Get Real

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Summary: Britain makes them right!
Review: Between Get Real and Beautiful Thing (1996) I am thinking that Britain knows how to make great films with gay themes. Movies like Jeffery & Trick are fun and all but for me they don't seem to strike those deep and delicate chords that ring within the soul. The movie Get Real is a coming of age story about a 16 year old boy named Steven Carter. (played with utter perfection by the rather talented Ben Silverstone.) Steven longs to be accepted for who and what he is and to make a life for himself more meaningful than random bathroom encounters with other gay men. Enter John Dixon (played by Brad Gorton). John is the school's track star and the one "hunk" that every girl in the school (and one particular Steven Carter) would give away their first born to date. After an awkward encounter in a park bathroom Steven finds that John may actually be more "family oriented" than he appears. What ensues is a wild ride of self discovery for both Steven and John where ultimately their growing bond of friendship & love help Steven to overcome his fears and be who he really wants to be no holds barred. The only things that were minorly irritating about this film is the placement of the comic relief in the form of Steven's best friend Linda (played very believably by Charlotte Brittain.) After every intense scene we are thrown into a silly sequence of Linda being...well...Linda. One other complaint was the unconvincing performance by Brad Gorton as the closeted and frightened John Dixon). I do not know if the actor was just out of touch with gay issues or what, but I just wasn't buying his sincerity when he would speak his more deeply moving lines. But let me assure that these are comparatively minor issues and that this movie is definitely a great viewing. For anyone who has ever longed to cast aside all fear and inhibition and be your true self, its time to get "Get Real".

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Summary: Remembrance...
Review: Just finished watching this filme...though I am gay I am not a fan of most gay cinema...but every so often a movie stands out as this one did...It brought me back to high school when I had to exist behind the veil and grow up stunted within the confinds of upper-class society and then making the decision...choosing freedom...and also what you first love feels like...you first crush..and how innocent and yet naive we once were...and how pure...This is a must see for many reasons...the first being that Brittish Cinema as in most foreign cinema is true to the story and not made for the purpose to please a certain percent of society (to make sure everyone is happy)...and two - the acting is far superior to most american actors...you feel what they feel and the movie pulls you in...there are no sterotypical characters to amke people feel "safe" when watching...this movie is a beautiful coming of age and "out" story... we have to leave the closet and become free sooner or later...thanks...

Rating:
Summary: Get Real
Review: I can't wait to get this one in my collection! ...very well acted by Ben Silverstone. He stole the show. I felt it was also well written and directed. Way to go Brits! Once again we have to get the really well made "alternative" films from England. I guess we here in the US still have a little growing up to do before we can make films like this.

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Summary: A Must See For Everyone
Review: This was not your typical "gay" movie. It portrayed the struggle that many young and older gay men go though when the realize that they are gay. The cast was wonderful ! I would have preferred a different ending although it was realistic. The movie is a lesson for all people gay or straight. Parents check this out, it will give you insight to the struggle that your children go thought and the struggle they have to endure without you...

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Summary: In all a great story
Review: This was a well thought out movie, and in my opinion it was a wonderful story. It was presented as a "story" and not a "gay story" but one I feel alot of people can identify with. The acting was great and they all were totally believable. The humor was natural and not forced and the emotions were genuine. This was not one of your typical high school romps but a piece with some substance.

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Summary: Unexpectedly good movie.
Review: For some reason I did not think I was going to like this. But was I proved wrong. It is funny and touching, a real feel good movie. This movie although it takes place in high school is for everyone and is about regular people.

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Summary: Best coming out film I've seen.
Review: Get Real is probably the best queer film that I have seen and it is definitely the best coming out film that I have seen. It is very much reminiscent of my high schools years, though in a totally different context. The movie deals with serious issues while still retaining its humor and vice versa. This movie is a must have!

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Summary: Great Movie
Review: Its a great movie about a gay experiencing growing pains. It is a really good film which shows reality and it is a pretty bold move from the norm. There aren't enough movies about gay teens and this would be pretty good one to watch.

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Summary: A must-see for teachers!
Review: There are a group of teenagers in society whose needs are often ignored; they are our gay, lesbian and bisexual teens. Often mocked, marginalised and harassed, these teens have a hard time "coming out" in a world that tends to assume that people are straight. This coming-of-age love story is a touching reminder that it is quite normal for some youngsters to find romance and happiness in the arms of someone of the same sex. An excellent performance by Ben Silverstone. Well worth watching, particularly if you are working with teenagers.

Rating:
Summary: Flawless
Review: This movie is absolutely wonderful. Wonderfully acted and an amazingly original story. I loved it!