G.B.F.

G.B.F. (2013) was directed by Darren Stein. The basic idea of the plot is clever. Three extremely popular high school girls realize that in order to be at the top of their game they need a G.B.F.--a Gay Best Friend.

That concept could have led to a strong, funny film. Unfortunately, this isn't that film. The plot moves forward in a chaotic, almost haphazard way. The acting is weak, and stereotypes abound.

I sat there waiting for the film to fulfill its potential, but that never happened. Great concept, bad movie.

We saw this film at the Dryden Theatre as part of Image Out--the Rochester LGBT Film Festival. It won't get any worse on the small screen. Unfortunately, it won't get any better.

The offensive pandering monstrosity the trailers and promos were making this out to be suddenly turned into a really nice fun(ny) film. Old fashioned fun, maybe, but fun none the less.

The obvious stereotyping and far too overused gags aside, G.B.F. is actually quite an enjoyable film. There are a few cringe-makingly, unnecessary, "seen it all before" moments but I can forgive a few bad scenes. So, you could definitely call it a very extreme film: the good scenes are fantastic and the not so good scenes are like something out of a bad parody.

The movie practically proclaims itself as a "Gay Mean Girls" and it's a well deserved title. It may not be worth falling over yourself to go see it but it's definitely one to keep on the back burner for a casual viewing.

I was really expecting this to be offensive and irritate the gay out of me. But, the film was actually amazing and after two viewings I can honestly say it will go down as one of my favourite films ever!

It's full of laughs, satire, sass, great music, great styling and (most importantly) great acting.

Sasha Pieterse steals the movie though. She's coming for Hollywood sometime soon and will be huge in a few years - I can feel it. Michael J Willett wasn't so bad either, playing the awkward and shy gay guy really well and making me fall for his character very easily!

This film will make you smile and certainly put you in a good mood. And that's all it was designed to be. Sure, it delivers a great message, but don't expect some Oscar winning cinematic masterpiece. Take it for what it is, and you'll love it. A lot. So grab some popcorn, invite your friends around, hit the lights, sit back and enjoy a night in with this hilarious movie :)

Fans of Mean Girls, Easy A, She's The Man, Clueless etc will enjoy.

PS: It's a 9 instead of a 10 simply because I felt Mrs Van Camp was underused. That's all!

A new film for the generation of Mean Girl lovers, Darren Stein's G.B.F. is a hilarious and down right touching motion picture. Starring Michael J. Willet as Tanner, a high school student who's recently outed to his school. When the three main clicks in the school try to use Tanner as an accessory as the "Gay Best Friend" to be crowned Prom Queen, things get very interesting. Because of the unique nature of the film, I had to give it a unique review to go with it.

Things I'm Obsessed With:

Xosha Roquemore: the beautiful and memorable actress that was a breath of fresh air during the powerful film Precious by Lee Daniels, is given a role to stretch her legs. I hope this film mainstreams her into more challenging and accessible roles in the future à la Taraji P. Henson. "Mean Girls – The Musical": The film from moment one will have you thinking of the Tina Fey scribed film from 2004 that made Lindsay Lohan a bonafide star. The film doesn't shy from that at all. Writer George Northy embraces the high school dilemma and fuses it with a touch of drama that gives the film massive heart. He even creates a school production of Mean Girls – The Musical. How can you not love that?

Paul Iacono: Much like our Lacey Chabert character, the talented actor plays the flamboyant and hilarious Brent Van Camp in the same manner of brilliance that Sean Hayes portrayed his role of "Jack" on NBC's hit- show "Will & Grace." Taking the opportunities to engage his character with his impressive zeal and candor, Iacono shows promise to lend himself to more dynamic roles if he chooses. Speaking of "Will & Grace," Megan Mullaly is terrific as Ms. Van Camp, a brief but tender-hearted performance.

Gay Mormons and Presumed Homosexuality: Director Darren Stein and George Northy ride the line of stereotypes and presumed character behavior but there's respect and a sense of urgency to entertain the audience and create an experience that still feels unique. They take jabs and poke fun at religion, high school stereotypes, and overindulged parenting but it works. Sasha Pieterse is a second away from becoming the biggest thing that Hollywood has to offer. She's the standout on ABC Family's "Pretty Little Liars" and as the bitchy yet lovable Fawcett, she stands out once again. Our lead Michael J. Willet carries the film quite well but the viewer gets the most connections to what is happening around him rather than with him. No fault of his own, just a simple case of, everyone around me is awesome.

The film does lose steam in the middle but still holds its own quite well. It's a must-see for all movie lovers.

This movie has a few isolated good moments, but it's mostly an unfunny and painfully predictable comedy about gay teen angst.

It will appeal mainly to very young people who are very much like the characters in it - silly, bitchy, superficial and not overburdened with intelligence - or to older people and others who wish they WERE like those characters (I assume its writer and director are in that group).

It does NOT have the more universal appeal of a genuinely great movie like Clueless, to which some reviewers have compared it. And it definitely is NOT one of the best gay movies ever made.

So if you're an insecure gay teen and wish more than anything that you were popular, or if you find such characters appealing, you may love this movie; but if you're older and have wider interests you'll probably be as bored by it as I was. Watch Clueless instead.