Say Uncle

Some funny lines and smart commentary in this low-budget comedy about a young gay man--an overgrown kid in an adult's body--who is left rudderless after his best friends move to Japan with his beloved godson; totally enamored of and devoted to children in general, our hero starts hanging around the playground, where a single man with no kids causes red flags to wave in front of the resident moms. Writer-director-co-producer-star Peter Paige has some interesting things to say about unmarried men in our society who adore--and can relate to--the innocence of childhood yet no have little ones of their own. Unfortunately, the film's second-half is pretty much consumed by the rampant paranoia of the playground flock; this material is all too real for a little comedy to handle, and one tends to recoil from it even though the satiric points Paige makes are thorough and justified. ** from ****

First off, I have to say I adore Peter Paige. I loved him as Emmett in QAF. If I lived in Portland, I'd be trying to date him. That is, if he were single. I saw this film out of curiosity. I was wanting to see him stretch. Even cast off the QAF persona. And that was done. I did not see him as Emmett here. But the film was hard to sit through. I knew the content was going to be difficult, and that is not what I mean. Throughout the film, I kept thinking "No one is that naive! Not in this day and age." Nor can anyone afford to be, no matter how idealistic you are. So, ultimately, FOR ME, the film was a far-fetched unfolding about a dead-serious and scary issue. Worthy of exploration, undoubtedly, but this film missed the mark. Please please keep working, Peter! You are a man of much talent.

Technically, this film is well done, avoiding the usual genre clichés of most first-time gay directors. However, overall it is an uncomfortable mess. What is it trying to say? We are supposed to feel sympathy for a lead character who performs one act of stupidity after another? Anger for a mother who has every right to assume this borderline-mentally-ill man could harm her child?

What grown man in his right mind would hang out in playgrounds with children, and not expect the inevitable results? The lead is just plain creepy.

Supporting roles are uneven. The co-worker/admirer goes from bitchy to "honey" in ONE week? Najimy portrays a concerned mother as a stereotypical gay-hating shrew. The "boss" is a cartoon character. Then we have the very grounded best female friend. (Well, not so grounded...she gives this borderline retarded man a NUDE picture of her own toddler - dressed up in cowboy gear??!!)

Paige is a talented actor, but I question his writing skills, and the actual intention of this film.

I just saw the the world premiere of "Say Uncle" last night at LA's Outfest. Peter Paige, Kathy Najimy, and other cast members were there. A couple of QAF cast were also present to support Peter, including Scott Lowell and Robert Gant.

The response by the audience seemed very positive. The movie was well done. Paige demonstrates his chops not only as an actor, but as a writer/director. "Say Uncle" is a smart movie that explores the idea of alienation on a number of levels in our society. Paige effectively blends humor with the contemplation of serious issues (as exhibited by both laughter and tears of the audience).

Paige's character (Paul) functions with the naive perceptions of a child among adults. Najimy's character shows her own naivity when she forms different assumptions about Paul during the course of the movie and subsequently targets him. Najimy portrays an sympathetic antagonist. It was easy to laugh at her character, become disgusted, and yet feel sorry for her, because she embodied what we often see in society.

This is one of those movies that had me thinking about it long after I left the theater. I found myself contemplating my own thoughts and feelings regarding the issues presented and societal expectations. I do hope that Paige is able to find a distributor for this film so that it may be seen and recognized by a larger audience.

Re: Peter's movie debut This is a wonderful film about a horrific subject , ( eerily topical at the time of screening at the Los Angeles Outfest film festival. ) and one that very few would dare to tackle.. Peter Paige takes on that challenge and in doing so creates a moving and stunning film.

In his first feature, Peter as the writer, director and lead actor, takes us on a kaleidoscopic ride with a young gay man who by attempting to process grief crawls into denial and reverts to the safety and innocence of childhood. And in his naiveté unknowingly generates false accusations of pedophilia.

It would seem impossible to find comedic elements in such a film but Peter manages to do it masterfully and with great finesse while still voicing a profound statement of his own.

Kathy Najimi provides much of the vehicle for that humor in the unlikely role of a homophobic housewife and does it skillfully as if by second nature. The rest of the cast with each of their own unique talents create credibility to a film that beats with wildly with emotion, pathos and ultimate triumph.