La tentation d'Aaron

Latter Days touched me unexpectedly in many ways. I knew little about the film before I saw it on DVD, and really had few expectations. I am no movie critic, and probably see fewer flicks than most people. But I know what I like, and I know when something tugs at my soul. Few movies exist that I have wanted to see more than once. This is one, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is soulsearching.

Maybe it is stereotypical, and maybe its not Academy Award material (I like few that are), but it really touched some hot buttons with me, and it moved me to tears in the end. I thought that Cox and company did a great job summing up such deep subject matter in such a short time.

For those who think it's hoaky, I say relax, its just a movie. I lived many parts of the real-life version of this story, and it wasn't always pretty. While never a Mormon, I have "wrestled with the angel" for most of my adult life, still trying to reconcile my gay being with my spiritual being. Long-term denial of my sexual identity at an early age led me into a lengthy struggle with drugs and alcohol and a near-death experience 11 years ago. I even looked into aversion therapy once as a way to "cure" myself from homosexuality. Trust me, its better to see this unfold in a movie than to have lived it.

While it may be steeped in stereotype and clichés, as many critics have suggested, Latter Days manages to expose many shallow traits among the major elements in this story: organized religion, gay culture and even Hollywood itself (I love how Cox portrayed L.A. as an additional "character" in the movie).

I thought that the acting was terrific, especially Sandvoss as Aaron Davis. The music is as touching as the story (I recommend the soundtrack too). I can't speak for most moviegoers, but this one will stick with me for a while, and few ever do.

The comments from anti-gay, Bush styled-judgemental "religiousity" bigots are so annoying. I hope these people never know the sting of prejudice and

descrimination, but will learn some REAL religion which teaches tolerance and love and understanding. C J Cox understands the real meaning of these issues, and shows a firm grasp

of the concept of humanity, and love. This is a finely crafted, humorous, and exciting take on what it means to be gay and to learn the meaning of love; in it's most broadest meaning, is an extremely moving, emotional journey. This film

has lots to say; "and it's beautiful, and it's good."

I am also an X-Mormon who was ex-communicated for being gay. It was a very devastating experience. I thought this movie was true through the depicting of the Elders and Church's hatred of gays/lesbians. I was shocked to see it in the blockbuster and had to see it. Thanks for making this film and i hope it helps other people. I know of two Elders who did succeed in killing themselves over their gay struggle--that is just so unnecessary. This movie was one of the best gay movies i have ever seen. It is a tale of 2 men, it was not about the sex. I laughed and i cried and i related so well to many of the things happening in the movie. You would think that the Church would offer some time of assistance to those of us who have/do stuggle with being gay--but the sad reality is that you are cut off just like the movie depicted and sadly, cut off from your family and shamed within the community. If they were truly a church of Jesus Christ, then you would think there would be love and compassion and forgiveness shown.

"From C. Jay Cox, the writer of the hit comedy 'Sweet Home Alabama', comes a heartwarming and tender gay romantic drama that combines laughs, seduction, tears, and plenty of romance. The handsome Aaron (Steve Sandvoss), a Mormon missionary, travels door-to-door in Los Angeles spreading the word of his religion. Christian (Wes Ramsey), a cute West Hollywood party boy, goes from man-to-man without much commitment. Opposites attract when Aaron and Christian meet, and sparks begin to fly.

"Featuring two star-making performances from Sandvoss and Ramsey, the film also features a terrific supporting cast including Mary Kay Place, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and international screen legend Jacqueline Bisset," according to the DVD sleeve description. Not to mention some sweet vocalizations from Rebekah Jordan (as Julie), the stock sympathetic roommate. Debuting director Cox turns his otherwise ordinary "Latter Days" into a enjoyable and touching drama, due to some story surprises and an engaging team.

******* Latter Days (7/10/03) C. Jay Cox ~ Steve Sandvoss, Wes Ramsey, Jacqueline Bisset, Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Latter Days (2003) is a very sweet, touching and powerful love story. The actors portraying Christian and Aaron are so great and spot on with their performances, they really made me feel like they truly loved one another. This film really had great dialogue and a well written script, it might be a bit cliché at times, but it was still very sweet and heart felt. I love how this movie made me feel, this movie made me feel warm and just happy. There are some sex scenes with male nudity involved, but they aren't trashy or distasteful at all, they are loving and romantic and truly beautiful, and I'm glad they were there, because you could really see the love between the two characters. Lila in this movie was awesome too! I really loved her character, the film wouldn't have been the same without her. Also Joseph Gordon Levitt makes a short appearance in the movie, and I thought he did a good job, even though his character was a homophobe and a true bigot, he did a good job portraying that. This movie had good heated confrontations between the characters, and they were very impactful and powerful. There was so much great chemistry between characters as well, the bonds were very real and believable. I 100% recommend latter days, whether you ate gay or straight, I think you will enjoy it. You can find it on YouTube, and I saw that it's actually coming on LOGO tomorrow morning at 6 AM, I would urge you to tune in.