Boy Crush (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)This new anthology of gay male short films, from Wolfe Video, is better than most. As usual, I'll review each short individually, and the overall number of stars is simply an average:
* "Summer" (UK 2006) explores the common theme of unrequited love between a gay teenager and his best friend, who is straight. Sweet, give it 4 stars out of 5.
* "Night Swimming" (USA 2005) has a similar plot to the short above, but carries the gay boy's crush on the straight best friend a bit further, on an unplanned night together after the latter's vehicle breaks down en route to a concert, stranding them in the woods. The togetherness encourages the gay boy (Otter) to test the waters and see if his friend/idol (Darby) feels the same way. Realistic and emotional, give it five stars out of five.
* "Running Without Sound" (USA 2004) spotlights Sean, a gay deaf teen boy whose passion is cross country running. Already somewhat shy due to his inability to hear or speak, Sean has to rely on visual signs from his friends, which become more complicated when he develops a crush on a teammate. Sweet and creative short film; wish it had more time to develop the story. Four stars out of five.
* Small town, shy German teen Tom is considering being "Out Now" (Germany (20 min.) to his classmates, who already torment him as a sissy and outsider. He discusses his feelings with a boy he meets on the internet, including the fact that he has a crush on another boy who works at a nearby snack shop. A night out at a disco frequented by his classmates results in a revelation and a new resolve for the young man. In German with subtitles (Which unfortunately aren't that easy to read, since they often flash on the screen too briefly or are shown as white on a light background, rendering them near invisible). Three stars out of five.
* "The Bridge" (Australia 2006) - A young gay male couple leave their Russian homeland to escape homophobia, and relocate to Sydney Australia, awaiting approval to immigrate there. Their thoughts and emotions before (and after) the immigration decision is made are the subject of this intense, emotional film. Four stars out of five.
* "Hitchcocked" (USA 2006) is a sexy but somewhat scary story about two guys who meet on the internet for sex, with a very clever twist ending. Tempted to give it an extra star just for the title, but we'll stick with four stars out of five.
* "Oedipus N+1" (France 2003), likely boasting a production budget higher than the other six films put together, tells a creative and intriguing sci-fi story set in the distant future, when "The Circle" - the elite rich and educated part of the population - have essentially taken over control of the world, and push for conformity with its ideals and values. Thomas, a gay man, awakens to find out that he had died and, paid for my his mother, he has been cloned to live again ... but Mom wants a bigger say in that life, this time around. Impressive and generally well-acted, though a bit confusing as a 26 minute short. In French with English subtitles. I give it five stars out of five.
There are no DVD special features, other than trailers for other Wolfe releases.

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Summer (10 min.) Great BritainDirected by Hong Khaou What are you going to wish for? This intricately crafted short delicately explores the ache of unrequited love as Leung (Peter Peralta) reveals his true feelings for his beefy straight pal Will (Jay Brown).Night Swimming (19 min.) USADirected by Daniel FalconeThis terrific bittersweet teen drama depicts that perennial gay dilemma: falling for straight boys. Young Otter idolizes his alpha-male buddy Darby who just might have similar feelings for him. This exquisitely crafted story unfolds on a road-trip to New York City.Running Without Sound (13 min.) USADirected by Judd KingA deaf teen with a crush on his pal grapples with confusing emotions and tensions with his fellow cross-country runner team-mates in this finely crafted gay jock story.Out Now (20 min.) GermanyDirected by Sven J. MattenSmall town shy teen Tom is tormented by his high school classmates while he pines over the blond boy at the candy kiosk. German, with English subtitlesThe Bridge (8 min.) AustraliaDirected by George BarbakadzeA forboding dramatic snapshot of a bi-national gay couple who just want to be together in Sydney.Hitchcocked (8 min.) USADirected by David M YoungThis smart, sexy, scary short gives new meaning to the term: shower scene. Oedipus N+1 (26 min.) FranceDirected by Eric RognardKnockout French phenom Jalil Lespert (Tell No One, De Sade) stars as Thomas, a gay man who dies and then awakens as a clone in a terrifying sci-fi future (shades of Gattaca) only to have his mother deny him access to his boyfriend as she attempts to cure his sexual preference. French, with English subtitles

