Rating: 
Summary: One of the best human dramas of recent years!
Review: "Rites of Passage" is a finely tuned psychological thriller that does more than just keep our stomachs tightened for an hour and a half. This story of a father and his two sons being held at the whim of a convict is more than that, digging deep into its characters to give the story a much richer complexity and intrigue. As far as thrillers go, I was breathless; as far as human dramas go, I was hooked. The film introduces us to Del Farraday (Dean Stockwell) and his son D.J. (Robert Keith), who run into one another in a San Francisco hotel. In hopes that he might quiet any objections his son may have about seeing his father with another woman, the two venture to the family lakeside cabin for a weekend of bonding. That is, until they arrive and realize that Campbell (Jason Behr), the youngest son, is also there, and immediately we get the feeling that there is bad blood between father and son. As it turns out, it goes back years ago, when Del caught Campbell giving his heart to another boy by the name of Billy, and lost himself in rage. The two have had no contact for months at a time, so it comes as no surprise that when Del reveals his affair with another woman, an argument ensues. But any and all arguments are cast aside when two strangers arrive, who turn out to be escaped felons, one of whom has a connection to Campbell's lost Billy, and with whom Campbell has an agenda. To reveal any more will ruin the plot's many twists and turns, though not so much the thriller ones as the emotional ones. This is one well-crafted film from Victor Salva, the director of "Powder." His work on that project and his work here prove his worth as a filmmaker in that he can do so much with a large budget film, and take material such as this and turn it into solid entertainment with a minimal budget. Salva's most winning aspect of this film is his attention to the emotions of his characters, particularly Campbell, whose homosexuality fuels most of what's going on in the plot. Campbell is given the typical emotions of someone who feels empty and lonesome, but under the powerful performance of Jason Behr, these emotions are so impacting and believable that they add so much to the overall effect of the film. Salva is also careful not to turn the film into a coming-out story, but more of a story about coming to terms. The father/son examination this film partakes is simply stunning. This human drama unfolds very effectively as Campbell and his father, played in a winning performance from Dean Stockwell, must come to terms with one another, what has happened in the past, and what is going on as they find themselves in danger. There is always some measure of loyalty that each holds for the other, and the film portrays that loyalty in such a light that nothing could ever shake it. Another good aspect is the way in which Salva allows the psychological drama to play on those emotions. One of the escaped felons, Frank (James Remar), plays on Campbell's childhood memories of his father's disdain for him, using it as a tool to win him over and keep him loyal. Remar pushes the envelope with his witty and chilling performance, and to watch the interaction between he and Behr in the most intense moments will keep you on the edge of your seat. While it is most definitely an unknown film, "Rites of Passage" will be remembered by those who see it. It not only winds the chord of suspense until the knot in your stomach is unbearable, but it gives us characters whose emotions we can identify with and understand. These emotions come out through some very strong performances, and some very provocative directing. I got so much more from this film than I expected, and hold it up as one of the best human dramas of recent years.
Rating: 
Summary: Trudy, madly dreadful
Review: A beautiful and sensitive movie! I got into the emotional aspect of it more than the suspense, but it was great. I've watched it many times. Jason Behr's portrayal of Campbell was heartwrenching. Mr. Behr can express so much with just body language and facial expression - they could not have cast the main character better! It's sad that there are so few outlets for the purchase or rental of this wonderful story. I know many who want to see it, but few have found it outside of Amazon.com. I highly recommend this DVD!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: A beautiful and sensitive movie! I got into the emotional aspect of it more than the suspense, but it was great. I've watched it many times. Jason Behr's portrayal of Campbell was heartwrenching. Mr. Behr can express so much with just body language and facial expression - they could not have cast the main character better! It's sad that there are so few outlets for the purchase or rental of this wonderful story. I know many who want to see it, but few have found it outside of Amazon.com. I highly recommend this DVD!
Rating:
Summary: A TERRIFIC MOVIE
Review: A terrific movie. I wasn't sure what it was about - only that it starred Jason Behr of TV's "Roswell" - but by the end of it I was very pleased to have purchased it. This is an extremely well-acted, intense drama and there are a couple of interesting surprises as well. Jason Behr is a seriously talented actor - his dark, hypnotic eyes conveying much emotion. Also, he and Robert Glen Keith (as his brother) are extraordinarily handsome and that never hurts. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Trudy, madly dreadful
Review: A very disappointing film and, having watched it, find the praise of the other reviewers unbelievable. Campbell is attractive enough to watch but that is about it. The acting is wooden across the board, the character development is woeful and none of the individuals seems more than one dimensional. Finally who wrote the script? So full of holes in terms of logic and believability that you could drive a coach and horses through it. Cheaply made, cheaply written and an embarrassment to have been in it - and perhaps to have watched it too.
