NYCNetguy

Although there is a gay lead in first-time director David Gleeson's "Cowboys and Angels", this is by no means a gay film, rather a touching and heartwarming story of two young men coming-of-age in the heart of Dublin. Rivaling anything that's on the market today in the way of teen films, this rises above any of them with great performances and a fresh look at some old themes. It might be too sweet at times and neatly wrapped but the Irish charm of the characters keeps it afloat throughout.

Michael Legge plays Shane Butler, a geeky 20 year old lad from the suburbs who has just moved to Dublin. While searching for a flat to rent he stumbles upon a fellow classmate from high school, Vincent (Allen Leech), and the two reconnect when they both happen to be looking at the same apartment to rent. They decide to share it and Shane's adventure in the big city begins.

Shane is straight, has a quiet demeanor, and looks like his mom dressed him, while Vincent is more outgoing, dresses and looks funky, oh, and is gay. The two don't quite hit it off at first, but their friendship develops over time and Vincent takes him under his wing, as a friend and partly as a fashion project. Shane falls for a girl named Gemma (Amy Shiels) who works in a nearby burger joint, and it just so happens an old classmate of Vincent's. Shane has a hard time making the connection with her and is envious of her and Vincent's friendship. To make matters worse, Shane finds some drugs in the buildings lobby, he gets caught by the dealer (David Murray), and is then offered a large sum of money to make a run. He takes the offer hoping the money can either buy him a new wardrobe or help put him into art school and get him out of his dead-end job at the civil service department. A subplot involves a coworker named Jerry that is truly touching. In any event, Shane falls into the wrong crowd and friendships are tested, hearts broken, and loved ones lost. But in the end, true friendship endures and you can't help be touched by either one, the cowboy or angel.

C. Jay Cox (who also wrote Sweet Home Alabama) brings us a touching, heartwarming love story about Aaron, a closeted Mormon missionary, played by the handsome and endearing Steve Sandvoss, who falls for a West Hollywood, pretty boy, Christian, Wes Ramsey, while spreading the gospel in and around 'Sodom and Gommorah', Los Angeles. The two cultures collide and the storyline, although a bit contrived at times, touches on some serious issues like, faith, homosexuality, AIDS, and teen suicide, but with a soft touch and is never forced upon you but opens it up for discussion and thought. C. Jay Cox grew up Mormon and brings us this story from his own personal views and draws upon his own experiences to tell the tale of love and redemption. It's too bad that there wasn't a theatrical as well as a director's cut of this film as this could've made a great mainstream movie and should be seen by everyone.

Unfortunately, it never made it to most theaters most likely due to the fact of the nudity, gay sex, and a couple of surreal sexual scenes. In any event, it has found its way to DVD and I highly recommend this to anyone, gay or straight.

Aaron lands in L.A. with three other 'elders', willing to give up television, radio, newspapers, etc left only to study and spread the Lord's word. After moving into the same complex as Christian, the cute party boy who has an appetite for one night stands, and his best friend Julie, an upcoming singer, sparks and sexual tension begin to rise. Christina tells his pals at the restaurant, Lila's, they all work at of his newfound complex mates and one of them bets he can't bed one of the 'elders' and all bets are on. As the story unfolds we find out Aaron has suppressed his homosexual tendencies and he frequently wakes at night to watch Christian arrive home with one of his tricks. It isn't until Christian gets injured and Aaron takes him in, cleans his wounds, and the sexual tension between them begins to heat up. Moments they meet while doing laundry they discuss various issues regarding faith, love, and commitments and Christian begins to realize there's more to life then just one--night stands and casual sex. One of his friends is involved with a meal delivery program to AIDS patients and Christian, with his new outlook on life, begins to help out. There are some wonderful exchanges between him and his client that are really touching.

Further along the story the other elders catch Aaron and Christian in a passionate embrace and with that Aaron is shipped back home and excommunicated from the church. Tensions rise with his family and there's a fine performance by Mary Kay Place as his mother who never waivers with her position and religious beliefs. She fails to accept her son. Christian meanwhile is heartbroken and tries to reach him, as his friend Julie begins to make it in the music industry, and life goes on. Will Aaron's family finally accept him? Will Christian find true love and with who? Will Julie make it big in the biz? These are the 'Latter Days of Our Lives'. A wonderful story that is both heartwarming and charming I can't recommend it enough. A perfect date movie!

The film also features some great supporting roles with Joseph Gordon-Levitt (kid from Third Rock from the Sun) as one of his missionary brethren, Jacqueline Bisset, owner of 'Lila's', a restaurant where Christian and his friends work and hang out, Mary Kay Place, Aaron's mother, and Rebekah Jordan, who gives a terrific performance as Christian's best friend and confident. The movie also features a fine soundtrack with songs written by C. Jay Cox, one performed by Toad the Wet Sprocket, among others. The DVD extras also include 3 music videos by Rebekah Jordan whose voice is strong and mesmerizing. Also included on the DVD are a featurette, a short film, trailers and a commentary track.

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!