Rating: 
Summary: Well made and totally enjoyable
Review: The Trip was an enjoyable film, the quality was good and the acting was solid. The story was charming and authentic. This was a fairly original story line and production quality was good. I found that I could relate to the story and felt a bond with both of the leads. It pulled me in and kept me watching to see what was going to happen next. I would add this gem to your collection. It was a good investment.
Rating: 
Summary: Tears and laughter in heartfelt romantic drama
Review: THE TRIP (USA 2002): The relationship of a free-spirited gay activist (Steve Braun) and a conservative closet-case (Larry Sullivan) is tested to breaking point during the political turbulence of the 1970's and reaches a bittersweet conclusion during the Reaganite 80's, when AIDS begins to decimate the gay community.Writer-director Miles Swain makes his feature debut with this warm-hearted comedy-drama, which ploughs a far-reaching furrow through two decades of gay liberation. As the opposites who attract each other against their better judgment, Braun (EVERYBODY'S DOING IT) and Sullivan (FORBIDDEN CITY) are perfectly matched, and both young men are profoundly altered by their burgeoning love for one another, while an eccentric supporting cast spins a magical web around them (including former Bond girl Jill St. John [DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER] as Sullivan's daffy, kleptomaniac mother, veteran character actor Ray Baker [WHAT LIES BENEATH] as the scheming politician who covets Sullivan for his own bed, Sirena Irwin [TV's "Stripperella"] as a bubble-headed blonde who is forced to step aside as the two main men in her life begin to fall in love with each other, and the ubiquitous Alexis Arquette [I THINK I DO] as an activist more interested in bedding guys than changing the world). The fads and fashions of ages past are exploited to the hilt by costume designers Kristen Anacker and Cherie Sevilla Granger and art directors David Touster and Donna Willinsky, while the changing political landscape is charted through a series of contemporary news clips (set your player to 'repeat' for the glorious moment when Anita Bryant is ambushed during a live TV broadcast!). Best of all, the romance between Braun and Sullivan is depicted with heartfelt sincerity, making their final scenes together all the more tender and poignant. For all its good intentions, however, the movie is weakened by a significant flaw: Despite Swain's clever screenplay (loaded with fruity one-liners), his depiction of the activism which is supposed to fire Braun's spirit is both underwritten and underplayed, resulting in a narrative imbalance. Braun is a little too laidback and carefree to be entirely convincing as the passionate, dedicated activist suggested by Swain's script, and while he pays regular lip service to his liberal convictions, his muted portrayal fails to convey the zest and forcefulness which characterized the gay liberation movement of the 1970's. Braun does his best with the material - he and Sullivan give fine performances in their own right - but his character lacks the sheer dynamism that might have elevated proceedings to a whole new level of achievement. Despite its flaws, however, THE TRIP is one of the most romantic gay films to emerge from independent US cinema in many years, and is heartily recommended. Lovely music score by Steven Chesne. TLA's fabulous DVD presentation (see technical specs below) includes a commentary by Swain, Braun, Sullivan and Irwin, during which they reminisce about shooting at Falcon's Lair in Beverly Hills (Rudolph Valentino's former home), and the challenges of producing such an ambitious project on a limited budget. They go out of their way to praise the contributions of experienced players like Baker, St. John and Art Hindle, and Swain describes how he petitioned Bruce Springsteen directly in order to use his song 'Cover Me' on the soundtrack (it would have been too expensive to acquire the tune through official channels). A trailer is included, along with deleted scenes and a short 'Making of' featurette. Oh, and watch out for the bloopers reel, during which - amongst other things - Braun is obliged to repeat an especially rude line of dialogue over and over again, not only for technical reasons, but because it sounds so darn sexy when he says it... 96m 35s
1.85:1 / Anamorphically enhanced
Dolby Surround 2.0
Optical stereo [theatrical]
No captions or subtitles
All regions
Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT
Review: This movie is everything a gay-themed movie should be. Good characters, great storyline, exceptionally entertaining. I agree with everyone else who gave this movie 5 stars.
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining gem of a film about matters of the heart
Review: The only reason that I rate this film a ten is because the rating scale doesn't reach 227. The Trip isn't just a film - it's an extraordinary, a true gem about everything that matters in life - people, relationships, pride in one's self, matters of the heart and soul. The film shows what can be achieved when millions aren't poured into special effects and high-priced superficial "talent". I saw The Trip on the last day of the Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Film Festival 2002. The timing was truly fitting, because it was a fantastic grand finale to a festival which included many other fine films. The Trip, however, was by far, the best of the festival and, in my opinion, walked away with the award for Best of Everything in all Categories. The film follows the relationship between two men starting from 1973 continuing into the 80's, giving an opportunity for many political and social commentaries having to do with the times, including Anita Bryant and Ronald Reagan, and gay rights. There was also much opportunity to fill the film with with many truly hysterical fashions and one-liners inspired by those times. These qualities make The Trip a wonderfully balanced film with both genuinely funny moments along with many warm, heart-teasing scenes too, particularly because the characters are so constantly involving, as is the superbly written storyline. The cast is outstanding, to say the very least. Larry Sullivan and Steve Braun are excellent, both simply amazing as the lead characters, Alan and Tommy. Steve Braun is so charming as Tommy, and Larry Sullivan easily steals everyone's hearts - including mine - as Alan - he's truly wonderful. To portray a Republican with as much heart and vulnerability as Alan displays is no small accomplishment, and Larry Sullivan does this with commanding skill. Sirena Irwin and Alexis Arquette are terrific in supporting roles, but it is Jill St. John who steals every scene she enters as Alan's mother, reminding us that she should be seen More, More, More! It's rare that a director displays such talent and skill in a film while, at the same time and in equal parts, shows such joy and love for his craft. Only a truly talented director could accomplish this, making his hard work appear so effortless, resulting in the most fun an audience has had in years. Please see The Trip if you have the opportunity - don't let it pass you by. Please help this truly wonderful film to be seen by everyone as it should be.
