentioned, in parts the production can be a little messy. However you quickly get used to this, and in the end (unintentionally) it makes the whole film feel more real. Imagine finding a slightly tattered rug, but once wrapped around you it was the warmest most comfortable rug you could find. That's how I felt about this film.

The two leads are great young actors. Considering this was Lucas Linehams first feature film, he has done an outstanding job and I look forward to seeing him in any upcoming roles.

I could imagine this movie being put on a school curriculum for students anywhere in the world to discuss the concepts of same sex attracted students, bullying and domestic violence. As a result of these themes, it does get upsetting at times. But please don't let that put you off seeing this very moving movie.

A sweet, touching film

[walterhpdx · 8/10 · 20 July 2017]

I've been watching lighthearted movies all week, and IMDb suggested this one as similar to a movie I'd just finished. I didn't realize this was quite the opposite of lighthearted, and got sucked into the movie, not caring what direction it took.

The two leads are your regular highschooler types; impulsive, wondrous, and at the same time, guarded. You could tell Mike finally had someone to reach out to, though Will was far too guarded at first. And when they finally got on the same page, that made for magic.

The chemistry between the two leads was undeniable, and I should have seen the inevitable conclusion, giving that the class assignment was about 'Romeo & Juliet'. It still caught me off guard, though.

Yes, it's a sad movie - but in sadness, where you can find hope and not despair, you know that you've connected with your audience. And that's just what this movie does.

Excellent portrayal of Romeo and Juliet

[myonge-72119 · 8/10 · 29 February 2020]

I have read some of the reviews of this movie, and yes it would not have won an academy award, but so what? A movie does not have to be a cinematic masterpiece to tell a story well and this movie does just that.

The story concept and it's portrayal was excellently developed and presented by "Mike" and "Will" I've watched it twice now and will no doubt watch it again. My heart went out to both these young men and the agony they both were going through. The only highlight in their young lives was the love they briefly found in each other. As one of the other reviewers mentioned, I should have seen the end coming with the theme being Romeo and Juliet.

It is well worth the viewing.

An unrefined, but very touching film that packs a punch.

[bennyjayruss · 10/10 · 30 November 2013]

Monster Pies isn't a very well made film, but it's terribly moving. Once it gets more exposure, there's no doubt in my mind that it will be seen as an LGBT cinematic treasure. It's an important film for Australia too, a country that has only had brief exposure to gay themes on television and in film (Priscilla being the most notable film). It took me a while to get into the movie, because it was hard to get past the shabby production value. As the leading actors took their stride and developed an infectious chemistry, the romance took off and led me on yet another incredibly moving experience. Isn't it weird though, that a film like this (which is far from great) is one that I'll never forget. It does pack a punch, and it will stay with you.

We follow the life of Mike (Tristan Barr), who is an awkward teenager that works in a video store, and also gets teased about his sexuality. In his English class, Mike gets paired with an attractive new student, Will (Lucas Linehan), who has a manly exterior, but hidden sensitivity. They have to create a modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, which forces them to spend lots of time together. As they work on their project, they start having loads of fun and establish a unique connection. It's a coming of age story (which is prevalent in LGBT films), but it's more realistic and moving than most.

From the get-go, it's obvious that this is an extremely low-budget film. The font of the opening credits, and the horrendously performed opening exchange by Mike and his teacher just left me nervous about how the rest of the film would unfold. In the first 5 minutes alone, we're exposed to some of the most frequent romance movie clichés in the movie business. The long first glance, helping each other pick up dropped papers, having to share a book in class, being unintentionally over-enthusiastic about seeing him… trust me, this list goes on.

There are some really off-putting things in this movie. One of them being that Mike works in a Video-tape renting store. No, not DVDs, but videos. I haven't seen a DVD store sell VHS tapes since I was in 5th Grade, so it's a curious sight to behold. Another thing that put me off was the unoriginal comedy clichés, such as the classic "see anything you like" gag. I don't know what director Lee Galea was going for, but this film is so aware of itself. Many of the actors don't know the meaning of the word 'subtle,' the script is filled with moments straight out of other movies, and the choppy and amateur style bugged me. I want to have mercy on this film, but then I just wouldn't be honest to myself and my readers. While this grained on me in the beginning, I really got into the film as it focused more on Will.

