The Boy with the Sun in His Eyes

Nothing could prepare John (Tim Swain) for the changes that would occur in his life following the death of childhood friend Kevin (Josh Ubaldi). Shortly before Kevin's passing, John accuses him of never telling him the beginning or ending of a story. Rather it's "always a headlong plunge into drama." Little does John know that he's about to take a similar plunge after he meets the mysterious Solange (Mahogany Reynolds), a B-movie actress in low-budget Italian horror films, at Kevin's funeral. Within minutes of meeting him, Solange offers John a job as a production/personal assistant for "The Untourist Guide," a food/lifestyle magazine/show she is planning to do in Europe. Before you can say "passport," John quits his boring cubicle job in Boston and relocates to Paris with Solange. Todd Verow's film, based on the novel by Jim Dwyer (who also wrote the screenplay for Verow's controversial movie version of Dennis Cooper's "Frisk"), makes good use of the European locations. Verow also elicits honest performances from his lead actors, brightening the dark subject matter. (Gregg Shapiro)

I was told there would be comedy. If there was, they kept it well hidden. Filmed with a video camera from the dollar store, this is like one of those horrible pornos with too much plot, with "Solange" as the "in front of my salad?" girl.

To be fair, our lead actor, Tim Swain, really should be a porn star, and could actually cut it as a Hollywood leading man. He's got all the best qualities of Scott Evans and that brother of his, Chris, plus a special spice all his own. But the B Plot (using the term "plot" generously) is like the "Solange" character -- pretending it's a LOT more interesting than it is.

Zero thrill, suspense and actually negative humor. And, if you can sit through the musical numbers? Buddy, you've got more willpower than I do. But, if someone switches things up and makes an Actor's Cut, just featuring Tim Swain being a sexual tidal wave before he even takes a stitch of clothing off? That I would give 10/10.

This movie is just plain (insert zero Stars).

No wonder most of the actors involved hardly ever worked after this, if ever.

SPOILER ALERT. No, I can't find the words.

This movie is a spoof-y, fun, hilarious commentary on male friendship (and yes male sex) in the go-go 90's. Ever heard of 'Andy Warhol' No? Pop some corn, gather all your friends (get the kids outta the room!) watch a few Italian B horror flicks first (hint 'Demons' 'Rats' 'Warrior Of The Lost World') then settle back and laugh at all the inside jokes Todd Verow, James Dwyer and co-writer; Geretta Geretta (whose B-Movie career the story is lightly based on) have peppered the movie with, while sharing subtle truths about lost Americans, Black Female wanna-be-Stars, Boys almost in love; in a dizzy Europe that was waaay before Grace Jones... then ENJOY! This is an 'experimental art film' with a POV...not just endless tracking shots & expensive CGI calling itself 'art.'

Story was confusing from the beginning. The black chick, poor thing, couldn't act for nuttin. Head handsome boy toy, John, wasn't too bad at acting and was easy on the eyeballs. He had a slightly masculine persona with just a touch of gayness. This movie should have been about Boy Toy John taking a European vacation, going from city to city, and meeting a special boy toy in each. And then at the end, everything gets emotionally confusing when he has to decide which one he wants to take home to America. Instead, this movie just gets weirder and weirder. Fortunately, nobody gets blown away or stabbed repeatedly. If not for Tim Swain, this movie would have been a one. So his presence elevated it 4 points. Still mediocre at best.