Sex, Politics & Cocktails

This flick made me laugh so hard! The cast is solid. The director/actor Julien Hernandez has a contagious smile and effortless charm. It's hard to believe that this is the Directors' first film. I read an article that the Director would squat at bookstores and read endlessly about film-making. There was an article that said; that in exchange for food, the director hired homeless people as extras. To me, someone like Julien, is what independent filmmakers are made of. SEX, POLITICS & COCKTAILS is a heartfelt, off beat comedy that inspires one to keep looking for that "SOMEONE" to permanently spoon with. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO THE INDIE CROWD.

Julien Hernandez is a young writer/editor/actor/director to watch. Talented and bright, cute, sexy, and just plain funny, he has concocted a rather stylish coming-of-age film about 30-ish (he's a late-bloomer), straight-ish Sebastian, an aspiring LA film-maker. He has never had a serious relationship but longs to wake up with someone special and hear an affectionate sweet nothing whispered over breakfast.

When he gets a job making a documentary on gay relationships, Sebastian asks his soap-star friend Daria (beautiful Marisa Petroro) to introduce him to 'the boys'. It seems he doesn't know any gay men which, as he lives in Silver Lake, qualifies as a bona fide miracle. In any case, Sebastian becomes friends with a veritable pot-pourri of gay types, all well-played, quirky, and familiar. Devon Michael Jones is hilarious as bitchy therapist Blaire Edgewood (or Blaire St. John, depending on what part of the film you're watching), seriously in need of help himself. Gingerly welcoming his new experiences, which come fast and furious, Sebastian reacts by mugging adorably throughout his journey.

At his first 'swanky' Hollywood film party, where he hopes to meet and impress influential people in his best thrift-store duds, a self-conscious (and drunk) Sebastian becomes ornery, perverse, and ever more comical. His encounter with Billy is pure gold: their alchemy is both genuinely sexy and profoundly funny. These last 20 minutes of the film reveal Mr. Hernandez' deft -- even inspired -- touch in all his capacities.

There are questions of continuity, semantics, and production choices, to be sure. But chalk them up to guerilla film-making where virtually all expense, of necessity, has been spared. Mr. Hernandez' story and purpose over-ride any such quibbles. The message -- free yourself from preconceived expectations and notions of love and where to find it -- earns his ever-surprising, multi-faceted little gem a well-deserved eight stars.

I really wanted to like this film but it barely eked out a 3. It's surprising that equal amounts of the votes were 10, the other half 1. All the characters were entertaining and even talented but as a whole the film didn't pay off. Sebastian Hernandez is appealing; charismatic and likable (he even physically resembles Marc Anthony in a more approachable yet ultimately conscious sort of way...) but even he couldn't save this mess of a movie. Scenes dragged on far too long and points were ultimately beaten to death. The banana scene fringed on self-absorption, seemingly showing how much movement was in his boxers. But in his defense it was his first movie as director (that I'm aware of) and I appreciate his labor of love. It just left me empty despite what was trying to be said. Ultimately I think the story would have been better handled by a more experienced director. From what I've seen of the 'extras', there is a real story behind this and, perhaps when I finish watching them, I'll appreciate this attempt more.

Incredible! As I browsed my local video store, planning on a movie night with my self, the title caught my eye...better yet the tag line was perfect for me; 30, single and looking for love or at lease that great orgasm.

The characters were great. Real! The actors were well committed to their choices. Great editing & cinematography. The style of the film was, sorry to pull this, Young and Fresh. Some of the jokes dragged, but I was so already in love with Sebastian that I was in it till the end, esp when he got his breakfast ;) Great job Julian!! I look forward to seeing more of your work!

Please Julien make more movies like this. It appears this was Julien Hernandez's first film - he got it right! A perfect ensemble of characters that feed off each other with lots of pizazz - it reminded me of Mambo Italiano. Marisa Petroro is present and in character in every scene from the bossy bottom to the penis saleswoman. She is priceless. Julien, unsure of his sexuality, builds his character throughout the movie from a job interview for a gay documentary and telling how many gay people he knows to the end of the movie where we see he begins a "breakfast" relationship with a man. Gay or Straight - don't miss this.