Rating: 
Summary: A Fun And Endearing Trek
Review: It's great to see such an endearing movie that doesn't rely on the usual gay storylines of AIDS, coming out, or campy drag queens. Wearing it's heart on its sleave, "Gone, But Not Forgotten" is a charming, adult, romantic love story with a touch of mystery from writer, director, producer, and editor Michael D. Akers. This guy does it all and on a shoestring budget! But with an intriguing story and a fine cast it's first class all the way! Shot on digital video, which does give it a home video feel to it and takes some getting used to, but once you settle in, it's an enjoyable trek.
Shot in and around Yosemite National Park the story revolves around an openly gay forest ranger named Drew (Aaron Orr) who's rescued a young man, Mark (Matthew Montgomery), from an accident that leaves him with amnesia in a smalltown hospital. Drew takes him "under his wing", they develop a friendship, and ultimately a relationship. But as the story unfolds and Mark begins to remember his past, through a series of flashbacks to what led up to his accident, he begins to question who he is and where he is headed. Is he gay or straight? Will he stay with Drew or go back to his previous life, whatever that may be? Mark's not the only one with secrets but Drew holds some of his own as well regarding his past and his relationship with his brother. They're all revealed as the story continues and ultimately come together in a satisfying ending.
Rounding out the film are some supporting roles played by Joel Bryant as Drew's estranged brother Paul, Brenda Lasker as the sister-in-law and Bryna Weiss as Dr. Mary Williams.
There are some moments that seemed a bit over-the-top and somewhat unbelievable, but as a first time effort Michael Akers has done a fine job with his ensemble cast. But it's the male leads that drew me in and found their relationship sweet and charming. The culmination between the two comes in the form of one of the best, most intimate, sex scenes I've seen and is most tastefully done. The questions the story posed were also intriguing with regards to amnesia, sexual orientation and past memories. Intriguing.
It's not without its flaws but overall I really enjoyed this independent film and look forward to Mr. Akers next directorial effort. Grab a big bowl of popcorn, settle back on your couch and enjoy!
Rating: 
Summary: Wished I had seen it on the big screen
Review: Movies for me have always had a "bigger than life" impact when seen on the big screen for the first time. I wished I have had my initial viewing of this film at the theatre. This flick is definitely one of the better gay romance movies to come out over the past few years that can be appreciated by both gay and straight audiences. If Michael Akers can do this remarkable, credible, and satisifying a project on his limited budget for this film, I can't wait to see what he will do when the "bank vaults are open." The dialogue and scenes do jump awkwardly a bit from time to time, but nothing that detracts or cheapens the overall quality of this film. No, this is not a "Meryl Streep- Oscar-worthy" movie. If it were, the true power of this flick would have been lost.This likeable cast has a great chemistry together, which added to my enjoyment of the film. What is all the more amazing is that this was the movie debut of all the actors. Aaron Orr (Drew Parker) put forth a wonderful and credible effort of making me laugh, making me cry, and bonding me to his character as few actors have over the past few years. My big surprise was the supporting role of Ariadne Shaffer as Catherine Reeves. I thought I was in a "time warp" watching Kathleen Turner 20 years ago! Matthew Montgomery (Mark Reeves) put in a great effort of creating the sensitive, confused amnesia victim and expressing to the audience Mark's coming to terms with his sexuality and who he really loves. Bravo Aaron, Ariadne, and Matthew! We will be all the better seeing these upcoming actors in future projects over the next few years. The chemistry and bond between Drew and Mark was very evident throughout their scenes together and the main reason this film doesn't disappoint. The love scene between the two main characters goes beyond the typical Hollywood "sanitized" scenes, but is tastefully and affectionately done. Michael Akers' first film is a recommend "must-see" for all romantics out there. It is not a surprise this film was the official selection at almost a dozen or so showings around the 2003 festival circut. With the just the right balance of humor, happy, hope, sad, and serious, this film gets better and more satisifying to me upon each viewing. Good cast, good dialogue, and great cinematography... get a date, turn down the lights, cuddle, and enjoy! This film has an addicting quality to it that will make you want to watch it again and again.