On this sea of bad acting and shabby film craftsmanship, floated the revelation that is Lucas Linehan. His performance is the sunshine that turned the film into a really enjoyable one. There are some pretty great moments in the film, and they ALL include him. One of my favourites being when he looks back at Mike in the side-view mirror of the car. It was quick and subtle, but it showed us that Mike is on his mind. All of the moments where they rehearsed their Romeo and Juliet assignment were… extremely heart-warming. I just felt overjoyed at the 'wolfman kiss' scene. They did that really well, and Tristan Barr's facial expression afterwards was his greatest moment in the film.

As time goes on and the story progresses, everything feels so much smoother and more entertaining. The romance develops nicely, due to the chemistry the leads share out of the blue. After the 'wolfman kiss' scene, I really started to get into the character's and their story. The swimming pool scene, which was also cliché to the max, was done exquisitely. I really liked the metaphor they used to describe the two, and the LGBT community. Mike is Frankenstein, who is feared and misunderstood. Will is the Wolfman, who is trying to cope with his change into a monster. The monsters are the LGBT community, who are hunted by the villagers (ignorant and stubborn people: the real monsters). They used this metaphor as a way to recreate Romeo and Juliet, and I just loved it. I'd give it an 'A' if I was an English teacher. The music really impressed me too, ranging from classical scores like Fur Elise to beautiful love ballads by the school dance band. The second half just took flight and became a really solid film. Well, up until the mother exploded at Mike. When it comes to melodrama, it either has to be done perfectly, or not at all.

I felt really moved by the end of the film because of a lot of things. I absolutely adore the message this film sends to LGBT teens, which is to not be afraid any more. It's so important that kids know to come out and be who they are, because this world will never change unless people are honest with themselves. There was a really touching song that played too, which almost moved me to tears. Most importantly, it was because of the moving performance by Lucas Linehan, who was the heart and soul of the film. This isn't a refined film, but its message and emotional impact managed to make me like it a lot.

I'd give it a 7/10, but I'd like to boost its rating up. It deserves far better than a 5.1/10.

A lovely film

[tonysloane · 9/10 · 22 July 2017]

I cannot believe that some "critics" awarded one or two stars to a lovely, enjoyable but ultimately sad film. What do you not like? It was shot on a limited budget with two untried actors who gave their most. It had humour, pathos and eventually sadness. I just don't understand how anyone could be unmoved with a film that exposes all the emotions that so many gay men feel unable to express. It was a lovely film, and I do hope the main actors go on to even greater fame. Thank you Australia for a beautiful film.

Better & Better with time; Ending is a roller coaster of emotions

[seanbarnespolo · 7/10 · 27 January 2020]

This movie started off so clunky that I almost turned it off. But the characters warmed up nicely so I kept watching. I was glad I did. I was starting to think I'd score this 7 or 8 (my 8 is the point where I try to buy my own copy of a movie). I was hoping the scene near the end was a dream. The reality made me so angry that I was thinking my score might be more like a 5. But there was still more film remaining. In the short amount of time remaining, I restored to a solid 7. I am disappointed that in 2013 when this was made, that it was still acceptable for parents of both boys to be so incredibly homophobic. However, I just recently saw the synopsis for a documentary that stated something like 20% of young men in shelters were kicked out of their homes when their sexual orientation did not align with their parents' wishes. So, for a cheap low budget movie, this meant enough to me to write my first review ever here on IMDB, even though I've been a 'member' for many years. I really encourage you to read the review posted as: "An unrefined, but very touching film that packs a punch." bennyjayruss30 November 2013 The single review I read prior to watching the movie did not give me any clue about the intensity of the ending of this movie. But on a fair note, maybe I would not have watched it. Who knows. But the review by bennyjayruss concludes how 'unforgettable' this movie surprisingly really is.