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Get Real (1999) Review

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(More customer reviews)"Get Real" combines a terrific script with superb acting. Steven Carter is one of the best gay teen characters ever written, portrayed touchingly and realistically by Ben Silverstone. He is simultaneously geeky and sexy, awkward and self-assured, yet underneath his fears and self-doubts there is always a ray of self-acceptance and sense of humor about his predicaments that comes shining through.
You will marvel at Steven's courage, empathize with his pain, and just simply fall in love with this complex and totally adorable young man. His love interest, another complex character, is also brilliantly played. Steven's next-door neighbor and (female) best friend is the only character who comes across as somewhat stereotypical (an overweight fag-hag type), yet her performance avoids the pitfalls that the stereotypical characterization could've created.
The quirky humor the director interjects throughout the film will catch you off guard at times - during the scene inside the park men's room, when the soundtrack started playing The Troggs' "Love is All Around", I had to supress an urge to laugh uproariously and at the top of my lungs (I first saw the film in a theater).
"Get Real" is a "must see" for anyone who knows what it feels like to be young, gay & in the closet, and also for straight folk who wish to understand the difficulties GLBT people have to face, even in our contemporary, allegedly "enlightened" world.

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Make the Yuletide Gay (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)The college dorm's resident "out and proud" gay couple, Olaf ("Gunn") and Nathan, are going home to spend Christmas with their respective families, and those families couldn't be more different. Whereas "trust fund baby" Nathan's parents are rather cold, status-seeking yuppies, Olaf's parents are a couple of former hippies who start decorating their home for the holidays months before. When Nathan's parents stand him up to go on a holiday cruise, he decides to surprise Olaf by joining him at his parents, only to find out that his parents have no clue that he is gay. Nathan immediately tries to "butch it up" a bit, but is disappointed and hurt that Olaf is unable - more like unwilling - to introduce him as his boyfriend.
A sweet and engaging, though somewhat corny, story about honesty, self-acceptance and - ultimately - the meaning of love. Newcomer Keith Jordan does a first-rate job as the emotionally conflicted Olaf, and is surrounded by an excellent cast of veteran character actors, including Derek Long ("3-Day Weekend" and several other gay films) as Olaf's stoner dad, actress/voiceover artist Kelly Keaton as his jolly mother, Hallee Hirsh (who played Dr. Greene's daughter on "ER") as Olaf's supposed girlfriend Abby, Alison Arngrin (best know as Nellie Olsen on "Little House on the Prairie") as Abby's mom, Gates McFadden (Dr. Beverly Crusher on "Star Trek: TNG") as Nathan's mom, and Adamo Ruggiero (Marco for five seasons on "Degrassi: The Next Generation") as Nathan. The direction and technical aspects seem flawless, and there are even a half dozen or so original songs on the soundtrack. DVD isn't rated, but would likely be PG; definitely a film you could (and should) share with your parents and younger siblings. Popular at several gay film festivals, and in a limited theatrical run, this just might become a timeless gay holiday classic. Watch out for the mistletoe over the doorway, and I give "Yuletide" a full five stars out of five.

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A whimsical gay romance with a heart of gold, Make the Yuletide Gay follows a young gay couple Nathan and Gunn as they face their first Christmas apart. Sweet-natured Gunn (Keith Jordan) has to go right back in the closet to survive the holidays with his wacky Wisconsin parents, and cutie-pie Nathan (Adamo Ruggerio, Degrassi: The Next Generation ) is preparing to spend another Christmas with his cold-hearted parents. When Nathan surprises everyone by turning up on Gunn s doorstep, the couple is hilariously forced to juggle a hetero charade with their gay reality. With its bright, witty dialogue and handsome cast, Yuletide is one holiday treat you ll want to savor many times over.

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South of Nowhere: Season One (3-Disc Set) Review

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(More customer reviews)This series is simply the story of two best friends that fall in love with each other.
Spencer Carlin, a genuinely sweet 16 year old girl, moves from Ohio to LA with her family and finds herself trying to deal with her instant interest in Ashley Davies (A rebellious, rich daughter of a rock star)
The two embark on a realistic journey together that rivals any other love story on film or television. You will find yourself rooting for the pair in every episode leading up to the finale.
Innocent touches, shy glances, head tilts, and flirting, make Season 1 the best of the series.
Oh yeah. There's the token bitchy cheerleader, Madison, to stir up some drama for the should-be/might-be/could-be couple. The adopted black brother to teach us about racial identity. An overbearing mother. A shirtless boy to keep the straight audience happy. And a father any teenage girl would be envious to have.
But when all is said and done, this show is entirely about Spencer and Ashley.
It is too good to be cancelled before it's time. Watch Season 3B on October 10th at 9pm and Save Spashley!

