Ooooohhh La La..La...LA....LA.....Los Angeles! And its happy Gay Boy scene----was a wild and zany place in Director Todd Stephens' 2001 film and later sequel.....But here it's a quieter and more introspective place, in the script given us by Director J. C. Calciano for his "Is It Just Me?" So, yes, perhaps weirdly, this movie struck me as something of a beginnings.....a buildup to what might come later in the raunch and wild zaniness of Stephens' works. Now choose which suits you better, Mr. / Ms. Viewer: This current, more quietly romantic approach.....or the runaway, sexual hijinks of those earlier works?
(( Being upfront with you, I ask that you bear in mind my following thoughts are those of a much older viewer who never learned to care for Stephens' 2-film series. Though I'm sure you younger kids out there are much more appreciative of such works, as well as Calciano's efforts in this new film. Now, to business. ))
You've likely already read about the done and done again storyline of this "Mistaken Identity and Comedy of Errors" film, so why waste our time with that. Instead, let me just spin a few thoughts about the leads / characters, and the manner in which they come across:
Now to Writer / Director Calciano and some final thoughts. My overall impression of this work leads me, as so often happens with gay themed films, to wonder: As opposed to better foreign productions / directors, why can't US film makers consistently give us gay romance films in which romantic emotions and physical acts come across in such a way that we, the audience, can SEE and FEEL the passion....the tenderness....the closeness between two men? The best you'll do with our meant-to-be-together leads in this movie is a little (interrupted) phone sex and conversations about similar likes and interests. Worse, our great director is in such a hurry with the final kiss by the leads.....well, all I can say is: Don't Blink!
DVD Special Features consist of Cast Auditions and Interviews, along with some Deleted Scenes (in which you sadly learn that it's Adam Huss, as Cameron, who gives us the best kiss in the whole movie).
So, how to end all this? Let me do it by asking: Is it fun and cute and attention-holding? Well, yes.....for the most part. But that doesn't mean it couldn't have been better.....and my rating reflects that. (And yes, yes, yes.....I have watched it more than once before butting in).
PS--Looking out for your viewing welfare, here's a little tip for you. If you want to see a movie in which the love and passion between 2 men is almost real enough to touch, be on the lookout for a little Peruvian 2009 production titled, "Undertow" (I've reviewed it here at IMDb.com). It's my understanding Wolfe Video will be releasing it in the first half of 2011 (or if you've got an all-regions DVD player, the film is now available through Amazon.com.co.uk and other European outlets). Oh, and for one of gay film's longest (and hottest) male kissing scenes, please check out "Ciao" (2008) (yes, I've reviewed that, too).
****
(( Being upfront with you, I ask that you bear in mind my following thoughts are those of a much older viewer who never learned to care for Stephens' 2-film series. Though I'm sure you younger kids out there are much more appreciative of such works, as well as Calciano's efforts in this new film. Now, to business. ))
You've likely already read about the done and done again storyline of this "Mistaken Identity and Comedy of Errors" film, so why waste our time with that. Instead, let me just spin a few thoughts about the leads / characters, and the manner in which they come across:
- A soft-bodied (read: no gym time), main lead (Nicholas Downs as Blaine) who, though low in self esteem, seems able to rally our support for his character (maybe we're seeing too much of ourselves there). While I wouldn't call him the best actor of the bunch, he cries convincingly and does come across as sweet (a good foil for roommate, Cameron's persona). Strangely enough, in his DVD Special Features interview, Downs presents as the more lively, less deadpan person we were rooting for him to become in the film.
- A second lead (David Loren as Xander) is a guitar playing songwriter who can't play guitar.....and can't sing (oh, you think I'm wrong, do you). But what those areas lack, he more than makes up for in hunky cuteness (it's what counts, eh?). He's the real romantic in this film, and he presents his lines in such a way as to prove it. A really nice guy who always comes across as that; I'll take him over either of the other two leads. Oh, and while speaking of "X", let's not forget his oh-so-helpful landlord / housemate.....an old "Gay Philosophizer," endearingly (and too often, interruptingly) played by a well performing Bruce Gray.
- Last, but far from least, we have our explosive tertiary lead, Cameron (Adam Huss). A waxed and gym-toned cutie who's as carefree as can be.....yet still winds up being the standup friend you always need. If possible, this guy is more fun in his Special Features interview than he is during scenes (hey, Adam, your grandfather doesn't happened to be named Robert, does he?).
Now to Writer / Director Calciano and some final thoughts. My overall impression of this work leads me, as so often happens with gay themed films, to wonder: As opposed to better foreign productions / directors, why can't US film makers consistently give us gay romance films in which romantic emotions and physical acts come across in such a way that we, the audience, can SEE and FEEL the passion....the tenderness....the closeness between two men? The best you'll do with our meant-to-be-together leads in this movie is a little (interrupted) phone sex and conversations about similar likes and interests. Worse, our great director is in such a hurry with the final kiss by the leads.....well, all I can say is: Don't Blink!
DVD Special Features consist of Cast Auditions and Interviews, along with some Deleted Scenes (in which you sadly learn that it's Adam Huss, as Cameron, who gives us the best kiss in the whole movie).
So, how to end all this? Let me do it by asking: Is it fun and cute and attention-holding? Well, yes.....for the most part. But that doesn't mean it couldn't have been better.....and my rating reflects that. (And yes, yes, yes.....I have watched it more than once before butting in).
PS--Looking out for your viewing welfare, here's a little tip for you. If you want to see a movie in which the love and passion between 2 men is almost real enough to touch, be on the lookout for a little Peruvian 2009 production titled, "Undertow" (I've reviewed it here at IMDb.com). It's my understanding Wolfe Video will be releasing it in the first half of 2011 (or if you've got an all-regions DVD player, the film is now available through Amazon.com.co.uk and other European outlets). Oh, and for one of gay film's longest (and hottest) male kissing scenes, please check out "Ciao" (2008) (yes, I've reviewed that, too).
****