Rating: Summary: Leaves an acrid after taste Review: Underneath the chuckles, most of the characters in this film are disagreeable and unattractive, and after watching "The Broken Hearts Club" I wondered why so many gay people like the movie. Instead of being a pean to friendship or possitive gay attributes, the movie left me thinking "These people are not what I would consider friends." Pettiness, neuroses, loneliness, bitchy-competitiveness, obsession with youth, sexual predation for conquest's sake----all of these things exist in real life, and the movie gives a reasonably accurate glympse of them. But there is or at least there should be more to the fabric of gay life, and this movie sells the community short. I wonder if the laughter that the movie generates isn't really a mask for tears?
Rating: Summary: Laudable Effort All Around Review: I suppose we can forgive all the West Hollywood steryotypes that populate this movie - after all they're only serving a higher purpose: portraying gay men's lives as something out of a soap opera. Nothing too removed from the average reality. Nothing too shocking. Something at times almost impossibly moving, This is a film that touches you, whatever your sexuality is or might be. Unresolved personal issues carry the day, but they all seem to come together at the not entirely satisfying ending.Also: spot on soundtrack!
Rating: Summary: For those who have a heart! Review: I first saw this movie in the theater and found myself at an age that I can not relate to any characters. I recently bought this DVD to rediscover the charm that many of my friends say was so great. I had a different perspective this time! Breaking things down to categories, most of my gay friends were dissapointed because it was not a ... movie like most gay movies are. There was no pornography that is usual in most gay films. Most of my straight friends(male & female) loved it! It has substance with a storyline of humour and drama. I find the "not so positive" reviews of this movie to be symbolic of the romance in the gay world. Everyone is always looking over their dates shoulder for a perfect ahhh...match! The truth is this movie is only a segment in the life of and not the end all of everyone's life! It's down-to-earth approach is more appealing than that down-your-throat approach. The all-round feel of this movie reminds me of Steal Magnolias or Beaches which is not bad! It also has a sprinkle of Queer As Folk, but the good sprinkles! The issues touched in the movie were meant to be real and humourous and they are! For without this there would be no point in making a movie. You don't have to relate to all of these characters to understand the point of this movie! Each character stands on their own and I'm sure we can find something in everyone to relate to.
Rating: Summary: Well it is a start Review: If you are looking for a deep interpersonal movie that leaves you bereft of emotion, and drained...this is not it. It you need a laugh, and something that does not tax the brain...you got yourself a winner. While I enjoyed the movie it was at best a little cheesy. This really is a movie that a bunch of straight actors decided to make, so they could put it on their resume. There is no intimacy, but it is light hearted.
Rating: Summary: A Fun & Gallant Gay Film! Review: FINALLY a gay film that celebrates who gay guys are without shame, disease, or familial issues! Writer and Director Greg Berlanti has woven a wonderful film showcasing a diverse group of friends who are more like a family. I was surprised this feature really hit home with how each character is distinguished, yet so close, like my own real-life group of friends (but here in San Francisco). The ensemble cast deliver fine, distinct performances, in a heartfelt tale that is very much unparalleled to any other gay-themed film. The story is about a close group of friends, living in Los Angeles, who embrace who they are without any societal shame. The cast is lead by Dennis (played by talented Timothy Olyphant), an autuer photographer with dreams of pursuing his craft in Europe. But in the interim, he longs for a guy who will notice him for who he is on the inside as opposed to his goodlooks. Nevertheless, his more gorgeous roommate Cole (a surprising role from handsome Dean Cain) utilizes his dreamboy looks and masculine/straight-acting persona to garner any goodlooking guy he wants, and does, only to reject those unsuspecting cute guys later. Cole continues doing so up until a famous "heterosexual and married" Hollywood leading hunk he falls for shows him his comeuppance at some point. Neurotic psyche-grad Howie (Matt McGrath) is wonderful as the deducing and evaluative friend who can't fix his own love life with a live-in ex-boyfriend (Justin Theroux), yet manages to dictate advice to his friends on relationships, men, and life. Muscle queen Benji can't get enough out of scamming on pumped-up muscleboys, only until he realizes their true nature (using people as play things, incessantly drugged-out circuit partyers, whose lives "revolve around sex and protein shakes"), practically paying with his own life while dating a muscular gym bunny. The incomparable (Ms.) Taylor (the wonderful