Edge of Seventeen

Liked this film and felt it was a nice try at giving us more of an understanding of the teenaged gay coming out. Lead actor playing Eric, was excellent in portraying all the inner problems that lead to his willingness to admit to himself what he wants for a sexual partner. And who wouldn't with Rod and Jonathan offering their hot little bodies to him for a night of passion. The one thing I feel he missed was the first kiss. It could have been played up more. It sort of came out of the sex thing. But then, a view of Rod's butt soon made that disappear. I liked the mother and her scene with Eric's admission he was gay. She showed not only the pain and confusion, but offered her arms and love to her needing son. Great acting, great scene. The bar scenes bored me, but, then, bars do bore me. I wish more could have been made between Eric and Jonathan. Here I felt there mnight have developed a relationship and Eric might have found some love in his quest for the truth. But, it seems love was not to happen. At least at this stage of his coming out. Too bad. See this movie, if only for the rare look of a teen coming out all by himself.

8/10 - a small indie gay film that leaves quite the impression

One of the better "coming of age" films about gay youth. Especially effective in this movie is Tina Holmes, who plays Maggie, Eric's best friend/girlfriend. She brings a true sense of innocence to the film, and when she discovers the truth about Eric, her pain is real. This is a young woman to watch! The film doesn't flinch in its look at the wonder, confusion, and deception associated with the coming out process, and despite some awkward direction, Edge of Seventeen succeeds at opening the eyes of its audience, both gay and straight.

Anyone who grew up gay in the 70s and came out in the 80s can relate to some aspect of this wonderful film. The music, the clothes, and the look are perfectly recreated. The performances are honest, tender and intimate. The awkward conversations and situations only add to the realism. The complexity of Eric and Maggie's relationship is truthful and very emotional. Eric's internalized homophobia is something most of us go through...especially when we are not ready to "come out" to our parents and ourselves. I can recall dressing outrageously and experimenting with my hair to make a statement just as Eric does and then denying that I was gay.

Yes, some men are portrayed as "queenish" and "promiscuous", but that's because some real men are. QUEER AS FOLK should be this good.

Chris Stafford shines, Tina Holmes is incredible, Andersen Gabrych is seductive and Stephanie McVay is the mom we all wish we had. The fabulous Lea Delaria belting out "Blue Skies" is an added bonus. Looking forward to more greatness from the talents involved here.

A great gay companion piece to THE LAST AMERICAN VIRGIN.

EDGE OF SEVENTEEN is by far the more realistic and enjoyable "coming of age/coming out" films to hit cinemas in a while. On a thematic par with the Brit import GET REAL, this film touches on the reality of coming of age in 1984 mid-America, though I suspect it is pretty much the same in any American suburb. The competition must discount Britain's BEAUTIFUL THING which is really an out and out romance. But it beats the cardboard contrivances of DEFYING GRAVITY, a collegiate scenario of similar ilk.

The awkward flirty moments building up to the first boy/boy coupling have an air of sexy familiarity. Film's presumption that "all some guys want is sex" is (unfortunately) dead on real. Chris Stafford plays the leading teen with immense charm. We'll see more from Stafford, surely. His studly co-star is suitably entrancing and is fine to look from the back during their love scenes. We certainly understand why our hero falls for this college-age cad.

Naturally there's a gal pal, too, who here is underplayed nicely but a little too Winona-like for comfort. Broadway uber-dyke Lea DeLaria is onboard for yuks but is just a little too odd and urban to blend in a Sandusky supermarket. Gay men will get teary as Stafford fesses up to Mom that he's queer. Film's only flaw is some obviously clipped editing. At least two scenes are confusing in continuity leading us to wonder whahappened???

But EDGE OF SEVENTEEN is a winner. Gay or straight, first love and coming of age are themes that hit home.