Rating: 
Summary: Beyond independent
Review: One man wrote, directed, and edited this ridiculously long melodrama. Re-titled, "Joan Crawford Loves Joan Collins" this story requires a three movie expansion to help him swing his extra thick plot-punch (not to mention smacks, bitch-slaps, and panic-attacks.) Buy this as a donation only.
Rating:
Summary: Wished I had seen it on the big screen
Review: One of the better "guy gets guy" date films to come out in a few years. I always enjoy movies more on the big screen and as enjoyable as this film was to me on the TV screen, I think I would have enjoyed it more if my initial screening had been on the big screen. Nice cast! They have a great chemistry together, which added to the enjoyment of the film to me. Can't understand the reviews panning this film. No, it's not "Oscar-worthy-Meryl Streep" acting... if it were, the true power of this film would be lost. If Michael Aker's can create a movie this good on a limited budget, I can't wait to see what he can do when the "bank vaults are open." An enjoyable film with just the right balance of humor, happy, hope, sad, and serious that will satisify and make you feel good. I have watched it several times and it gets better and more satisifying to me on each viewing.
Rating:
Summary: Wished I had seen it on the big screen
Review: One of the better "guy gets guy" date films to come out in a few years. I always enjoy movies more on the big screen and as enjoyable as this film was to me on the TV screen, I think I would have enjoyed it more if my initial screening had been on the big screen. Nice cast! They have a great chemistry together, which added to the enjoyment of the film to me. Can't understand the reviews panning this film. No, it's not "Oscar-worthy-Meryl Streep" acting... if it were, the true power of this film would be lost. If Michael Aker's can create a movie this good on a limited budget, I can't wait to see what he can do when the "bank vaults are open." An enjoyable film with just the right balance of humor, happy, hope, sad, and serious that will satisify and make you feel good. I have watched it several times and it gets better and more satisifying to me on each viewing.
Rating: 
Summary: Watch It A.Y.O.R.
Review: One star goes to the twist in this boring story and the other goes to those cute boys whose acting kinda puts me off.
Rating:
Summary: Only OK
Review: Production value was really low on this film. More like a high school production. Story line and acting was mediocre. Bottom line not really worth the money. Go for Latter Days, very high quality story, production and acting.
Rating:
Summary: First-time actors/director- and it's a winner!
Review: Simply put- this is the best, affectingly told gay romance films to be released over the past few years. If you walk away from this one and not moved by this impressive debut movie by Michael Akers- you're the Tin Man in "The Wizard of Oz"- no heart! (heh heh) This movie will win you over on many levels- characters, plot, direction, and cinematography. Do not rate the merits and "final product" of this film against bigger budgeted gay-themed films currently available, many of which disappoint with their "been there; done that" plots and stereotypes such as "The Trip" and "Friends & Family." You will be comparing "apples to oranges" and miss the message of this simple film. "Gone..." successfully shows the honest portryal of two gay men in their growing feelings as a couple in a honest but tasteful manner. In most main-stream "Hollywood" gay-theme films, the writers and directors seem more afraid not to offend and dilute the actors' characters and actions so you walk away from the film thinking you saw two "straight buddies," not two gay men in genuine affection for each other. Mr. Akers has taken a much needed "next step" in breaking that pattern with this film. I definitely recommend this one for your DVD collection over many other run-of-the-mill gay-themed movies available. It is also fun, entertaining, and informative to watch playing the commentary track with Michael Akers and Matthew Montgomery.
Rating:
Summary: Really bad
Review: The acting is poor, plot is way too simple. I know this is a low budget film, but the quality is too bad, like a home DV video.
Rating:
Summary: one star should be gone
Review: the worst movie i have ever seen bad in every aspect of bad, exept for the hilarious directors commentory where he thinks it is good.
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