Another Gay Movie

AGM could easily have been a flop, as many movies in its genre have been. But plenty of comic ideas, a refreshing sense of fun, hilarious sets, good acting and direction, and less attitude kept this film from the midpoint decay and low sustain that can hurt such films.

The director went for some hot action scenes which can be hard to pull off in a comedy. But the director made them work enjoyably without losing the comic energy. Eat your heart out, QAF!

I saw AGM as a part of Seattle's International Film Festival. The big audience very thoroughly enjoyed it. It's not Rocky Horror, but it might be a sleeper classic of a whole new thang.

Todd Stephens offers his second fine film about gay life (Edge of Seventeen was his first) and aptly titles it ANOTHER GAY MOVIE. It is a colorful, fast-paced, wonderfully silly, knock 'em dead parody of gay stereotypes boasting a fine cast of actors who know how to pull this caper off and seem to have a terrific time doing it! Four gay high school friends make a pact at graduation that they will loose their virginity before Labor Day. Egged on by the gross lesbian Muffler (Ashlie Atkinson) the four plan their ploys in a funny session and the fun begins. Andy (Michael Carbonaro), in constant fantasy about his teacher Mr. Puckov (Graham Norton) 'prepares' himself with various instruments only to be discovered in embarrassing situations by his wild mother (John Epperson aka Lypsinka) and his bisexual father (Scott Thompson). Nico (Jonah Blechman) is so over-the-top outrageous that he believes no one knows he is gay - not his warmly wise mother (Stephanie McVay) or his hilarious blind 'girlfriend' Daisy (Joanna Leeds). Star-struck he goes after celebrities such as Richard Hatch (playing himself) to little avail. Jarod (Jonathan Chase) seems to have little trouble attracting studs like Beau (studly James Getzlaff) and Griff (Mitch Morris) is stricken with the hunky stripper Angel (the ever so buff Darryl Stephens). Each young man finds the trail to loss of virginity a trial but it all comes together 'in the end'.

Films like this are tough to pull off: audiences think they will be offended by the fairly frank and inside jokes. And perhaps with a less talented cast the movie could be off-putting. But this ensemble cast knows just how far to push the button and the result is a hilarious romp that has a lot of very worthwhile undertones. Grady Harp

Nor is it just "another one." It's an unabashed, silly comedy where being gay is strictly a non-issue.

It's also a non-stop string of sex jokes from beginning to end, rather like a queer "American Pie" or "Porky's." In the showing I attended, it looked like a 100% gay audience, so it was interesting to take a laugh-meter reading of their response. I'd say about a third belly-laughter, another third moderate chuckles, and the rest sort of just sat there.

Director-screenplay writer Todd Stephens attempts spoof every sex situation imaginable, with varying degrees of success. There's a dramatic scene from his own "Edge of Seventeen," along with other pop film and TV sitcom episodes. All become grist for Stephens' raunchy, horny mill.

It's a loud, insane, in-your-face frolic that at times assaults the senses. The result: a new low--or high--in bad taste, depending upon your point of view.

For sure, it's not just another gay movie; rather, a compendium of how far we've come and where we now are in colloquial film comedy.

Makes one wonder, what's next?

This movie is totally lighthearted and non-stop funny with adorable guys, silly satire and music. A take-off on the teen genre but totally wink-wink and sweet. I wasn't crazy about the Nambla joke but this movie totally has its heart in the right place. After all, don't gay teens deserve the same coming-of-age movie that straight teens do? Sure, it's not for the weak of heart or the religious fundamentalist, but who cares? It's good, dirty fun about love, sex, desire and friendship. Sure, it's a fantasy world with understanding parents, hot teachers, no homophobia and true love but that was my favorite thing about the movie. Also loved the cameos from Graham Norton, Richard Hatch, Scott Thompson, and many others. I shall never look at Graham Norton the same way. See this movie, it's totally great...

Come on...just by the title, anyone who watches this is going to know what this is about. It's a ridiculous take-off on all the 80's/90's teen sex movies, yet set in a setting of gay teens (well, one actor was in his 30's, but we have to suspend our disbelief going into this thing, don't we?). I found it interesting enough to watch all the way through, but I can honestly say I didn't actually laugh once. The humor gets very base and scatological, so, you have to prepare for that. All in all it's brain-candy for...well, not sure who this is for.