Taylor Porter) is a real hoot as the group's resident black drama queen who is just over-the-top! His reaction to cheating "long-term boyfriend" Paul (someone we never see, but there's no need to) helps deliver the laughs at the heart of this picture. Get ready to snap your fingers, boys! Appearance-conscientious Patrick may not be the prettiest one of the bunch, but he truly proves what matters most from a person's inside can speak volumes over goodlooks and [...] body. Patrick definitely mirrors someone we have known sometime in our lives, and someone we always turn to in a matter of need. Ben Weber is Patrick, and his performance is heightened when his on-screen lesbian sister (Mary McCormack) and her lover (the beautiful Nia Long) want his sperm for a baby -- and perhaps Patrick will forget about his issues with appearances to concentrate on being the father of a baby. So-called newbie Kevin (Andrew Keegan from TV's "7th Heaven") is delightful as someone we have either been or have known -- the freshly young, cute, and desirable new gay kid on the block. He himself doesn't know whether he's gay or not, but likes sleeping with gorgeous guys like Cole, while being attracted to Dennis. Oh, the memories this character can bring out in many of us . . . And last, but not least, "Frasier"'s John Mahoney is excellent and touching as the group's father figure. Mahoney's character Jack owns the restaurant-bar the Boys work at and frequent, and he is captivating as the Shakespearean-taught and grounded elder of the group whose zest for life energizes and fuels the future hopes for the younger band of boys. The characters here, unlike what one reviewer stated, are not really stereotypical. In fact, I have encountered, met, and personally know gay guys with personalities mirrored from this film. Though it maybe easy to label them as stereotyped, some of the other characters (Howie, Patrick, Jack) don't fit the stereotypical mode, especially since they're unconventional within a gay atmosphere, but make them true originals. I believe Greg Berlanti has encompassed a broad range of characters, set them together as friends, and made the entire film work flawlessly as each character not only care for each other, but love one another in a tight familial fashion. "Broken Hearts Club" is a film I saw originally in the theaters, and then ran out telling my friends about it. Upon its video release, I told other friends who never saw it to "Buy it, not rent it." As you can imagine, "Broken Hearts Club" is a wonderful gay tale for everyone, especially for those young gay people just coming to terms with who they are. This film thus far is perfect in presenting how gay men can stitch together a wonderful family of friends, and therefore will never be alone in years and decades to come. This film is a must for every movie home collection!
Rating: Summary: Great Buddy Flick Review: This flick has some great moments of portraying gay male friendships. I especially liked the fact that an African American was among the circle of friends. I highly suggest this movie for a close knit set of guys to watch while consuming strong high balls. It will surely touch their hearts as it did mine.
Rating: Summary: A Romantic Comedy Review: "The Broken Heart's Club: A Romantic Comedy" is just that - a romantic comedy. It is funny. It is bittersweet. It is very real. I loved it. The story tracks the lives of a group gay friends in L.A. with all its ups and downs. It tells the story of their "growing up" as one "comes out," and the others come to terms with important issues in their lives (ex-boyfriends, sisters, pursuit of dreams, conquests, ...). In the end, they realize how important their friendship is. The dialogue is hilarious with gay lingo inserted very cleverly throughout the movie, and the storyline is very accessible. I would definately recommend this movie to anyone - gay or gay-friendly! Bring the pop-corn, and the box of tissues (optional) and enjoy this movie. :) PS: Andrew Keegan is so cute as the "newbie" :)
Rating: Summary: A lite romantic comedy Review: The broken hearts club movie was sweet and sad. It draws emotion and feelings from the different ages of gay men. My favorite is Zach Braff. He is a hunk. I loved to see him in his baseball uniform(I wish there was a little less clothes on him) A great way to spend a nice evening with a great movie.
Rating: Summary: Hated it! Review: The guy from the TV show "Scrubs" looks even creepier as a bottle blonde. The movie was embarassing to watch.
Rating: Summary: The Day I Met These Guys Review: While this movie wasn't groundbreaking in the telling of a moment in-the-life-of a group of gay friends in southern California, it was nonetheless a charming, heartbreaking, and funny look into the lives of a group of tight knit friends. Each character played his part perfectly and believably, without being too stereotypical...I can recall having a friend who was (for better or worse) like each of the characters. It made me remember my own time in southern California, and made me long for a close group of friends today. Definitely a good addition to your "lifestyle" library. ...meanwhile
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