Hate Crime

This evening, I had the privilege of viewing Hate Crime at a limited (one night only) engagement in Phoenix, Arizona. It is unfortunate that this outstanding film does not yet have a distributor. I would definitely recommend it to friends and co-workers.

This is an extraordinarily well written and well executed film. Although Hate Crime would obviously attract a gay audience, its appeal is so much broader than that. I've seen too many "gay" themed films which suffer from weak scripts and predictable outcomes. In stark contrast, this film is engaging, intelligent and suspenseful.

Hate Crime side-steps the political hype and focuses on the very real and personal consequences of the subject matter. The characters are people you care about – trying to cope with a terrible tragedy. They are flawed. They are "flesh and blood". They are not stereotypes. The cast – comprised of veteran actors and some newcomers – provides a universally outstanding performance.

The production value is excellent. (This film has been produced in High Definition and the effort is well worth it – even to the untrained eye.) The score is suspenseful and complements the story line.

I cannot recommend this film highly enough. I hope that as it is shown by way of other limited engagements, it will be picked up for distribution so it can be viewed by the much larger audience it well deserves!

This is a solid story from first-time director, Tommy Stovall. I like to be surprised with twists in dramatic films, such as this, and the first half of the film led me to believe that there wouldn't be any. Oh, but there was! I'm not one to spoil a good plot twist so I'll leave you all to see it for yourself, but know that it was a pretty decent twist. There was one point in the film where I actually cheered out loud in the theater because Stovall did such a great job of developing his main character, Robbie, played by Seth Peterson, he made you really love it when good things happened. One scene I particularly enjoyed was the church scene - CREATIVELY executed.

The story is a very serious topic - one that would generally make me uncomfortable watching, but it was put together well and for a small budget project, turned out great.

The only major criticisms I had were 1) the acting of the primary child actor was not fabulous - there's a crying scene that's hard to take serious because you can tell he's "acting" and 2) Robbie's colorful neighbor character didn't seem as developed as you'd have thought she should have been. She was cute and funny, but it seemed like she was missing an endearing scene or two to help build her relationship between her and her neighbors, who she considered family.

Seth Peterson, Farah White, Brandy Little, Cindy Pickett and Bruce Davision were particularly good in this film. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate this film a 7.5 to 8. Go see it, the subject alone and how it's dealt with should be seen by everyone. Hate is not a family value. Thank you Tommy, for making this film.

The movie has a very simple and predictable script. However, it's very emotional and ends up being not a bad movie to watch. Does show the power of love.....and hate!

I saw this film as part of a niche festival in Scottsdale, AZ. And I am very grateful. Because had I not been notified by a friend, through word-of-mouth, I would not have known. That is my biggest concern. This film should be 'Out There' for all to see.

The production value is top-notch - as good as you would see in any Hollywood movie - and better than most that you would see on t.v.

The casting choices, and the acting, were perfect for the portrayal of the characters.

The story was well crafted.

And, most importantly, the messages were universal.

I personally believe that all would benefit from this film inasmuch as I believe that all would benefit from watching 'Angels in America'. Yes, the premise is based on intolerance directed against a very likable, same-sex couple, and the subsequent effects that reverberate through the lives of their respective families and friends as a result. But I did not see this as a gay film. The messages are cross-applicable and universal. I would hate to see this film pigeon-holed. Its messages are not delivered as ham-handedly as 'Angels in America'. It is easy to watch, enjoyable and thought-provoking.

I laughed, I cried, and I cheered out loud.

It is a situational drama. And hopefully in the end the audience will ask not only 'was this right' but: 'If placed in such a situation, for whatever reason, what would I do?'

I just returned from a screening of Hate Crime.

Badger pester and cajole your local art house, film series or festival to book this film. I went in expecting sort of the same tired, cliché driven gay theme film we are so used to seeing, especially from first time writer directors. But not only is it very accomplished as a film, the script is excellent, and ultimately not predictable, though several times during, you will be certain you will know what will happen next--and proved wrong. Most of the actors are new faces, at least for me, and all are good to excellent, primarily the leads.

Not only is the dialog impressive, I enjoyed how this director wasn't afraid of unspoken silences, and holding a moment or scene, letting it play out.