The Perfect Wedding

"The Perfect Wedding" presents a simple, straight-forward romance that doesn't try to be anything it isn't. The entire cast is wonderful, the production values are high, and the film combines the straight story line and the gay story line perfectly. The impending wedding of the straight sister perfectly balances the blossoming romance and drama of the gay brother. I've been craving a gay romance without all the tortured souls, internalized homophobia, and convoluted drama. This fit the bill perfectly. I hope you enjoy it as well.

Also be sure to watch "Plan B" (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1408972/), a great romantic comedy that will really move you.

What a totally charming and fun movie. Every character was someone I liked and was interested in and the story was both lovely and loving. It was perfect for a day when I wanted something completely feel-good. I would find it impossible to be in a bad mood after watching this.

Some of had issues with the casting. I disagree with them all. First off I'm in an inter-racial marriage and can attest it's possible to be a person of color without a best friend of the same race. I can also attest it's possible for a "hunk" to fall for someone who is sweet, funny, smart, and attractive but not of equal "hunk" status.

I loved the casting and found the chemistry between the adorable Gavin (a charming Jason T. Gaffney) and nicely-flawed Paul (Eric Aragon, showing a lovely, subtle touch) to be both sweet and sexy. (By the way, I also think Jason Gaffney is pretty damned attractive.)

This film could have been make for Hallmark. While it's predictable, one dimensional, and not overly engaging, there are some nice elements, especially since it was made in 2012. The same-sex romance was completely normalized and had nothing to do with the conflict. This was before same-sex marriage was legal in the US. Not all of the actors are perfect models types. There are also some unanswered questions. I'm not even sure why some are in the storyline. If you want something light in the background where everyone's happy in the end, go for it!

This understated indie film features an ensemble of unknown actors in a slow-building family drama with lighter moments.

While the focus is on the blossoming gay love triangle, there are hints of trouble in the others' lives too. Emotional subtleties are allowed to develop at a pace that respects the very real truths unfolding and the almost European level of vulnerability between characters.

The palette is muted throughout, likely from budgetary constraints, but it works to keep the focus on the actors. The Florida setting allows for casual outdoor scenes and a few shots of great natural beauty.

This film will never set the world on fire but it has a lot of heart. It knows what's really important, in family, in weddings, and at Christmas

"The Perfect Wedding" is a film for select viewers, as the main characters in the film are gay and it's clearly a gay romantic film. However, if you are open-minded you're sure to have a terrific time watching this very sweet film. The movie is not a big-budget Hollywood release though despite its humble origins and relatively cost, it does deliver because of the writing as well as some of the acting--particularly by James Rebhorn (in one of his last films) and the very handsome Eric Aragon.

Eric (Aragon) is coming home for Christmas...not just because of the holiday but so that the family can plan the wedding for his sister, Alana. However, one of the guests coming as well is a very uncomfortable one for Eric...his former lover...a man he clearly wronged due to his infidelity and alcoholism. Eric has been clean and sober but this is still going to be a difficult situation. It's also difficult for his -ex...so difficult he recruits a friend to come along and pretend to be his steady boyfriend. However, soon friend finds himself falling for Eric and vice-versa...a very, very difficult and messy situation! Eric clearly does NOT want to continue hurting people and works to avoid this...but there are definite sparks. How does this as well as the wedding work out in this romantic film?

The film is well worth seeing...and I recommend you check Netflix to see if it's still streaming. My only reservations are that the film is not perfectly polished and 'big'...but who really needs that if the romance works so well like it does in this one?!

By the way, if you are wondering, when the film was made in 2012, gay marriage was not legally recognized in Florida. And, if you are wondering, yes, Sarasota, Florida (the location where the film was shot) IS paradise...and I enjoyed seeing that a nice film was made only a few minutes from my house.