Rating:
Summary: I recommend taking this trip...
Review: I was really surprised by this movie. The selection of each actor was done extremely well and each added to the quality of this film. After watching the movie, I was stunned for a good hour just thinking back to my first experience, the emotions I had, remembering the struggles of that time for gay people. I watched the movie again because I was so engrossed in it the first time, I knew I must have missed something - and I was right. This movie honestly made me laugh and, at the end, cry. It is rare that a movie, and the actors of that movie, can pull a viewer in so easily and make them feel like they are seeing the events first hand. I think this movie was one such film. I would highly recommend purchasing (or at least renting) this film and experience it for yourself!
Rating: 
Summary: "The Trip" does just that... it trips....
Review: First, my favorite scene in this movie doesn't involve any of the fictional storyline, but watching the footage of Anita Bryant taking a much deserved pie in the face. The idea behind this movie has a lot of promise and the cast of actors to pull it off. The main actors, Larry Sullivan (Alan) and Steve Braun (Tommy), have a nice chemistry together. However, they and the rest of the cast are constantly hampered by a contrite and uneven script and the worst wigs that play a constant distraction while watching the movie. There are some funny and serious moments in this film that shine, but, unfortunately, not enough. The "main" part of the movie- the trip- doesn't come until the end and that storyline is too abbreviated and does get to be a bit unbelievable in a short sub-plot with a Mexican police officer. I was left with an uneasy feeling and question at the end. What happened to Tommy's body? Did Alan bury it in Mexico? Did he throw it over the cliff- as Alan appears to be gazing down at "something" while standing at the edge? Or did Alan make the effort to bring Tommy "home"? This script and flick could have been more potent if the movie had extended Alan and Tommy's drive through Mexico and the movie played prior events in their lives together in flashbacks. The strength of this movie is Tommy and Alan's relationship and when they break up, the plot seems to wander a bit. As affecting- and unexpected- as Alan and Tommy's last scene together was, the movie would have had more of an emotional impact had they made it back to the United States before their ultimate departure from each other. The actual historical footage of the gay rights movement through the '70's and '80's is as interesting to watch as the movie itself. A longer shoot time and bigger budget would have improved the overall power of this film. Kudos to the cast though! Larry Sullivan, Steve Braun, Alexis Arquette ("I Think I Do"), Julie Brown, and Jill St. John do make the best of what is given to them. For their talent and effort, I do give this film a recommendation to see as. "The Trip" does a wonderful job of conveying some "life lessons" about love; commitment; family; being true to yourself; and consequences for actions, both good and bad. I just had higher hopes with this cast and this premise for the movie. "The Trip" does trip, but does not fall completely on its face.
Rating: 
Summary: "Hell Toupee"!!!
Review: I can't deny the two leads had great chemistry. And that the writer/director had his heart in the right place. But if you want to make a "low" budget film look convincing, don't skimp on wardrobe. The bad "rugs" steal every scene. The blond wig was obviously the one Drew Barrymore wore in "Scream", and the brunette was the "Short n' Sassy" from the Raquel Welch collection. It was like I was watching two ugly girls with bad hair audition for the "Charlie's Angels" TV pilot.
Rating:
Summary: A Gay classic!
Review: It was funny, warm, provocative, well made, and "destined to become a modern gay classic".Alexis Arquette, as the couple's flamboyant friend Michael, has many of the movie's funniest lines, although he's rivaled by the couple's friend Beverly (Sirena Irwin), who may seem like just a bubblehead blonde (In the early scenes of the movie, she seems to have modeled her character from Goldie Hawn in "Laugh In".) but who actually has a heart of gold. Jill St. John is incandescent and VERY funny as Alan's redhead mother, a lady who's way ahead of her time. Jill St. John plays Mary, the ex Las Vegas Showgirl and hip mother, returns to her first role on the big screen since 1992 and nails an untouchable performance showing great comedic range and makes the audience glad to see her back on the screen. The film features classic tunes such as Missing Person's `Destination Unknown' and Bruce Springsteen's `Cover Me.' The Trip has been playing gay and lesbian film festivals throughout the United States, picking up tons of awards and to packed houses due in no small part to the universal appeal of the central love story, based on the conceit: `What if this was your first love? You messed up your relationship and here was your chance for redemption.' The lead actors (Sullivan and Braun) give outstanding performances and explode with chemistry on screen. Their talent shows them capable of not only drama but also comedy with great timing. Definitely leading men material and we will definitely see more of them on the big screen. It clearly shows in this film the actors performances are giving and supportive of each other. The Trip not only entertains but also provides a history lesson/refresher. Swain has combined some footage and dialogue that takes you back to one of the most turbulent times in gay history. Swain has delivered a great package of script, actors and direction for his debut.
Rating:
Summary: My fave Gay film of all time
Review: I loved this movie! It has become my fave gay film of all time. Anyone that has ever truly been in love can relate to the story! The actors are amazing and I loved the story! Buy Yours today!
Rating:
Summary: The Trip trips
Review: It's too bad. There was enough talent in front of the camera to produce a decent film. The two main actors are appealing, and they are backed up by some solid character actors, who seem to be having fun. But the script is just not very good, and the direction could have been better. The central relationship, thanks to the depth invested in it by the two leads, holds the attention, but the script doesn't know what to do with it. Everything seems contrived, and nothing seems real. The supposed climax of the film, the trip itself, is aimless and doesn't give any emotional payoff. A missed opportunity.
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