Heart=Wrenching

[larkpraise · 9/10 · 19 March 2014]

I got this movie on DVD in January. I have watched it almost every night since then so I feel I can give an adequate review. I have never been affected by a gay film as much as this film has impacted me. Maybe because the two main characters are so easy to identify with and because you long for the happy ending that does not come.

Certainly the film is low-budget and there are some creaks in the plot. But what makes this film work is endearing charm of Tristan Barr and Lucas Linehan in the lead roles. I have never seen a gay film where the two leads had such chemistry with one another as this film (and I own quite a lot of gay films with the coming out theme).

Everyone comments on Lucas Linehan's brilliant performance as the tragic Will. Linehan succeeds on all counts certainly and this can make it easy to overlook Tristan Barr's amazing and equally brilliant performance as the lonely, nerdy, misfit who has to endure the endless bullying and taunting of his schoolmates even though he is not "out of the closet".

Seeing that many reviewers have commented on Linehan's performance, I want to say something about Tristan Barr. He, too, has many, many haunting moments in the film. In the beginning when the teacher is passing out the handouts for the project and Will passes Mike the papers and Mike drops them the expression on his face says, "Boy, he's going to think I'm a clumsy oaf". His awkwardness is evident simply by the look on his face...even before he meets Will. The next great "Mike" moment is when the teacher asks Will to read an excerpt from "Romeo and Juliet" and Mike is completely mesmerized by Will's sensitivity in reading. The camera at first focuses on Will reading then captures Mike's expression.....he can't take his eyes off him. What Barr seems to be thinking (and what he is telling the audience) is "can this guy be like me??? Is he gay"?? A good actor will convey with his face and eyes what dialogue cannot express. The director wisely muffles the sound as Will continues reading and the camera focuses on Mike's "thoughts" revealed only through his face.

My favorite "Mike" moment is the scene in the garage where he has set up a small film projector and fixed a big screen to show Will, who has never been to a drive-in, what its like to see a movie there. Will is unquestionably happy and thrilled at what Mike has done for him and Mike's face shows delight in Will's happiness. This is probably my favorite scene in the whole film because it shows the caring, compassion and love between these two lonely misfits. Mike's face as he looks at Will enjoying himself has a poignant pathos and one has to have a heart of stone not to be moved by such a showing of love in such a simple, understated way.

Other Great "Mike Moments": When Will pushes him unexpectedly into the pool and Mike reacts with "hurt" because it brings the bullying he has known throughout his life into reality.

When Mike shyly asks Will if they are "together". Mike's longing to take Will to the dance and Will rejects him because he is "scared". One's heart aches for Mike because we feel his pain just as we feel Will's pain with his abusive father.

WARNING: BIG SPOILER ALERT: Mike running down the street because he fears for Will's life and comforting Will when Will breaks down after the confrontation with his father. The last 17 minutes of the film all belong to Barr who never loses his audience. His broken heart is revealed for all to see, even the bully. His running out to the grassy field and digging his hands in the dirt and letting out his grief because he last lost his "great love" makes you want to reach out and say....its all just a bad dream Mike. You're going to wake up just as the teacher puts the film in the VCR and Will is going to be right next to you telling you to "calm down" ...you were just having a horrible nightmare. At least that is how I choose to look at the ending.

This is one movie I will never tire of seeing and let's give credit where credit is due....Linehan AND Barr's touching and brilliant performances brought out by director, Lee Galea!

What a wonderful film!

[teabag_mike · 10/10 · 22 June 2013]

I saw this film for the first time at MQFF (Melbourne Queer Film Festival) and it blew me away with it's sensitive characterizations, elegant cinematography and beautiful use of music. This film was made on a micro budget and should be used as a yard stick for other indie film makers to live up to. This movie shows what can be accomplished with determination, drive and vision.

