L.I.E. (Rated Version)

Rating:
Summary: This film has some problems.
Review: The biggest problem is that it portrays pedophilia casually, and that it portrays it as commonplace. No less than the "dean of discipline" at school and the "officer of juvenile offenders" are involved in the secret pedophilia ring, of which Big John seems to be the center. One wonders if any man besides the main charater's father isn't preying on teenage boys.

Not that Big John seemed to be forcing anybody to do anything as much as he knew how to impress and then take advantage of boys. It's less about age difference and more about differences in status, power, and influence, and one party's willingness to use that influence as currency to buy sex from another.

There are also many peripheral characters in this film which the writer must have decided didn't merit any development and we know nothing about them. It would have been better to eliminate them than to introduce them for no purpose.

There are also some dreadfully slow sequences, particularly the times when Big John is singing to himself. Then there is the end. Some editing could have improved this film.

If you can get past these significant problems, there is brilliance in the acting, particularly the teenage lead and his friend, and also in Big John. There are some truly meaningful scenes and some sense of redemption and hope that I appreciated. One of the thematic assertions here is that there is some good and value in everyone. With this, I agree.

This film is certainly worth seeing so that you can decide for yourself how you feel; it certainly stirs feelings and emotions, and on that level should be considered a success.

Rating:
Summary: Passionate, Provocative, Profound
Review: This is by no means an ordinary movie, not even for the GLBT themed types. In fact, it's more realistic about the times we live in. Because of the gay-theme, it too will likely never be seen by mass audiences, a shame indeed. Essentially, the movie is about several teenagers, set in Long Island NY, growing up in a decade where parents are absent from their daily lives. The "kids" find themselves breaking into homes, and getting into the typical problems kids get into. Going deeper, the film follows the plight of Howie, 15 going on 16, dealing with the loss of his mother, and a somewhat absentee father who cannot relate to him. Intertwined is a dramatic coming-of-age storyline (and I'll leave the details at that). In Howie's world are his father, his new best friend Gary, a school counselor (she doesn't get enough credit), and Big John. Big John comes to Howies rescue, but in a manner most audiences would be uncomfortable with. The movie is so well directed, produced and acted, the viewer should instead see the compassion and care and love expressed. Twisty plots, and an ending not expected.

Rating:
Summary: All I can say is WOW
Review: The teen actors, esp. the lead, stunned me with their performances. I was surprised to see a bigger name in this movie, and surprised at his role as well. It touches on some sensitive topics without being judgmental. You're left to decide what you think and how you feel. The ending was an absolute shocker. I also have to tip my hat at the shaving scene. No one wonder it won awards. It deserved every one it got.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: I ordered this film, not expecting a whole lot. Was I surprised when i popped in this VHS of "L.I.E". The story line was brilliant. I was fixed on My television screen threw the whole movie. Unexpected twists, turns, and unfolding events through the entire movie.

The only part I did not like as much as the rest of the movie was the ending, and when you order it, you'll know why.

DEFFINATLY WORTH THE MONEY!

Rating:
Summary: Realistic Fiction
Review: I thought it was great that someone came up with the idea of showing the hardships children go through instead of sugar couting it. The main characters father is going through troubled times with his business and his son is a delinquent. The son has to deal with his friend who break into houses and then come into picture a very shady man the wants to take advantge of the situation. The son now has deal with this and his decision with have the biggest impact on him, his family, and friends.

Rating:
Summary: Great movie, Shocking End, should be a part 2
Review: As I was watching this movie, I was like WOW, what a sick movie, another gay themed movie depicting gay men as sexual pedophiles. However, the man in the movie is a pedophile, but it has a twist of events. If nothing else, reaching to the end is worth watching. But when it ends, you are left wanting a sequel.

Rating:
Summary: Perfect.
Review: This is the only movie I know of that peer's into that small spark of light that wont give up within a young gay male just trying to exist in a almost entirely oblivious and hostile environment. (Whoa, long sentence). The movie never point's fingers. It show's the colors of VERY diverse and true to life figures. It make's no excuses. It has no agenda. It's entertaining, Very well acted. Just very well made. For me it's a realistic portrayal of what is going on in modern day suburbia. It's a bold american film that tell's a good story, one that is or was a reality for countless people and a story that hasn't been made so accessable before. It may make some a bit uncomfortable with it's subject matter...but it doesn't try to shock or compell you for sake of entertainment.

Rating:
Summary: Surprisingly good I command you to watch it
Review: OK to say the least, this movie isn't for everyone. On my part i thought i would've been shocked but really i wasn't that shocked at all in fact there wasn't that much provocative scenes there was just minor, but my opinion doesn't really count seeing as i have seen a lot more provocative movies than this. but surprisingly i enjoyed it there really wasn't too much deep and wrist-slitting scenes. it seemed short and pg rated i must've gotten a pg copy but the ending was good enough i also thought the boy how played howie the protagonist and messed up kid in the movie, to be hot and cute in that stagatorry rape kind of way.