Say Uncle

Peter Paige's enthusiasm for his film is contagious only there are parts of the film that are uneven. There is good pacing , but at times the pace moves so fast that some of the storyline seems forced. The general premise is already addressed in the tag line and so there is a constant sense of uneasiness. The main character is believable but the denouement feels saccharin sweet and that minimizes the seriousness of the threat to the main character.

If you are a fan of Emmett on QAF, then you'll find that Paige is quite a talented actor. In the end, not bad for a first movie. The premise is original and touching and even with all its faults is capable of conveying the state of American culture of fear.

I am a gay man in the South, and while I have spent a good part of my life working with children as a camp counselor, daycare worker, and therapist, I STILL don't think I can empathize with the character Peter Paige portrays in this movie. For one, is he retarded? I don't think any grown, single, childless man who isn't just at least a little mentally challenged would think it was appropriate to spend that much time with strangers' children without good reason. Also, this character seems REALLY mentally unbalanced. He blacks out, lies about his background, cannot form a stable romantic attachment, becomes detached from reality, can only relate to children, and has what can only be described as a hyper-obsession with his godchild. I'm thinking Kathy Najimy's character in the film is right...he DOES fit the profile of a pedophile.

I don't know where Peter Paige was going with this movie, but I think he missed his mark. I rented this film, hoping for something that would break down the stereotype that gay men are freaks and pedophiles. Instead, this movie just made my skin crawl. I would NEVER, EVER let my child near a man like Paul Johnson.

Ick.

-s-

First off, I have to say I adore Peter Paige. I loved him as Emmett in QAF. If I lived in Portland, I'd be trying to date him. That is, if he were single. I saw this film out of curiosity. I was wanting to see him stretch. Even cast off the QAF persona. And that was done. I did not see him as Emmett here. But the film was hard to sit through. I knew the content was going to be difficult, and that is not what I mean. Throughout the film, I kept thinking "No one is that naive! Not in this day and age." Nor can anyone afford to be, no matter how idealistic you are. So, ultimately, FOR ME, the film was a far-fetched unfolding about a dead-serious and scary issue. Worthy of exploration, undoubtedly, but this film missed the mark. Please please keep working, Peter! You are a man of much talent.

I just saw the the world premiere of "Say Uncle" last night at LA's Outfest. Peter Paige, Kathy Najimy, and other cast members were there. A couple of QAF cast were also present to support Peter, including Scott Lowell and Robert Gant.

The response by the audience seemed very positive. The movie was well done. Paige demonstrates his chops not only as an actor, but as a writer/director. "Say Uncle" is a smart movie that explores the idea of alienation on a number of levels in our society. Paige effectively blends humor with the contemplation of serious issues (as exhibited by both laughter and tears of the audience).

Paige's character (Paul) functions with the naive perceptions of a child among adults. Najimy's character shows her own naivity when she forms different assumptions about Paul during the course of the movie and subsequently targets him. Najimy portrays an sympathetic antagonist. It was easy to laugh at her character, become disgusted, and yet feel sorry for her, because she embodied what we often see in society.

This is one of those movies that had me thinking about it long after I left the theater. I found myself contemplating my own thoughts and feelings regarding the issues presented and societal expectations. I do hope that Paige is able to find a distributor for this film so that it may be seen and recognized by a larger audience.

Technically, this film is well done, avoiding the usual genre clichés of most first-time gay directors. However, overall it is an uncomfortable mess. What is it trying to say? We are supposed to feel sympathy for a lead character who performs one act of stupidity after another? Anger for a mother who has every right to assume this borderline-mentally-ill man could harm her child?

What grown man in his right mind would hang out in playgrounds with children, and not expect the inevitable results? The lead is just plain creepy.

Supporting roles are uneven. The co-worker/admirer goes from bitchy to "honey" in ONE week? Najimy portrays a concerned mother as a stereotypical gay-hating shrew. The "boss" is a cartoon character. Then we have the very grounded best female friend. (Well, not so grounded...she gives this borderline retarded man a NUDE picture of her own toddler - dressed up in cowboy gear??!!)

Paige is a talented actor, but I question his writing skills, and the actual intention of this film.