The plot is a straight forward coming of age story and whilst we have seen this type of thing before, we've never seen it told in quiet the same way with sparse beauty and compassion. The two main leads are destined for future success if this is any indication of what they are capable of. They are both charismatic and charming. They anchor the film and give it a gravity, sense of humor and emotional core. All the support actors are outstanding as well - they range from heavy and down right nasty to quirky, off beat and genuinely funny.

The location filming in Melbourne's western suburbs gives the film a real slice of life feel that every Australian growing up in the burbs will relate to. The local area portrayed in the film becomes almost a character unto itself.

Both the score and songs are well used and add huge production value to this little film. The editing is slightly rough around the edges but it actually adds to the character of the film. I found it worked even better on a repeated viewing. We do tend to be so used to seeing bigger budget films that are slickly cut together whereas Monster Pies is a personal vision and works on a purely personal, one on one level. That is all part of the films magic.

The direction and writing from Lee Galea show a maturity and depth of understanding of both film and the subject matter. For a second feature with a tiny budget this film rocks. Lee is obviously a child of the 90's and pays loving homage to them with great attention to detail. From local video libraries to phones with cords. I for one cannot wait to see what he makes next!

Try watching this film with an open mind and heart and I think you'll walk away from it slightly changed forever. I know I have.

A sweet film

[Gordon-11 · 27 November 2016]

This film tells the story of a timid teenager in school, who meets his first love when a new boy joins the class. They have a beautiful time together, but they are afraid to continue their relationship due to fear of both internal and external forces.

"Monster Pies" starts off very sweet, as the two guys begin their friendship and gradually progress from there. The two actors make their characters very likable, because they radiate of innocence and charm. They look so cute and convincing when they are with each other. As a result, I was unprepared by the ending. It is touching the way it ends, but I wish it ended differently.

Only gay people totally understand the emotions in this movie look up.

[fbenbianco · 8/10 · 17 November 2019]

Like anyone who has gone through an experience like this, like me, no no never can totally understand what's going on in this movie. While some scenes seem disjointed, the base of the story made me want to watch this movie multiple times. The horrifying ending of the story unfortunately happens way too often in this world. Without giving away the story I can say that I could not stop crying after seeing this. Even if you're not gay, this is a good story to watch to kind of understand what goes through people's mind and how awful things can get for them.

A Truly Super Movie! One you must see!

[jaybs · 9/10 · 1 December 2013]

The main review of "Monster Pies" on the IMDb page calls it "A few lovely scenes scattered at random through a very clumsy movie" how wrong the reviewer can be, those of us who love our movies be them short or full, do not always look for the complete perfect end product, sometimes a movie filmed with edge takes you closer.

I can assure you "Monster Pies" does take you close and introduces two fine young actors that I honestly Believe we will hear lots more about in the future. Lucas Linehan is what you look for in an up and coming young actor, and he is the complete package, you feel the emotion from him, I have just seen a new short movie he has appeared in titled "Sheets" which is on the Festival Circuit and again he brings out the best in the part he has a lead actor. Tristan Barr the other lead in "Monster Pies" delivers a superb role and demonstrates he has the same talent to go far.

I have to admit liking Australian drama and "Monster Pies2 delivers, I am sure many young people will identify with the part of William (Lucas) the uncertainty we can have when we are young and Mike (Tristan) who delivers his part so different from the role of William, but shows how people do identify often.

A good storyline and well delivered, don't be put off with one review!

A few lovely scenes scattered at random through a very clumsy movie

[jm10701 · 21 November 2013]

Monster Pies is the story of two average, slightly nerdy guys in high school who fall in love and experience practically everything guys have experienced in gay movies since The Boys in the Band - in other words: too much. Too much for THIS movie, anyway. Robert Altman could have juggled this much melodrama, but this is a small movie that staggers under an unnecessarily heavy load.

It's as if Lee Galea, the movie's writer-director-producer-executive producer-editor-etc, had a long list of things he felt compelled to include in his one shot at a feature-length gay movie, and most of them just get shoehorned into the story in places where they don't fit. The result is a painfully clumsy movie, in which the viewer gets slung around from one trauma to the next, with no sense of continuity or understanding of why all this stuff is happening. It's arbitrary, it's tiring, and it makes it very hard to care about these kids, since they live in some slightly skewed universe in which nothing makes sense.

