Boyfriends

Rating:
Summary: Not so romantic Boyfriends
Review: This DVD had so much critical acclaim printed on the box that it seemed like a must-have. Critics were quoted as calling it witty, wise, endearing, deft, very funny, romantic... Let's start with romantic. This movie is about several couples who get together for a weekend at a house in the woods. Couple number one (A&B) has been together for 5 years and is on the rocks. Couple two (C&D) has been dating for 3 months. Couple 3 (E&F) isn't really a couple--just a one night stand between a 30+ year-old and a 20-year-old. And there is a 7th person (G) who was the partner of the brother of B. The brother of B died several months before the story takes place.

Well, here goes. A and B split up because B met someone at the funeral of his brother. It turns out that the one he met was D. D is only hanging around with C in order to rekindle his flame for B. C doesn't know this. While wondering through the woods, D meets G and does the nasty. G demands that D tell C. In the meantime, A is so upset with B that he sleeps with 20-year-old F, who seems intent on sleeping with everyone except E which is why E is also upset.

In the end, B realizes he loves A and tries to make up. A asks him several questions (eg, is the person B met at the funeral someone he knows?). B lies and says no. Actually, he lies several times. But still, they get back together. I guess the message is "Ignorance is bliss." On the other hand, C and D do actually break up for good leaving C, who is desparate for love, heartbroken and lonely.

I hardly find any of this romantic, much less funny. To be fair, the movie has some humorous moments at the beginning, but when you spend so much time tracking the different love triangles (more like rectangles), humor is quickly pushed aside.

On the positive side, the movie's greatest achievement is that it offers a realistic look at the world of gay relationships. Some of the actors are also quite good. Be warned, however, though the box refers to them as "an attractive cast", don't expect Brad Pitt, Freddie Prinze Jr, or Keanu.

Rating:
Summary: An Examination of Gay Relationships
Review: This film is about gay relationships, but refreshingly, it's not about being gay. A group of friends gather at a remote house in the English countryside for the weekend to celebrate Paul's birthday. Paul (James Dreyfus) and Ben (Mark Sands) have been together for five years, but Matt has become bored with Ben and this couple is on the verge of breaking up. Owen (Andrew Ableson) has been dating Matt (Michael Urwin) for three months and thinks he's finally found Mr. Right. Owen brings Matt to the party to introduce him to his friends, but Matt is not as committed to Owen as Owen is to him. Will (David Coffey), the oldest and most alienated member of the group of friends brings along a one night stand, Adam (Darren Petrucci), the youngest of the party attendees. Will longs for a man who will want him. Adam is more interested in having as much fun as he can. Along the way, each of them must confront themselves, each other, and what they want from relationships.

In terms of content, there isn't anything that breaks new ground here, but the cast and the script are appealing enough to hold one's attention. The movie does suffer from British sound (something I remember Richard Carpenter, creator of "Robin of Sherwood" that ran on Showtime in the U.S. in the mid-80s, complaining about in terms of British TV and film production) where things become difficult to hear at times. People unfamiliar with British accents and slang may be at a double disadvantage trying to understand that which they can not hear.

I've watched the DVD a few times and I still enjoy it. It has a non-exploitative approach to its characters and their sex lives. And fortunately, we are saved from the "I hate to be gay, why am I like this?" that characterizes too many gay films prior to the mid-90s. I do wish there was a directors' commentary track as I enjoy knowing why creators make the choices that they do.

As an additional feature, the DVD also includes an animated version of the story of Achilles. This short film is shot in beautifully rendered stop motion animation and narrated by Derek Jacobi.

As a whole, I think this is a decent addition to any collection of gay DVDs. People who enjoy this movie are also likely to enjoy "Like It Is", "My Beautiful Laundrette", "Queer As Folk" (BBC--Series One), "Get Real", "Lilies", and "The Broken Hearts Club."