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Embark on the journey of self discovery with the Carlin Family in season 1 of South of Nowhere. This 3 disc DVD set includes all 10 episodes from South of Nowhere season 1 including the 2-part series premier, Secret Truths. As Spencer and her family adjust to their new life in LA, they find themselves unprepared for the fast paced, ethnically rich, "anything goes" environment. It's about growing up and taking responsibility for your choices, your beliefs and your heart.
This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.\r\n
This disc is expected to play back in DVD Video "play only" devices, and may not play in other DVD devices, including recorders and PC drives. \r\n

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The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love (1995) Review

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(More customer reviews)I reccently rented this movie and appreciated the way it avoided the overglossed perfect world trap that so many other love movies have stuck themselves in. Also it takes great care to avoid the preachy and heavy handed treatment given to many coming of age novels. The result: a dynamic product that anybody regardless of sexuality can relate to.
Sure, the title may make some progressives flinch (after all, how many male chauvinist fantasies have been built on the "amazing lesbian couple" theme, but I was really proud in the way this movie's script was handled and thought the movie was done very respectively and tastefully. These women seek pleasure only for themselves, and not for oogling spectators who would reduce them to an exotic item. They are natural and three dimensional beings who are trying to find their place in the world.
I am not very overly emotional about films, so I was unprepared for the crying that followed Evie and Randy's hidding. Because these women dared to be themselves, they encountered tremendous amounts of hatred and fear from their town. Whether it was the director's and writers intention or not, that part of the film was the most dramatic (I did not think it was comedic at all) and reminded me of the many publicized hate crimes against gays and lesbians.
Granted the independent nature of the film (as well as the subject matter) made it really difficult to accheive box office sucess, but the world's loss is the gain of devoted fans of all backgrounds who know caring relationships when we see it. Apparently our society is well in need of a wake up call that heterosexuality does not neccesarily equal a great and stable relationship.

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Two teenagers experience the excitement of first love. Written and directed by Maria Maggenti.Year: 1995Starring:Laurel Holloman, Nicole Parker

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Edge of Seventeen (1995) Review

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(More customer reviews)Edge of Seventeen is a wonderfully realized coming-of-age film about the one teen trauma John Hughes never touched: coming out. To start with, the soundtrack is nothing short of spectacular for 80s nostalgia enthusiasts. And the costuming is eerily authentic (rumor has it that the screenwriter ransacked his own home closet to find his 80s club duds). Passing the fact that David Morton has managed to capture the feel of a Hughes teen flick (down to the great opening credits); the performances are the high point here. Chris Stafford will steal every gay Gen-Xers heart; both because he's adorably snuggleable without being implausably beautiful, and because playing a 16-yr old from the mid-80s, he's a stand-in for all of us who WISH we'd had the guts to go after the cute blond boy from our summer job (Anderson Gabrych). Of particular note is Lea Delaria supporting turn as the dyke den-momma; who provides the best possible example for how queer adults should treat queer kids. This is a film that's full of great moments (mostly dominated by Stafford), including a "first-time" love scene that will leave you twitchy with anticipation, and a rimming scene (move over, "Queer as Folk") that will have you rolling off the couch with laughter. Best of all is the fact that for a US-made gay-teen themed film, the plot finally seems to break past the level of "Afterschool Special;" enough for me to rank it above such gay film favorites as "Beautiful Thing" and "Get Real." For American queerboys who came of age in the 80s, this is as real as it gets (or as close to what we wanted in our teen years as we'll find now.) It's a must-have for your collection.

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Set in 1984 in Sandusky, Ohio, "Edge of Seventeen" follows the coming-out of a naive 17-year-old teenager at exactly the moment when gender-bending pop stars like Boy George and Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics were flaunting androgynous images. As the youth, played with a heartbreaking sweetness by Chris Stafford, goes through his first rites of gay passage (after being callously used by the slightly older boy who brings him out, he tries to retreat to heterosexuality with his closest female friend) he emerges as a poignant gay everyman. Lea DeLaria is wonderful as his butch lesbian boss at the amusement park restaurant where he meets his first boyfriend.