So... why did I give this wreck of a movie five stars? Because of the two kids. Five or six times in the course of this disaster there is such sweet, strong, simple and pure affection between them that it makes all the other crap worth suffering through.

It's like gentle magic. You're wrestling with this movie, trying to enjoy it but finding that an impossible feat, and then Will and Mike look at each other, and say something so tender and so lovely that you can't help loving them.

Only when the two guys are alone together is this movie worth watching, and not always even then. Those few magical scenes last a total of maybe fifteen minutes, and they're scattered through the movie almost at random, like diamonds in a landfill. They make Monster Pies well worth watching, but it's rough going in between.

Wow, this is pretty bad

[ekeby · 2/10 · 7 April 2014]

I'm kind of astonished at the glowing reviews here. Did we all see the same movie?

The one I saw was chock full of scenes plucked from dozens of other movies and a plot that was picked up in a second hand plot store.

The actors seem adequate, but it's a little hard to tell because the material they have to work with is so awful. The film is in always in focus, and the sound quality is good. That's about it for positive qualities.

I suppose if you're young, or haven't seen many gay movies, you might mistake this for art. It's not. It's tripe. Cross it off your list.

Disappointing at Best

[mgold-8 · 3/10 · 19 January 2014]

Did we really need another gay-themed film where the gay kid kills himself? What kind of message does this send to actual real-life teenagers who are suicidal? If they'd just ended the movie at about 69 minutes in, with Will and Mike falling asleep next to each other under the tree, I'd have given it a 9. As it is, this movie is at best a huge disappointment. At worst, what's to stop a very depressed gay boy in Miami or Melbourne or Manchester from watching this movie and coming away from it with the perception that it validates what he'd already been contemplating, i.e. that suicide is, indeed, the only way out? This is a very possible real-world consequence that the people responsible for making this film apparently didn't consider.

Hard Hitting

[brandonk96 · 9/10 · 14 February 2015]

I know this won't be much of a review. I'm actually still trying to process the movie in my head.

The storyline was absolutely touching, and it's rare that a film actually leaves me in tears at the end, and this has to be the hardest I've cried after a film. Sure the acting could have been better most times, but everything else made up for it. It was such a job well done.

I really do appreciate the fact that an indie film has had such an impact on me. This is definitely something to add to my favourites to watch again in the future.

Again, I have never been so touched by a movie like I have by this one.

Excellent film

[raul-718-717264 · 10/10 · 21 June 2013]

I saw the film at Bendigo, Victoria, in April 2013. It was part of the Bendigo Queer Film Festival. I was amazed by this film, and I have recommended the film to all my friends. The story is timeless, and it clearly reflects the struggle young kids still face in regional Australia. The directing, acting, music, photography, locations, and costumes were all just wonderful; the best to summarise it is that it felt so real ... I was just chatting with a friend yesterday about the struggle of a young kid unsure about his sexuality in the NSW South Coast, the risks at such a young age of depression or even more extreme consequences. I wish Monster Pies was shown in communities in our area as I think it would help combating these problems and educating young kids and their families. Well done to everyone that participated in making this film, specially to LEE GALEA !!

stupid-ass movie

[alanroxas · 10/10 · 19 November 2013]

if you're any sort of an emotionally unstable person (like myself), if you find yourself tearing up during heartfelt moments or painful ones, then this movie will destroy you. While I laughed at the plethora of breakdowns the characters experienced, the movie itself, in all its glory, is beautiful.

when it ended, i found myself cursing the movie because it had made me happy, but also very sad. i hate this movie, but i also love it.

the acting is great, the script is phenomenal. the dialogue felt awkward at first until i realized the lead actor is supposed to be awkward and then it was just charming. some moments are a bit hard to believe, but overall, i'd watch this movie again, definitely, but only on a rainy night when i feel like being happy and sad and confused as to how that's possible. I guess that's good filmmaking!

