The 24th Day

First off I have to say that the performances by Scott Speedman and James Marsden's are well done. The movie was the best movie I've seen in a long time. It is intense it's a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat. And the movie is also impossible to predict what will happen. I not giving out the storyline because this is a movie that everyone needs to see. I give this movie 5 Stars ***** bravo well done. And another thing is when you leave the movie theater you will have 1 question on your mind. (The question will be) What would you due if one day your entire life as you knew it comes to a crashing end? Thats all I'm giving out.

The movie will be out on video and DVD on August 31, 2004.

This is another film I purchased without knowing a thing about it, and wound up being quite glad I did. The premise of this film had me on the edge of my seat from the very first gut-wrenching conflict, in a film that was filled to the brim with gut-wrenching conflicts. The acting of both principals in this essentially two-character piece was first rate, and helped to elevate it high above most standard gay-themed fare. But what really made this picture superior to 90% of the gay titles I've purchased in the past year was the confrontation of real issues that gay men should be discussing, but frequently shy away from. Without giving away the plot, let me say that almost every minute of the taught, carefully crafted script is imbued with thoughtful discussion on issues that are all to frequently ignored by sexually active gay men. I didn't see the ending coming at all, and the ultimate, positive and healthy message – that everyone is responsible for their own conduct, and the consequences thereof – is one that too many people don't seem to get, in my observation. In a world where the madness of barebacking and substance abuse is decimating the gay urban male population, the lesson of this film is one that every gay man needs to consider, if not embrace wholeheartedly. Good god! A gay drama that dares to address and discuss sexual responsibility in an adult manner! What will they think of next?

Don't be fooled by those who say this movie was weak. True, it was a low-budget film that never got into theaters. At the same time, it was suspenseful. The best part is that it is not predictable. You know of course that there will be a twist at the end, and it's exciting to find out what it'll be. Marsden did an excellent job at captivating the audience and making them feel sorry for him, even though we know he lies so much. Both Marsden and Speedman are the bad guys in the movie. Two antagonists and no real protagonist. Those who say it's homophobic are full of crap. I'm a gay man, and I like to have sex (in fact, I kept wanting the two to do it while Marsden was tied up), just as Marsden wants sex, knows he can get it, and does whatever he can to have it. If the movie were untrue to life about how gay men go out and have sex frequently, then the rates of new HIV infection would be dropping incredibly, since everyone would use protection. People get drunk and people have unprotected sex; it's a terrible reality, and this movie portrays it.

Director, P.J. Castellaneta, did close to this same thing (minus the death threats) 13 years earlier in his 1991 release, "Together Alone." Here's how the two films line up:

--2 hunky guys (one married / one not---in both "24th" and "TA").

--A night of lovemaking (remembered+talked about in "24th" / actually in bed in "TA").

--AIDS as a factor (does he have it / does he not---in both films).

--A night of philosophizing (what if this / what if not this---in both films).

Apparently 1991's "Together Alone" garnered even lesser acclaim than has "24th" (but Castellaneta did go on 7 years later to make a somewhat more successful 'little number' you've probably heard of titled, "Relax......It's Just Sex"). Actually, "TA" has never made it to DVD's ranks from its original VHS video release.

Scott Speedman? While still somewhat newer and 'a-learning' as an actor, it takes only moments to see the shock waves of guilt, sorrow, and anger this man throws off in his role as Tom. Wow!

James Marsden? Dear gods, don't be jealous........for this man is so beautiful. (Just an aside: at times I find it almost difficult to look at him. While everyone's perception of beauty differs, to me this man is just plain arresting---watching him here and in "Heights" is almost too much). Nonetheless, his physical attributes are far surpassed by a freshness and depth of feeling, rare in such a young performer, which he brings to his dramatic roles, that of Dan being no exception.

Since I can add nothing more concerning performances and plot points than is contained in the several 7- to 10-Star reviews already here, I will mention only one character detail: Tom is, at his most basic and essential, a good and honest human being. That is never lost sight of in this film, and, I think, is meant to clue us in on the real way in which the film is intended to end.

****

Low budget drama at its best. Not a huge amount of money was spent in the making of this film, but that just added to the context of this movie. It was nice to see 2 actors, relying on their acting skills alone, making the movie work from all angles.

I liked this film for it's simplicity and storyline. A lot of films these days tends to rely on special effects, confusing plots and endings that are not satisfying. But I am happy to say that all of these things were absent from this film. Was definitely a satisfying way to spend 90 minutes.

Simple,interesting viewing and didn't go to extremes to make it entertaining and enjoyable.

My rating is 7 out of 10 and well worth watching.