Nunzio's Second Cousin

Maybe, it must be a lesson about tolerance. A cop, few young homophobic young men, an evening, invitation to dinner to one of them and a new , too brutal, lesson. But all seems fake and the film is saved by the performance of Eileen Brennan. Sure, the purpose is noble, the effort of Vincent d'Onofrio is admirable but the film does not...work. It is far to be convincing proposing violence and intimidation as tools for a sort of open mind about a community. The result is poor and the formula from the title does it bizarre.

Other than D'Onofrio's character looking really out of place with his date, I thought the film was very funny. Eileen Brennan is a riot as D'Onofrio's mother who utters the phrase that titles the film. D'Onofrio, one of today's best actors, is very intense in his role as an angry gay cop who just might consider himself outside the law. The teenager brought to dinner keeps the "deer in headlights" look throughout the film. Funnier might have been putting Seth Green into that role and letting him have some input into the character. However, I believe this short was filmed well prior to its release date of 1997, and Mr. Green's comedic talent was not as well known during filming as it is now. Thusly, his role is extremely brief.

This film is likely a shock for all the straight people who are used to seeing us gay people in "Will and Grace" type roles, and don't expect us to show up in more macho professions or looking like Vincent D'Onofrio. It's also probably too close to the bone for some "straight" men who lash out at gays, but take as many legitimate opportunities to get physical and "bond" with other men as possible. Great work.

I continually watch this comedic little gem of a movie because it acts out what every gay-bashed man would want to do under the same circumstances and in the same manner that Carrie handled her tormentors. After watching D'Onofrio's insanely funny lecture to his bashers, we are treated to Eileen Brenan's over-the-top portrayal of his wacky Italian mom who serves up as much fun as pasta. The final scene with a handsome young wrestler brings home the message and sends me back for another delicious serving of this well scripted, well acted movie, however disturbing the topic may be to both straight and gay audiences.