Classic gay movie

[seronjaa-797-313124 · 7/10 · 15 July 2016]

the plot is similar to many other gay movies out there. the characters are nice. i like the back story about the main character's families. that adds some depth to it. unfortunately, there are too many clichés in the movie- too much crying and emotional breakdowns, ignorant family members and the worse- suicide. i think will didn't have a real motive for suicide. yes, his life sucks, but he was a strong character. i think in RL he wouldn't do it, or at least not in that moment. that was a disappointment for me. and after that scene, i just wanted for the movie to end as fast as possible. it's a nice movie to watch and you will probably love it, if it's your first gay movie, but it's nothing we haven't seen yet. i wished the dialogue would have been more interesting. at least i could enjoy lucas linehan's sexy Australian accent :D

This film is a delightful cheap narcotic

[branniganslaw · 7/10 · 8 November 2014]

Twice I've watched it and both times I've cried at exactly the same spots. Few films deliver a double punch like that. Considering the micro budget, that's a major achievement.

Based on spoiler criticism of the ending on IMDb, I almost didn't buy it. Who needs another film with a tragic gay ending but as I was to learn, the tragedy part was quickly followed by redemption. In the aftermath, Mike realizes that the fears both boys had over their sexuality were really overblown. The universal acceptance by the teacher, the parents and even the school bully will serve as notice to any at risk teen that it does indeed get better.

I also liked the photographic style. It was competently shot and the colorist has done a fine job. While budget restrictions meant this was always going to have a video feel, I for one appreciate the authentic capture of the southern latitude light. Only films shot in places like Melbourne, Sao Paulo and Cape Town have this crisp electric big sky southern hemisphere look and that can easily be lost when layered with big budget Hollywood "film look" processing.

Finally, a note about actor Lucas Linehan. While I can't comment on his acting skills (a role like this is pretty standard teen angst and any soap actor could have rendered it as well), what made his involvement special was his decision to sink his own savings at the 11th hour to save the film. From the interviews he's done, it's clear that struggles with sexuality are not part of his own personal story, yet he felt passionate enough about the project and the director to make a stake.

Thank you Lucas! Thank you Lee!

delicious

[mybateri · 8/10 · 30 November 2013]

this movie was slow to start but the casting of Lucas Linehan as William kept me glued watching..i also loved watching the home room teacher and at the end how supportive she was towards Tristan Barr..i applaud Lee Galea for that one dramatic scene..seriously, i didn't see that coming.. the chemistry between the two main characters, just looking at how they kiss..very natural and great to watch (and mind you there was a scene of them on the bed with no clothes on so keep your eyes open for that hehehe).. Monster Pies is well worth watching but if it was up to me i would have rearranged the scenes and the appearance of the characters to make it more easily to digest and smoother

So lets talk about Monster Pies

[beachroad-28453 · 9/10 · 13 May 2018]

So lets talk about Monster Pies.

In fact lets talk about Indie film making. Indie film making isn't about lots of money, it's about passion. This film has passion, not just in terms of the story, but in it's DNA.

On some level read that as code, I've got to be up front - there are few production luxuries. But this tale was written at age 15, then years later the author turned it into a script and without funding made a feature film. Now that's very impressive and it somehow comes through.

Monster Pies is a film of it's location - Melbourne's often maligned western suburbs - which in my view it captures just right (well I only really know the western suburbs of Sydney, but it's the same thing). Whenever I mention my parents come from Melbourne, Melburnian's will ask 'where'. That isn't a friendly question, they want to size up where you fit on the social scale based upon your address. The classes don't really mix in Melbourne. That means typically when life in the working class 'burbs is depicted, it's through the well meaning imagination of someone who doesn't know. Monster Pies doesn't feel that way.

Monster Pies more specifically is a film about young adolescent men and their vulnerability. Despite being at the peak of physical being, when the list of emotional trauma gradually increases, young men without a supportive environment are very vulnerable indeed.