Rating:
Summary: An Examination of Gay Relationships
Review: This film is about gay relationships, but refreshingly, it's not about being gay. A group of friends gather at a remote house in the English countryside for the weekend to celebrate Paul's birthday. Paul (James Dreyfus) and Ben (Mark Sands) have been together for five years, but Matt has become bored with Ben and this couple is on the verge of breaking up. Owen (Andrew Ableson) has been dating Matt (Michael Urwin) for three months and thinks he's finally found Mr. Right. Owen brings Matt to the party to introduce him to his friends, but Matt is not as committed to Owen as Owen is to him. Will (David Coffey), the oldest and most alienated member of the group of friends brings along a one night stand, Adam (Darren Petrucci), the youngest of the party attendees. Will longs for a man who will want him. Adam is more interested in having as much fun as he can. Along the way, each of them must confront themselves, each other, and what they want from relationships.

In terms of content, there isn't anything that breaks new ground here, but the cast and the script are appealing enough to hold one's attention. The movie does suffer from British sound (something I remember Richard Carpenter, creator of "Robin of Sherwood" that ran on Showtime in the U.S. in the mid-80s, complaining about in terms of British TV and film production) where things become difficult to hear at times. People unfamiliar with British accents and slang may be at a double disadvantage trying to understand that which they can not hear.

I've watched the DVD a few times and I still enjoy it. It has a non-exploitative approach to its characters and their sex lives. And fortunately, we are saved from the "I hate to be gay, why am I like this?" that characterizes too many gay films prior to the mid-90s. I do wish there was a directors' commentary track as I enjoy knowing why creators make the choices that they do.

As an additional feature, the DVD also includes an animated version of the story of Achilles. This short film is shot in beautifully rendered stop motion animation and narrated by Derek Jacobi.

As a whole, I think this is a decent addition to any collection of gay DVDs. People who enjoy this movie are also likely to enjoy "Like It Is", "My Beautiful Laundrette", "Queer As Folk" (BBC--Series One), "Get Real", "Lilies", and "The Broken Hearts Club."

Rating:
Summary: Not so romantic Boyfriends
Review: Though my title for this review is directed in some measure to the characters in this film, I'm speaking mostly to the reviewers turning in such pointlessly cruel comments. I will grant that this film suffers from "Indie" film syndrome (meandering plot, questionable acting, etc.) and is shot in typically dark settings for a British film. And yes, some of the characterizations are about as sharp as American cheese.

This is not a film for solo viewing, unless you are an insatiable drama queen. Ideally, your lover/partner/whatever would be there to watch the film as well. Take it from someone who did just that, less than twenty minutes ago. It's very interesting to see how you both react to the themes and dialogue in this film. Who is laughing while the other one is scowling? Who finds something poignant that the other one views as cliche?

I have to disagree with the reviewer who said this wasn't a "date movie." I think this film would be great as a fourth or fifth date movie, just about the time both people are starting to open up to each other. The men in this film are at different stages in their respective relationships: one pair has just broken up, another pair is about to, and one pair never really gets started. The fact that only one of these relationships is given a (traditionally) happy ending doesn't mean this DVD is a downer. There is an element of practical realism to this film, and in a time of blockbusters and ever-higher drama, I'm sure a lot of viewers would find "Boyfriends" to be boring. I wouldn't say that's a reflection of a poor attention span...it's more like refusal to suspend belief. In this case, suspending belief means accepting the premise that ordinary people are interesting, and that their problems/concerns are valid and worthy of the telling. It doesn't matter if you lived through the same things, or if you've had enough late nights in bars to catalog the whole of human behavior. If you don't see yourself or someone you know in one of the characters in "Boyfriends," you're just refusing to use your imagination.

I truly liked this film, despite the fleeting feeling of being jaded, or being a bit beyond the relationships portrayed. I appreciate dry humor, which this film provides in adequate measure. It was a hoot to spot James Dreyfus, who had a recurring role in the Absolutely Fabulous series. I had no idea he could be so (relatively) butch.

