Tuo, Simon

Helmed to be one of this generation's homage to John Hughes (well-curated soundtrack, romantic comedy in a high school setting), we're not exaggerating when we say this is the movie we needed when my generation was growing up.

Back in the day, I remember there was only one gay character on mainstream media: Jack McPhee from Dawson's Creek, a football player originally brought in to play a love triangle with Dawson and Joey. Eventually he broke TV grounds when he came out as gay and was the first featured ever male gay kiss on primetime television. This was back in the year 2000.

Going further back, the other gay character I had access to was Matt Fielding from Melrose Place in the early 90s. For a show that was all about gossip and scandals, surprisingly enough it relegated Matt in the background as the token gay character, way before the term was even conceived.

Fast forward to today and we have Love, Simon, a coming-of-age movie about Simon Spier, who is gay but is unable to come out for fear of being bullied and ridiculed and ends up exchanging anonymous messages with the other gay person in his school hiding under the name Blue. When a fellow student comes across their exchanges, Simon is forced further to remain in the closet when he is blackmailed to score the guy a date with one his girl friends (ah, don't you just miss high school life?)

Whether it was intentional that aside from the lead every one else (i.e. straight) was relegated to the background as supporting characters mostly because they didn't prolong some of the conflicts enough, making it seem like coming out is that easy. Sometimes it is, sometimes it can be messy. But the point is you'll never know until you try. And even if the movie didn't get it all right, it echoes what the lead Nick Robinson said in one his interviews, it's at least a conversation starter.

Here are my thoughts about Love, Simon:

First, it was definitely the best movie adaptation of a book I've ever seen. Hands down. It was also an extremely authentic story to begin with, and it translated so well as a movie.

Second, I wish this movie had been around when I was younger. The message of love and acceptance was so powerful, and the way Simon and his friends were portrayed was amazing. Kudos to the actors. The whole theater was cheering, laughing, and crying with them.

Representation matters. Our kids need to see themselves on screen in movies like this.

This is going to drive the fundamentalists crazy. Imagine a film where the central character is a gay teen coming to grips with his sexuality and his parents don't immediately rush him into conversion therapy. Nevertheless a kid like Nick Robinson still has a lot to deal with, who doesn't at that age. Fortunately he's got good friends and resources.

While debating when and how to come out, Robinson who probably set this person's gaydar on fire gets an e-mail from someone who says he's crushing out on him. Something way back when I was a latently gay teen myself I would never have dreamed of doing. Times have changed in over 50 years.

Anyway Robinson has a dual problem of finding out his secret admirer and just how and when to come out. From my decades of observing each coming out story is unique, each family dynamic is unique. No one can advise anyone on when and where to make the decision, they have to decide for themselves.

Anyway Robinson is a really likeable young actor and if you're going to have a first same sex love you could do far far worse.

I recommend this film highly, it should be seen by audiences everywhere.

I had to see this movie. It reminded me of...me. I had a lot of great friends in high school. I had girlfriends. But I had one huge ass secret. I was gay. I didn't have the strength to come out in high school, but God did I want to. I graduated in 93' so things are much different now, but still very scary to come out I'm sure. I am out now and my life has been different ever since. Better ever since. I did not lose a single friend when I came out. I gained a new family of friends. I encourage anyone younger, or older, that is not out to do so. BUT, only when you are ready. You'll know when the time is right.

This might just be one of the most important movies of the year. I believe there needs to be more movies like this. Being gay is HARD enough and kids commit suicide far too often dealing with it and other issues. Everyone deserves to love. Everyone deserves to be happy. Please go see this movie! Peace!

I didn't think I would, but - I loved it.

The first 15 minutes or so, I cringed a few times, thinking it was going to be too clever, too cute, and too precious for its own good.

But even my cynical, hard-hearted self soon melted with the realization that the intelligence, depth, and charm were all legitimate and sincere.

I left the theater with a full heart and am confident "Love, Simon" will remain with me as one of my favorites of this new film year.