El cuarto de Leo

I ran into this movie waiting for something from normal to good, but it turned out to be much more than that. In a nutshell, I would describe it as very sweet, simple and true. It is sweet because the ties (loving or friendship)are formed in a calm pace, slowly enough to be enjoyed. The central problem - the self-discovering process, is presented in a very simple way, which make the story seem natural and almost true, that's hard to find in the most part of gay-themed movies. If those are not convincing reasons to watch "El Cuarto de Leo" than don't forget how cute is Martín Rodríguez (Leo)and the Argentines' (and Uruguayans') charm; the soundtrack is awesome as well.

That's all. Enjoy it!

This movie quickly drew me in. Leo's a lovable character. Not only is he hot as portrayed by Martín Rodríguez, but he's a lot like the puppy that his ex-girlfriend gifts him. A bit clueless, and liable to ruin your rugs, if not your heart. He seems a sweet gentle caring guy but he's not yet clued-in to his homosexuality.

I think it's great that he finally starts to open up to his shrink but the ending left me wanting more. The road-trip seemed to come outta left field and it really doesn't bode well for his actually facing who and what he is. I think that the director realized that he had a lovable character but that the story hadn't progressed to the point where we could have a happy ending and that's what this movie really called for.

I felt that Caro's story could have been better interwoven into the whole if one wanted a more cohesive movie but as a gay man wanting to watch a gay-themed movie I'm just as glad that there wasn't too much screen time spent on those aspects.

I WOULD have liked to see more interaction between Leo and his brother and Leo and his mother. I felt that the stoner guy was really unnecessary except as a plot device to make Leo's take-home dates more awkward.

Definitely not a waste of time but still not quite mainstream quality fare.

The choice that Leo seemed to make at the end made no sense based on the first hour of the movie. I think the writer did not want to offend the movie critics or general public, but as a gay man, this never would have happened. Disappointed in the simplistic ending. So what was the point of the psychiatrist then? The beginning of the film does not match at all with the end. He is right back where he started and in the future will be having the same feelings and behaviors he was hiding from. You just cant turn off your sexuality that simply. It is too bad since the movie held me closely until near the end then seemed corny. I felt like I had wasted my time.

This could have been a fantastic movie if it had been about Leo instead of about Caro, the unbelievably boring, neurotic girl he latches onto so he can fix her instead of living his own life.

As others have said, Martín Rodríguez is absolutely adorable as Leo. A movie about Leo, the equally adorable Seba (Gerardo Begérez), who bends over backwards (metaphorically) to be Leo's boyfriend, Leo's fascinating but barely seen brother, and Leo's wonderful psychotherapist would have been amazing. I even liked Leo's stoner roommate. But the writer-director chose to waste 80% of his film stock by focusing almost entirely on stupid, tiresome Caro instead, which was mind-numbingly dumb.

What a wasted opportunity! Two stars for the 20% of this movie that is NOT about Caro.

Like other reviewers I was really sucked in and thoroughly enjoyed the first 80% or more, but then it seemed to lose itself slightly.

I don't want to spoil it for anyone so I won't go into detail. It is just a shame the director couldn't have continued with the same attention to detail and intrigue that was so evident in the first hour or so of the movie.

I would have to disagree with other reviewers regarding Caro. Some felt she was totally unnecessary, but for me she was essential to the story. At the point she entered the story there was a similarity between Leo and her, i.e. they both had unresolved issues. This for me added an extra dimension to the movie, which meant it transcended the usual coming of age / coming out of the closet flick.

Where I would agree, as far as Caro is concerned, is that this story arc was not resolved in a way that made it as integral to the overall protagonist's journey as it could have been.

To be honest, had I rated it after 85% I would probably have given it a 9, but the last 15% just didn't do it for me. Maybe after a few days reflection I might feel differently.

All of that said, I would still recommend it as there is so much to like about and so many interesting characters.