The DVD copy I purchased includes a short animated film called "Achilles," which is a (pardon the pun) queer but fascinating piece. My Greek Mythology isn't up to snuff, but the story of Achilles and his lover is presented in a quirky style (claymation? puppets?) that is strangely (but undeniably) erotic. If you're a collector of obscure/underground gay shorts, "Achilles" may be worth the price of this DVD alone.

"Boyfriends" is no better and no worse than American films ("Broadway Damage" comes to mind) that detail the ins and outs of gay relationships. It doesn't aspire to the same kind of stage drama as "Love! Valour! Compassion!," but a little of that kind of angst goes a long way. If you are interested in the subject of male/male relationships and friendships, I think you'll find some value in this DVD, as I do.

-Mic

Rating:
Summary: Get a grip, guys!
Review: Though my title for this review is directed in some measure to the characters in this film, I'm speaking mostly to the reviewers turning in such pointlessly cruel comments. I will grant that this film suffers from "Indie" film syndrome (meandering plot, questionable acting, etc.) and is shot in typically dark settings for a British film. And yes, some of the characterizations are about as sharp as American cheese.

This is not a film for solo viewing, unless you are an insatiable drama queen. Ideally, your lover/partner/whatever would be there to watch the film as well. Take it from someone who did just that, less than twenty minutes ago. It's very interesting to see how you both react to the themes and dialogue in this film. Who is laughing while the other one is scowling? Who finds something poignant that the other one views as cliche?

I have to disagree with the reviewer who said this wasn't a "date movie." I think this film would be great as a fourth or fifth date movie, just about the time both people are starting to open up to each other. The men in this film are at different stages in their respective relationships: one pair has just broken up, another pair is about to, and one pair never really gets started. The fact that only one of these relationships is given a (traditionally) happy ending doesn't mean this DVD is a downer. There is an element of practical realism to this film, and in a time of blockbusters and ever-higher drama, I'm sure a lot of viewers would find "Boyfriends" to be boring. I wouldn't say that's a reflection of a poor attention span...it's more like refusal to suspend belief. In this case, suspending belief means accepting the premise that ordinary people are interesting, and that their problems/concerns are valid and worthy of the telling. It doesn't matter if you lived through the same things, or if you've had enough late nights in bars to catalog the whole of human behavior. If you don't see yourself or someone you know in one of the characters in "Boyfriends," you're just refusing to use your imagination.

I truly liked this film, despite the fleeting feeling of being jaded, or being a bit beyond the relationships portrayed. I appreciate dry humor, which this film provides in adequate measure. It was a hoot to spot James Dreyfus, who had a recurring role in the Absolutely Fabulous series. I had no idea he could be so (relatively) butch.

The DVD copy I purchased includes a short animated film called "Achilles," which is a (pardon the pun) queer but fascinating piece. My Greek Mythology isn't up to snuff, but the story of Achilles and his lover is presented in a quirky style (claymation? puppets?) that is strangely (but undeniably) erotic. If you're a collector of obscure/underground gay shorts, "Achilles" may be worth the price of this DVD alone.

"Boyfriends" is no better and no worse than American films ("Broadway Damage" comes to mind) that detail the ins and outs of gay relationships. It doesn't aspire to the same kind of stage drama as "Love! Valour! Compassion!," but a little of that kind of angst goes a long way. If you are interested in the subject of male/male relationships and friendships, I think you'll find some value in this DVD, as I do.

-Mic

Rating:
Summary: relationships 101
Review: Though there is no real plot here; Boyfriends deserves a decent review. It's about the dynamics of three couples getting together for a weekend at a friends cottage in the woods; and the enteraction of the cast. It was interesting to see how each delt with their own problems. I didn't find it to be a comedy. The acting was good but those who like a plot are not going to enjoy this movie. It's very laid back. Drama, but no crisis

Rating:
Summary: Convoluted and entertaining
Review: While clearly not for everyone, this film portrays a set of relationships which are not that uncommon . What sets them apart is that all the players are men. The usual bits of jealousy and "oops, I meant to tell you" are all there, with a twist. Not a date movie!