Havan_IronOak

When I watched this understated film I was pleasantly surprised. I've had the hots for Matt Dallas since the Kyle XY days. It was oddly funny to hear them mention "Kyle" in the dialogue at a few spots - the hapless "villain" in this piece was named Kyle.

I never see myself in drag, but I have the utmost respect for those who enjoy it and are brave enough to be themselves; both those who go for the glamour and those who enjoy doing the comedic schtick.

This piece is simultaneously sweet and fierce. The rustic background just seems to accentuate the feelings between the main characters. The imagery with the locals and the dead fish is a continual reminder that it's not always as safe to be yourself in rural areas (like where I grew up) as it is in the urban areas (where I've generally lived lately).

The unrequited love here is palpable. The ambiguity about both Declan's and Chris's feelings is strangely riveting. This piece is (at best) bittersweet, but there is a hopeful, irrepressible air about it as well. I especially liked the scene in which Declan and Leo find some unexpected allies.

In some ways this film reminded me a bit of Beautiful Boxer (2003) what with the pretty boys throwing punches. There are parallels but for me at least, this one felt "closer to home" and in some ways a bit "truer."

Before watching I knew of Matt's 2 year marriage to another guy. Having seen a few of the couple's you-tube videos I'm convinced that Matt should try to stay in front of the camera. As beautiful as he is, he's got a compelling, goofy quality that I find fascinating. On a sad note: Whilst googling for some images for a social media post about the film , I learned that the couple split and wondered how the kid they adopted together was doing.

Based on the book by Christopher Isherwood, this film centers on George, a college professor, who was lucky enough to met his mate and then the young man died in an accident. Colin Firth plays the college professor. He's so much more able to show his acting chops here than he did as Darcy in Pride & Prejudice. Jon Kortajarena's plays a hustler that George seeks some comfort from. The beautiful young man ,Nicholas Hoult plays one of the professor's students who also has some romantic interest in our grieving main character.

I'm generally of the book was better than the movie crowd but it had been so long since I read the book (which I recalled being somewhat disappointed in) that I thoroughly enjoyed the film. But then again, I seem to recall that my interest in the book stemmed from an excerpt from the young man's POV.

This is a film about a group of teenagers. Whilst to most it's a way of passing time, one is beginning to realize that his feelings for his close friend means more to him than to the others. It's bittersweet as these guys seem all too destined to go their own ways The film is a loving portrait of that time .While this may (just barely) qualify as a gay film it's really a film about discovering one's emotions. Yet it's certainly a journey that most guys who've come out (even if only to themselves) can identify with.

It's NOT terribly revealing but the boys are likeable and the film is short enough while still delivering a satisfying experience.