Punks

Hey folks, I saw the film here in Chicago and was more than pleased. But I went into this wanting to like it...and I did. There was only one problem I had with the film and that was that I didn't really appreciate how the Black guys seemed overly interested in chasing white men. That was my only BIG problem. Other than that I was quite pleased. It was really intriguing to see a movie with all the leads being of color, and they were gay on top of that. I kinda felt like I was a fly on the wall looking at all of this. I'm can't hate on the fact that the direction was off (I wasn't affected by it). I'm sure the script could have been punched up a bit, but you gotta start somewhere. I'm glad this brother got his chance to show his stuff. It was very intertaining to me and seemingly to all the other folk in the auditorium (the film even broke while showing, I still enjoyed it), so that can only be seen as a possible opportunity for some other (or maybe even that tall skinny black boy again) aspiring artist to get a chance. I say go see it and go with a good attitude. Don't worry about whether or not the scene was in total focus or not. Take it as a slice of black gay (even if they spent waaaay to much time chasing white boys) life. GO SEE IT, AND HAVE FUN!!!!

This film taken in its proper context, low budget and Patrik-Ian Polk's first film, is an extremely fun and realistic look at a segment of the population that continually gets neglected by the media (film, television, etc). The humor is specific which might make this movie hard to catch for some. I saw it in Los Angeles and the audience laughed out loud the entire time, a definite crowd pleaser. A classic fairy-tale story with a to-die-for ending, possibility the fantasy for just about anyone breathing. The movie explores complex issues, placed in a comedic context. The costumes for the "Sistas": fabulous. Rockmond Dunbar: flawless. Seth Gilliam: fantastic. Everyone should see the movie for the pure experience. Did I mention, Rockmond Dunbar?

"PUNKS" is a great little flick done on a fairly shoestring budget. It's not perfectly polished; it's not full of visual effects or innovative camera tricks; but what it does have plenty of is Character! Character and Charisma; enough to go around a few times!

These guys may not be to everyone's taste, but if you give them a chance, you'll see yourself at some point in someone in this film, and that's what movies are about, after all, right?! Seeing the truth of your own life...

Being gay in this society is tough; being gay and a person of color just compounds every aspect of living freely and truly. "Punks" has truth from start to finish, truth that affirms all of our lives and revels in our uniqueness amongst one another. Even if you don't find it easy to relate to queer folks (or even L.A. folks; and that can be a challenge in itself!), the time you invest in watching this film won't be spent in vain. You'll come away with a better understanding of a wider circle of your fellow human beings. For that alone, "Punks" is well worth the time!

I liked Punks -- from its edgy, in-your face "realness" to its touching romantic foibles. The acting and situations of the 4 main characters are believable, a modern-day "Cinderfella", in gay Black-face, a story of friendship and love. Excellent performances by the ensemble cast in general, particularly Rockmond Dunbar (Darby) Seth Gilliam (Marcus), and Dwight Ewell (Hil). Plenty of "fresh" and flesh to keep most viewers amused, while love and reconciliation blossom in a community of oft-misunderstood and marginalized gays. An eye-opener... Nice directorial debut by writer/producer Polk.

It's good to see a film depicting non-white gay men in believable situations and of various types from drag queen to masculine, and with them not being objects of derision for the other characters or the audience. Very funny and well-made.