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You'll Get Over It Review

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(More customer reviews)"You'll Get Over It" is a fine French made-for-TV movie showing how coming out affects an individual and those closest to him. Vincent Molina (played by Julien Baumgartner) is the 17-year old anchor of the school swimming relay team, is about to graduate, and is a closeted gay. He has a long-time, virgin girlfriend, Noemie (played by Julia Maraval), and a non-virgin 'buddy', Bruno (played by Nils Ohlund). This works out until Vincent hooks up with a new student, Benjamin (played by Jeremie Elkaim of "Come Undone"). People know Benjamin is gay and make the link to Vincent, who has had a compartmented life. The movie shows how Vincent and those closest to him deal with their emotions as the situation plays out.
Vincent's initial withdrawal and distrustfulness are very realistically shown. The uncertainty and bargaining of his friends and family come through well. The acting is good thoughout.
There is considerable skin shown, from all of Vincent to Noemie to the swimmers and locker-room denizens.
While the movie centers on Vincent and his long-time network, I would have liked a stronger sense of how Bruno fit into Vincent's worldview and on why Benjamin and Vincent make a good fit. Jeremie Elkaim does not get much time on screen, despite his top billing and a good performance. The bonus features are just a picture gallery and some trailers.
I have noticed that recent French movies on a gay theme have been substantially better than their American counterparts. "You'll Get over It", "Close to Leo", "The Man I Love", "Confusion of Genders", "My Life on Ice", "Come Undone", and other movies all seem to have more depth of characterization and more willingness to reveal emotions, sexuality, and the human body than, say, "A Home at the End of the World".
You'll enjoy watching "You'll Get Over It".

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Vincent (newcomer Julien Baumgartner) is an average high school boy, a good student, and a star swimmer.With his best friend Ste'phane and his beautiful girlfriend Noemie (Julia Maraval), high school life couldn't be better for Vincent... until he meets Benjamin (COME UNDONE Jeremie Elkaim). Vincent keeps crossing paths with the new student, until the two finally have a private moment. The next day, Vincent's idyllic life begins to crumble when the school is vandalized with graffiti labeling him a fag.As the people in his life respond to the news, Vincent faces the inherent challenge of adapting to life as a gay young man. YOU'LL GET OVER IT takes a direct and compassionate look at Vincent's struggle.

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Girl Seeks Girl (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great movie to watch with your lezzy friends. Some of the characters are crazy, but in a funny way. I love that they're Spanish, Spanish girls are hot!
Yes, your eyes have to get used to reading subtitles, but hey, it's a small price to pay :)
Pro's: funny, quirky, girls are hot
Con's: story lines could be better
If you like 'light reading' you'll enjoy this.

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Chica Busca Chica (Girl Seeks Girl) is Spain s answer to THE L WORD, and features luscious ladies, unabashed romanticism, and clever plot twists. Nines, who bartends at the local dyke bar, hops into bed with adorable Monica but flees when things get serious. Enter the ravishing, bi-curious Carmen, who mesmerizes Nines, but also happens to be Monica's roommate. And Carmen has a boyfriend. Is there any happy ending to a love triangle this complicated? Ladies, meet your newest guilty pleasure as a new feature-length edit of the massively popular web series jumps to a much bigger screen.

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In & Out (1997) Review

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(More customer reviews)Many people complain that this film deals in stereotypes and dips into feel-good-preachiness toward the end--all of which is quite true. But for all the controversy surrounding the premise of a presumably straight highschool teacher who is "outed"--maybe falsely, maybe not--by a former student on national television, "IN & OUT" is essentially a classic Capra-style comedy, and comical stereotypes and feel-good-preachiness is part of the basic equipment. It is precisely the sort of film Capra might have made in 1939 with Jimmy Stewart and Jean Arthur, only brought up to date and given a modern spin.
The performances, particularly from Kline, Cusack, and a very unexpected Tom Selleck, are nothing short of brilliant; the script is both witty and funny and moves a long at a fast pace; and everything about the films leaves you wishing (unless you happen to be hysterically homophobic) that things really turned out like that in real life. Realistic movie? Of course not--but then neither was "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington" or "Meet John Doe" or "It Happened One Night." Kind and clever and witty and lots of fun? Absolutely. And any one who is kind and clever and witty will have lots of fun watching it.

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High school teacher Howard Brackett is outed by former student during the Oscars and does his frantic best to assert his manliness.Genre: Feature Film-ComedyRating: PG13Release Date: 9-AUG-2005Media Type: DVD

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