Pit Stop

Odd review history here. First there are nothing but wonderful reviews followed by nothing but terrible reviews. Don't know what that means, but it seems peculiar. This is an intelligent, very slow moving film concentrating on the lives of two gay men, though one is obviously bi-sexual, that you know are going to come together for a love story, but it takes one hour for these two to meet in a one hour and twenty minute film. However, what saves it is that their individual stories are interesting and bit unusually similar. Both are nice guys still connected with their ex's. One with his ex-wife who still care and need each other as they were best friends prior to trying marriage and remain that way, along with together raising a young daughter. And the other with his ex-boyfriend who wants to get out of a small town in Texas, which I would think understandable, but the other doesn't. For a film with so many nice people, not many seem very happy with their lives. The acting is good by the four principles (I particularly liked Bill Heck & Bailey Bass) and it's a decent film, but you have to like film as even at this short a length there are many scenes in which nothing of significance occurs.

This film throws traditional screenplay structure out the window which at first makes one wait for major plot developments, but in the process it draws you into the lives of many different characters who are just trying to get by in their unsatisfying small town lives.

That in itself becomes compelling in its own compassionate, poetic way. The performances are all outstanding and one really feels for each of the leading and supporting characters as their stories unfold.

There's a sad kindness in the way the stories unfold, and the film becomes a broad portrait of gay life in small town Texas. If you take the film on its own terms, it blossoms in a way that you seldom see in most movies, gay or otherwise.

Small quiet film about a few gay men in a small town in Texas. Each of their stories, some totally unrelated, until Gabe and Ernesto meet. Excellent quiet plain talk movie. Real people problems and lives all at the same time, but overwhelming, a few stories that end in one.

If you want 'young' gays from big cities, big gay communities, stereotypes, lots or any sex scenes = ACTION, clichés, hot handsome 'model's, then this is not a film for you.

If you want real people out there in the small towns that live real lives in a different place, real REAL conversations, situations, relationships, etc., Not a soundtrack from beginning to end of House Beat "Gay" music, then you could consider trying this movie.

The director, Yen Tan, should be a giveaway to a style of film. NOT Hollywood, Not gay films for the young and horny, but a film about real people, other people, etc.

For this type or style of movie, this one is great!

Pit Stop is a gay love story situated in a little town in the state of Texas, USA. Yes, also in little places gay people do live. Not everybody moves to the Big Apple after their coming out. Some like the quietness of small town life or stay there for other reasons. I know many gays fear the loneliness of the countryside, but actually, destiny decides if you find love, no matter where you are. I liked this 'little' independent movie a lot. The men are beautiful and sensitive and they make sense. It's a dramatic movie, but not too. These men have pets, like a cat or dog, it all looked very real and sincere. Even the cat was so relaxed, like it actually lived there. I think this is a very adequate portrait of gay countrymen.

Really terrific acting by the two male leads and very well directed.