The Conrad Boys

CONRAD BOYS is not a bad movie: the story though frequently used by others holds its own, the style of direction keeps the pace moving, the message of the movie is worth stating. The problem is one of a single person assuming the role of writer, director, film editor AND principal actor. Justin Lo does well in all categories except the last one. As pleasant as he is to look at his ability to create a believable character on film is seriously lacking.

Charlie (Lo) is a 19-year old taking care of his little brother Ben (Boo Boo Stewart) after the sudden death of their mother. Charlie is a history buff headed for Columbia for college until his mother's death halts that direction. He becomes a recluse despite his friend Tori (Nancy Hancock) attempts to get him out of his café job and into a social life. But at last Charlie reluctantly attends a party and eventually encounters a very handsome, intelligent drifter Jordan (Nick Bartzen) who touches Charlie's buried attraction and the two become friends and more. Jordan has demons, some of which become painfully apparent form his life of crime's encounters from the past. Another stumbling block for Charlie's adjustment appears in the form of his long departed recovering alcoholic father Doug (Barry Shay) who has cleaned up his act and wants to be a part of Ben's and Charlie's lives. The myriad clashes to Charlie's fragile ego serve only to bring out his protective forces in caring for Ben and eventually his nascent longing for Jordan and his responsibility for Ben are settled in surprising ways.

The cast Lo has selected is fine - especially the promising young Nick Bartzen and the solid Barry Shay. If only Lo had had the foresight to cast Charlie with an equally fine actor the film would have played more strongly. But as a first film by a young talent there is reason to view this venture. Justin Lo gives evidence of being a solid talent who just needs some focus.

I thought this was a delightful movie, very professionally filmed and with some excellent acting. Good photography and sound (I'm amazed at how many gay themed films have low or bad sound - it can ruin a movie.) I really came to care about these lead characters very much. They seemed absolutely real.

If I have to find fault at all, I thought that the film was a bit slow at times and could stand to be tightened up a bit in editing, perhaps by about 15 minutes. The two young lead characters are the stars of the film and the story line involving the father is less interesting and that's where I find myself wanting to fast forward. But, that's quibbling. This film is an amazing accomplishment. It is quite rare to find a gay-themed film of such quality and honesty. I'm always thrilled to come across something of quality after encountering so much junk wrapped in a pretty cover photograph. This film was very touching.

A delightful coming of age LGBT film by Justin Lo. It's about Charlie Conrad a 19-year-old who takes care of his bright 9-year-old brother Ben Conrad after their mother's death. Everything changes after he meets Jordan Rivers they begin a personal close relationship. Just when their relationship starts to build up. However, when Charlie's father Doug Conrad shows up he wants to take care of Ben and everything heats up.

The Conrad Boys a magnificent well written movie. Good acting by Justin Lo, Booboo Stewart, Nick Bartzen, and the entire cast.

I've seen many gay films and TV shows, but The Conrad Boys is by far the best I've seen the characters, the story, the picture, and all brought the film to a delightful point of view. Justin Lo is amazing writer and he did a excellent job on this one. A cute yet lovely film. The Conrad Boys is 100% good from my point of view.

This was very touching.

I just watched this film, although the film is somewhat predictable, it was I thought well thought out and well done, It told the story it needed to tell, the acting was good the cinematography was also OK, regardless of the quality of this film I believe.

The story line came though and made it to the suffice, even though it's a fairy tale of sorts, I remember living the tale myself in my own personal life, although my story line would have been slightly different in reality but basically the same in some regards, I think most young gay males have experienced this feeling in one fashion or another, in the end where they split up and go their separate ways was sad, but I think that's true to life as well, at least is was for me.

If I had to rate this film and give a score of 1 to 10, I would give it an 8, but then again I am a sucker for romance and true love which I think this film had, believable acting, could it have been done better sure but I think he did a great job over all, well done

The boys are cute, so I guess that's one reason I want to like this film, but I just can't. The acting is less than spirited and at times I didn't want to even watch the entire film. The writing is sub par but had great plot line potential, I believe. So much more emotion and connection to the characters is possible, but it just wasn't there. I felt disconnected from the entire cast and I felt no sense of love between the brothers or the two "lovers." In fact, all the relationships in the entire movie seemed fake and inconsequential. I will always support the LGBT community, writers and actors and if Justin Lo comes out with something else, I'll be sure to try again. But as far as this title goes, save your time and money. Sorry Justin and Boo Boo.