Rating:
Summary: JASON BEHR EXCELENT
Review: AN excelent job from Jason Behr (campbell) great ..just great
Rating:
Summary: DIRECTOR IS SEX CRIMINAL ... HE TOUCHES YOUNG BOYS
Review: Before I knew about Salva's past I liked it. He plead guilty to 5 felony counts of child sex abuse in 1988. Police confiscated videos of him forcing a young boy (Nathan Winters- star of ClownHouse) to perform oral sex on him. They also found videos of boys taking showers and pictures he took of naked boys. DON'T BUY THIS OR JEEPERS CREEPERS 1 OR 2, CLOWNHOUSE, OR POWDER WHICH HE ALSO WROTE AND DIRECTED. DO NOT SUPPORT THIS MONSTER!!!
Rating: 
Summary: RITES heavy on Melodrama
Review: Contrary to many, I found this film to be cloying and melodramatic. The plot and the writing often seem forced, and the performances occasionally border on the ridiculous. I found it to be a little hard to take seriously, but I know several viewers who found it to be utterly realistic. It is certainly gratifying to see an actor of Dean Stockwell's stature helping the genre of gay film to stretch its borders and its visibility, but this film was for me a mixed bag at best.
Rating:
Summary: Great acting and wild suspense makes this movie a powerhouse
Review: I admit to searching this title out because I am a huge Jason Behr fan, but I never expected to be so blown away by his acting skills. It's very nice to see him out of "Max's" skin. Behr's portrayal of the outcast son of a rather well off family is impeccable. Cambell, also is gay, and this is not accepted well by his father (Stockwell). Their all ready shaky relationship turns almost hostile due to Del Farraday finding his son in another man's embrace two Christmas' ago. Del apparently beat the boy, Billy, and threw him from the cabin. Behr gives his heart to this character, and it is so beautiful to watch. The cast is just amazing. Dean Stockwell has always been a favorite, and he plays the condescending, overpowering, father figure (with a heart) perfectly. The actor who plays DJ Jr., Robert Keith, was also wonderful. The tumultous relationship between these three men is wrenching to watch. James Remar, whom I had never heard of, was so good at being the slippery, bad guy, who had more tricks up his sleeve than really necessary. Frank is a master criminal, a dangerous man, and a slick liar, all rolled into a very strong character. His mere presence in the cabin with the Farraday family is a suspense filled effect. He mocks, he teases, he throws heated glances, and laughs so powerfully that it makes your bones cold. The obvious tension between Remar and Behr's characters is thick. His nonchalant attitude makes him hard to read, but no character is as they first appear. Between secrets that unfold and lies that are told, you never know what is going to happen next. The story has many different layers and subplots, however, they are all so written. They appear seemless. I have never been so glued to a screen before! I recommend this to anyone and everyone! Victor Salva has done it again. He was astouding with Powder. That was one of the most beautiful movies I have ever watched. Salva is a master at human nature and the human psyche. He repeats a wonderful performance with the story and actors behind Rites of Passage.
Rating:
Summary: Great acting and wild suspense makes this movie a powerhouse
Review: I admit to searching this title out because I am a huge Jason Behr fan, but I never expected to be so blown away by his acting skills. It's very nice to see him out of "Max's" skin. Behr's portrayal of the outcast son of a rather well off family is impeccable. Cambell, also is gay, and this is not accepted well by his father (Stockwell). Their all ready shaky relationship turns almost hostile due to Del Farraday finding his son in another man's embrace two Christmas' ago. Del apparently beat the boy, Billy, and threw him from the cabin. Behr gives his heart to this character, and it is so beautiful to watch. The cast is just amazing. Dean Stockwell has always been a favorite, and he plays the condescending, overpowering, father figure (with a heart) perfectly. The actor who plays DJ Jr., Robert Keith, was also wonderful. The tumultous relationship between these three men is wrenching to watch. James Remar, whom I had never heard of, was so good at being the slippery, bad guy, who had more tricks up his sleeve than really necessary. Frank is a master criminal, a dangerous man, and a slick liar, all rolled into a very strong character. His mere presence in the cabin with the Farraday family is a suspense filled effect. He mocks, he teases, he throws heated glances, and laughs so powerfully that it makes your bones cold. The obvious tension between Remar and Behr's characters is thick. His nonchalant attitude makes him hard to read, but no character is as they first appear. Between secrets that unfold and lies that are told, you never know what is going to happen next. The story has many different layers and subplots, however, they are all so written. They appear seemless. I have never been so glued to a screen before! I recommend this to anyone and everyone! Victor Salva has done it again. He was astouding with Powder. That was one of the most beautiful movies I have ever watched. Salva is a master at human nature and the human psyche. He repeats a wonderful performance with the story and actors behind Rites of Passage.
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