Another Gay Movie

Nor is it just "another one." It's an unabashed, silly comedy where being gay is strictly a non-issue.

It's also a non-stop string of sex jokes from beginning to end, rather like a queer "American Pie" or "Porky's." In the showing I attended, it looked like a 100% gay audience, so it was interesting to take a laugh-meter reading of their response. I'd say about a third belly-laughter, another third moderate chuckles, and the rest sort of just sat there.

Director-screenplay writer Todd Stephens attempts spoof every sex situation imaginable, with varying degrees of success. There's a dramatic scene from his own "Edge of Seventeen," along with other pop film and TV sitcom episodes. All become grist for Stephens' raunchy, horny mill.

It's a loud, insane, in-your-face frolic that at times assaults the senses. The result: a new low--or high--in bad taste, depending upon your point of view.

For sure, it's not just another gay movie; rather, a compendium of how far we've come and where we now are in colloquial film comedy.

Makes one wonder, what's next?

I was leery of the gay 'American Pie' references. I just didn't think it would make the cut. Man, was I wrong! I attended with two straight friends who are very open-minded. We laughed non-stop throughout the film. And we were not alone. The consistently tough-to-entertain West Hollywood crowd was guffawing along with us. Sure, much can be said about the raunchiness and some of the more contrived humor, but hey, it was funny. This is the kind of film that entertains. If one is mainly concerned with social relevance in a film, skip this. It's likely not for you. But if you are looking to laugh and just be entertained for the evening and a few days later, you gotta see this one!!! I am usually a pretty generous voter, tougher on comedies. And I swear I could not give this less than an 8.

Todd Stephens offers his second fine film about gay life (Edge of Seventeen was his first) and aptly titles it ANOTHER GAY MOVIE. It is a colorful, fast-paced, wonderfully silly, knock 'em dead parody of gay stereotypes boasting a fine cast of actors who know how to pull this caper off and seem to have a terrific time doing it! Four gay high school friends make a pact at graduation that they will loose their virginity before Labor Day. Egged on by the gross lesbian Muffler (Ashlie Atkinson) the four plan their ploys in a funny session and the fun begins. Andy (Michael Carbonaro), in constant fantasy about his teacher Mr. Puckov (Graham Norton) 'prepares' himself with various instruments only to be discovered in embarrassing situations by his wild mother (John Epperson aka Lypsinka) and his bisexual father (Scott Thompson). Nico (Jonah Blechman) is so over-the-top outrageous that he believes no one knows he is gay - not his warmly wise mother (Stephanie McVay) or his hilarious blind 'girlfriend' Daisy (Joanna Leeds). Star-struck he goes after celebrities such as Richard Hatch (playing himself) to little avail. Jarod (Jonathan Chase) seems to have little trouble attracting studs like Beau (studly James Getzlaff) and Griff (Mitch Morris) is stricken with the hunky stripper Angel (the ever so buff Darryl Stephens). Each young man finds the trail to loss of virginity a trial but it all comes together 'in the end'.

Films like this are tough to pull off: audiences think they will be offended by the fairly frank and inside jokes. And perhaps with a less talented cast the movie could be off-putting. But this ensemble cast knows just how far to push the button and the result is a hilarious romp that has a lot of very worthwhile undertones. Grady Harp

Now I'm no PC Nazi but I think it's time that gay theme movies elevate themselves to aspire to at the least sub intelligent. This is basically the gay version of American Pie...without the laughs.There are a few but not enough to justify the plethora of negative stereotypes.I understand thats it's nice to see familiar characters when your watching a movies but the character in this film are completely stripped down to the basest level.The main Lesbian thespian is the worst and most annoying.this is also a world where everyone is gay or bi and everyone gets along have you been in a gay bar lately.Unlike Queer as folk the one good thing about this film is that straight people wont see it and get the impression that all gays are like this or are as shallow as these people.....

AGM could easily have been a flop, as many movies in its genre have been. But plenty of comic ideas, a refreshing sense of fun, hilarious sets, good acting and direction, and less attitude kept this film from the midpoint decay and low sustain that can hurt such films.

The director went for some hot action scenes which can be hard to pull off in a comedy. But the director made them work enjoyably without losing the comic energy. Eat your heart out, QAF!

I saw AGM as a part of Seattle's International Film Festival. The big audience very thoroughly enjoyed it. It's not Rocky Horror, but it might be a sleeper classic of a whole new thang.