Alaska Is a Drag

When I watched this understated film I was pleasantly surprised. I've had the hots for Matt Dallas since the Kyle XY days. It was oddly funny to hear them mention "Kyle" in the dialogue at a few spots - the hapless "villain" in this piece was named Kyle.

I never see myself in drag, but I have the utmost respect for those who enjoy it and are brave enough to be themselves; both those who go for the glamour and those who enjoy doing the comedic schtick.

This piece is simultaneously sweet and fierce. The rustic background just seems to accentuate the feelings between the main characters. The imagery with the locals and the dead fish is a continual reminder that it's not always as safe to be yourself in rural areas (like where I grew up) as it is in the urban areas (where I've generally lived lately).

The unrequited love here is palpable. The ambiguity about both Declan's and Chris's feelings is strangely riveting. This piece is (at best) bittersweet, but there is a hopeful, irrepressible air about it as well. I especially liked the scene in which Declan and Leo find some unexpected allies.

In some ways this film reminded me a bit of Beautiful Boxer (2003) what with the pretty boys throwing punches. There are parallels but for me at least, this one felt "closer to home" and in some ways a bit "truer."

Before watching I knew of Matt's 2 year marriage to another guy. Having seen a few of the couple's you-tube videos I'm convinced that Matt should try to stay in front of the camera. As beautiful as he is, he's got a compelling, goofy quality that I find fascinating. On a sad note: Whilst googling for some images for a social media post about the film , I learned that the couple split and wondered how the kid they adopted together was doing.

I discovered this film randomly from another website about female directors and decided to give it a try. I'm sure glad I did as this film was a gem. First off, the fact that you get to see the aurora lights in the background of many scenes is in itself a reason to watch the film. I went to Alaska years ago and fell in love with this state, but I can see how it can be dreary at times for those living there despite the natural beauty and wilderness and this film does a great job in capturing that too as the backstory of this kid that aims to be a superstar drag queen. Also, very great and impressive cast, highly recommend this film.

Wow! How ringing true of a story! Heart melting,down to earth with awesome actors...but leaves me inspired, intreaged and In love with the harshness of Alaska! Was all-round awesome! Thanks Shaz + actors, power too you beautiful people forever xo

This had a genuine possibility of being good or even interesting, but it failed. The acting was decent, the writing was okay, there was some visual flair to a few scenes, but it really was a boring overall movie. There was no proper build up to anything. It was a flatline. They go to work, get in a fight, drink. Got to work, get in a fight, and then drink; sharing shallow and very little character background in boring quick conversation. One or two boxing sessions thrown in that don't build up properly. A drag transformation that gets little attention. It's all repetitive and bland. There is a good idea to be explored here, but they do nothing with it and nothing happens. Which makes the payoff feel underwhelming and pointless. It's disjointed, inconsistent and just kind of a bore. The characters are shallow and under written. It's just not that good, sadly. I would not recommend this movie.

Going through Netflix looking for something different I came across Alaska... I was surprised to see it had a thumbs up. Don't remember it. However I let it run. It didn't take long to realize I have never watched this. It was/is too remarkable not to remember. Low key and lay back kind of film with the usual homophobic gay basher who is secretly in love with the out and proud young man. I found noting outstanding in and with the movie; just an easy to watch enjoyable story. It's simplicity, if anything makes it a good movie. I always enjoy watching Matt Dallas and he was typically lay-back in this role.