Monster Pies is also a film about love, first love. In that sense it is a gentle little film, but unlike say "Call me by your name", Monster Pies acknowledges first love doesn't happen in a carefree bubble. First love happens at an especially vulnerable time of our lives. But I've probably said too much.

If you fancy a good rom com or fairy tale love story - then this isn't it. If you are after an indie film with heart and depth - you've found it.

At least above-average coming-of-age-movie

[dan_gao_86 · 8/10 · 2 October 2014]

I have enjoyed reading the comments on this film here, almost as much as watching the film itself. Yes, the actors need some time to find their characters, and I dare say this is especially true for Mr Barr. Although he has the harder part, for he is supposed to be talkative, as opposed to initially mascu-mute Mr Linehan. Yet, I find they acted well. I found Mr Barr's depiction of falling-in-love convincing, wanting to be close yet not finding words to say and justify the being close to the person one is in love with. The school duty came in handy here. But was the assignment really that unrealistic? Has no-one ever shared a book with a new kid or someone who simply forgot hers? And isn't the one you already sit next to and read with the natural partner for any resulting assignment? Not that far away from reality.

As for the family situation: the class background is lower middle class at best. That both protagonists stem from "incomplete" homes merely underlines they grow up in an environment supposedly not too friendly towards LGBT issues, because self-expression is not a top priority. We would not necessarily need to know what became of Williams mother. But we need her and his sister to show that his family situation has not left him emotionally degenerated. This helps understand how William so quickly comes to terms with his feelings - because he was aware before he has any.

I found the film to be a moving love-story with an unhappy ending that might well be useful when screening the film publicly. It might help starting debate on how much pressure teenagers from certain backgrounds still experience when they discover their sexuality is not the same as the normative majority's, what this pressure may cause and hence how it may be reduced.

Yes, it's a low budget indie film, and that shows. But the story is convincingly told, and that should count.

Ten For Lucas Linehan

[donwc1996 · 10/10 · 18 June 2014]

My ten vote is strictly for first time feature actor Lucas Linehan who, if there is any justice in the world, will be a big star! This guy has it all. Looks, talent, chemistry, charisma - you name it - Lucas has it. He made this insufferably bad film worth watching and even though I groaned my way through the absurdly juvenile script (the director candidly admits he wrote it when he was 15) I could not take my eyes off Lucas who is so refreshingly new, so incredibly talented that one wonders just how far he will go in films. Based on this debut alone he should be picked up by a big Hollywood agent and I am certain he will. Other standouts were the mother in the home and the teacher in school. Both women created unforgettable characters that really worked. But the failure of this film is the absolutely dreadful script, which if actually written when the director was 15 is understandable. It just plain reeks of silly, juvenile ideas that have no place in a serious script although Lucas Linehan is actually able to overcome most of the horrible writing, but, alas, not all, that's how bad the script is.

Love can ..........

[bgoo-19890 · 9/10 · 15 November 2021]

This is just my opinion as a Gay man' with no talent who has experience some of the things in the movie

Just like the play they are doing the project on. A more modern take on Romeo and Juliet. In this case the Monster Pies do not work.

Very much exceeded expectations

[brenswee · 8/10 · 11 March 2019]

I was not prepared!

*Spoilers below* Firstly, to touch on the downside - yes the production values at the beginning aren't astounding and there are a few snags during the film, but overall it smooths out. Lucas Linehan is fantastic. His scenes are golden. His cheeky but cheery smirk lights up a room and a smile sets it on fire. He's a very natural actor. I hope to see more from him but the IMDb listing is sadly scant. Here's to the future!

*Major spoiler* Anyway, this movie did not end up where I expected. There comes a scene that completely shocked and floored me. I wasn't prepared at all and I spent the rest of the movie in shreds, and some time afterwards too. I'm waaay too sensitive. The guys had a really believable affection and great chemistry and that's why it really packed such a punch for me. There are a few moments of foreshadowing earlier in the movie.

The movie is so touching but I don't know if I could watch it again, certainly not because it isn't worthwhile but simply because of the emotional toll!