Triple Crossed

2 hours of my life wasted. Was this a college film project or something?

For a movie filmed with a relatively small purse, Mr. Lockhart's "Triple Crossed" was surprisingly good. These were the nice surprises, to my reckoning: First, unlike too many low-cost films I've seen before, the settings here were brightly lit. The scenes were not dull and fuzzy, but sharp and clear, even during night scenes with long shadows. Second, no mike boom slid into the picture frame, or any such A/V or technical blunders. So after a few minutes, I relaxed to enjoy the picture for what it was worth. If you are wanting "Oscar" material, then stay away. However, if you are looking for a suspense drama once in a while, to be amused and entertained, as I do, then you already know pretty much what to look for, and you may find this one is just as good as any other of that type--and better than many of them.

Third, the plot was realistic; intrigues such as those dealt with here have been used in film before, and things like that do happen even in real life. Yet there are enough twists to keep one guessing about the outcome. Who will be "triple-crossed"?

Fourth, the blocking was technically flawless, frankly. The camera seemed to catch the action meant to be caught, and the characters' positions did not clash with that. There were few, if any, fancy angles or such, nor were any needed for this film. Quite enough was going on in the story that such devices would have been lost here. Too bad though that the view of the valley had not been more panoramic. During the hiking scene, on the ridge, I wanted the camera to swing 180 degrees around to take in that gorgeous landscape of the valley!

Fifth, the script was standard for this genre: no words of wisdom or memorable phrases. But therefore it also wasn't overwrought, too expository, or "preachy" (thank God!). Overall, I was entertained, and that was the whole point of watching it.

Quite frankly, I enjoyed this film. I've seen lots of gay oriented films, and most were a terminal bore.....written, directed and acted so poorly that I could barely get through them. Some viewers have had trouble with this one, but I think it has more to do with expectations than anything else. I went into it with low expectations, as a result, I was somewhat riveted at times. For a cheap film, it's well put together.....good story, some fine acting and directing.....kept me interested all the way through. In short, I liked it a lot. The two male leads are terrific, especially Jack Brockett, who plays Chris. He was always very believable, as the Gulf War vet. At times, early in the film, I said to myself, no he wouldn't do that, but by the end, the screenplay wrapped it all up nicely. I sure didn't see the ending coming, and that's saying a lot for a "B" movie. If all that weren't enough, the two leads certainly give us some fine eye candy along the way. I recommend the film, personally. ....and don't expect too much, people. It's really not bad at all.

Seems to me that Brent, oops Sean Paul Lockhart still trying his best way to go mainstream cinema beside porn industry. I've seen some of his film, like Judas Kiss, small part in The Big Gay Musical (2009) and Oscar Winning movie Milk (2008). I have to say this, with honest and respect, still and yet, he found his best acting and fair debut as his first directing.

But, with another honest and respect, this film just far from good. The worst part is terrible story. It's more likely some kind of gay fantasy story, that someone (assassin with military background) would kill you for money and God knows that you would falling in love with someone should be your victim.

Another worst part is the acting. Well, we shouldn't expect mush from mostly "amateur" actors. I'm lost count how many "oh God..." I said during the movie.

Overall, if you enjoy film with skins (sure, there are some explicit full frontal nudity here), beautiful male actor with great body shape, then, this film would be perfect.

I didn't think it was all that bad. It was a triple cross for sure but who was crossing who? It was a light-hearted movie, despite it being about assassination and greed, there was some fun to it. As long as you know it's not meant to be overly serious it should help you to see it in a different light.