D'amour et de courage

I was browsing through the television listings when I found "Touch Me" listed as the Oxygen network's afternoon feature film. After learning that the film is a drama starring Amanda Peet and Michael Vartan, I was interested in seeing these actors perform in more serious roles than I am used to seeing them portray. They thrive in these roles. In their journey of becoming lovers, Peet (who plays an aerobics instructor and working actress) and Vartan (who plays Peet's boss at the gym she works at) are faced with social issues concerning commitment, drug abuse, betrayal, and the HIV virus. The movie teaches you that although people may appear destined for one another, there are serious hurdles they must face that make love even harder to fight for. Overall, this film was beautifully acted and brought me to tears at least five times. "Touch Me" is both moving and educational. It instills a ray of hope that people will be more accepting of friends and family that are faced with hardships in their lives. The film demonstrates the actors' range and promise in Hollywood. Most importantly, it teaches you how you must protect yourself from social dangers.

I saw this in health class, like most of the films shown on the Lifetime network. I thought it was a TV movie, but it turned out to be a theatrical release. I had never heard of it before then, so I just sat back and watched. I hadn't heard of Amanda Peet until "Jack and Jill", so I was surprised that I hadn't recognized her. Fans of the WB network may recognize Leslie Bibb's cameo towards the end. This movie was a decent one, it just didn't seem like one to be released theatrically.

Young actress learns she's HIV-positive, thanks to old dalliance with former boyfriend. Picture doesn't really cover any new ground but is decently acted, especially by the charming Amanda Peet, and not nearly as depressing as it might be. WB fans will find an extra treat in the cameo appearance by Leslie Bibb, from POPULAR.

I've just watched this movie on YouTube in April, 2025. As a male, I can't resist that face of a young Amanda Peet.

But more seriously, it is now about 25+ years since HIV Positive (and even AIDS) stopped being a death sentence. This movie was made right about the time the ART drug cocktail started effectively turning the corner. So, it served as a poignant reminder to me there was a time it was almost always debilitating and frequently fatal. That alone makes it worth watching to be solemnly reminded of that.

The romance is not Hallmark, but rather a trial and tribulation version. Amanda Peet and Michael Vartan deliver well on both the chemistry and simultaneous angst of romance under the scripted circumstance. I would have liked more time scripted for their interaction as a couple, especially at the end. But, overall, a poignant story, and a chemistry-correct romance under a trying circumstance.

I had no idea what this movie was about before I watched it and I have to say that I really liked it. I thought that the story was told in a very interesting way. The AIDS storyline is rarely told from an heterosexual perspective (philadelphia, etc...) I liked the fact that it wasn't just a dramatic movie but that there was also romance in it.

I thought that the cast was incredible and the chemistry between Amanda Peet and Michael Vartan was great. I didn't know any of the actors before but I have definitely seen talent in this movie. Although the story is a bit slow at times and some might say contains some clichés, in general this movie is very good. Who said clichés have to be a bad thing? In this case I think that what one might say is superficial, was actually done intentionally. I recommand this movie to everyone. Amanda Peet is amazing in it!