Boy Meets Girl

Someone said this movie is a piece of propaganda, and I'm no film expert, but EVERY movie is some kind of propaganda. This is a low budget indie film, no one makes these movies simply for entertainment, the filmmaker had something to say and they SAID IT!

So A) if you're homophobic or transphobic you WILL NOT like this movie B) if you expect the main characters to be Sandra Bullock and James Franco, you WILL NOT like this movie.

These are young people and for many if not all of them this is their first movie. In the beginning especially the script is rough, the chemistry is questionable, and the plot moves unrealistically fast. BUT about half-way in you can see the characters (and their actors) develop, the chemistry grows between everyone, and the plot is actually very interesting and unexpected.

The academy and people who watch movies for technical things are not going to applaud this film, because to be honest it could have used a lot of work. But the subject is fresh, the content is good, and if you're trying to learn more about the transgender (and LGBQ) community this is a great film that I'm sure you will enjoy!

PS - someone said this movie is trying to suggest everyone is a little gay, it kind of is. We kind of are :)

The real value of this movie demonstrates how important it is to be honest in all of your relationships (family, friends, acquaintances, and committed relationships). The dialog, scripting, and acting--all wonderful, real, and warm. At first, I became clear that this movie does have aspects that are uncomfortable to watch, and so I really didn't want to finish watching the movie. But, my inner wisdom nudged me forward, and I'm so glad that I watched it to the end. The film really has some heartfelt moments, and there is a nice payoff...things do eventually take place in this story that make you feel good inside. On a higher level, this film challenges your beliefs, and how you view the particular 'national culture' that you have known throughout your life. I highly recommend giving this film a look.

I had heard about this movie but until today did not have an opportunity to see it. Sadly, as an indie film it does not have the distribution it deserves, but now that we can stream it on vimeo the masses can finally watch.

My interest in the film was due to the transgender main character. Having a trans actress playing a trans character is not common today, so this was an exciting opportunity for the community. They pulled it off. Ricky, played by Michelle Hendley is charming and fun. While the character is transgender and the story focuses on that point, she is a fun, sarcastic small town girl and it is easy to forget her anatomy throughout most of the film. While Michelle has a bit of a newcomer feel to her acting, it plays well into the coming of age trans female character.

Sadly, her best friend Robby (Michael Welch) was quirky but really stiff. I was left wanting more from his character and kept hoping for a stronger dynamic between two.

Acting aside, it's a beautiful story. Somewhat predictable but still a winning formula for a romantic comedy. I cried, I laughed, and I developed a major crush on the Ricky. There's not much more I could have hoped for from an Indie release.

Well worth watching and sure to be a classic in the LGBT archives.

This was the most beautiful movie I have seen in years. Wonderful message of acceptance for the young (teenagers) and old. I think that the US desperately needed this movie right now and the world can really benefit from it too.

Also, what a fantastic and fearless lead actress! I can't wait to see more work of her and other transgender actors.

Overall, a bittersweet story of the struggles of life as a transgender person who is trying to fit into our society. It leaves you wrapped around a fuzzy feel-good feeling.

Go watch it, you will not regret it.

Conceptually, I really liked Boy Meets Girl. It managed to twist the conventional narrative of a transgender woman coming to terms with her identity, and the challenges that come along with it, on its head and have it so that it is the other characters who are unsure of themselves and are seeking clarity and the conviction to be who they are. Unfortunately, unlike the lead characters, the script never found this clarity and conviction to make good of its concept and finds itself train-tracking cardboard characters through stilted conversations and coming-of-gender conventions leaving the whole film feel to feel just a little bit flat at the end of the line.

It is a shame that we have to talk about casting and how it is commendable that an actual transgender actress was cast in the lead role. Michelle Hendley certainly looks the part as Ricky Jones; she is a beautiful transgender woman playing a beautiful transgender woman on screen. The problem is that, based on this performance, she is just not a very good actress. Her delivery never felt natural, regardless of whether she was trying make a snarky comment at an acquaintance or simply serve a customer some coffee. This is made even more noticeable by the performance of Michael Welch as her non-gay best-friend who manages to convey his conflicting feelings with passion and depth, which made it so disappointing that his character was so under-written.

The issue with the script itself is that all of the characters felt as if they existed to interact with Ricky and didn't have enough screen-time to get to really know them so you could understand the journeys that they were going on. This meant that when it was time for them to do the things they needed to do to make the story go forward it rarely felt like it was their choice. There were still moments of comedy and pathos that made the film enjoyable, and it is all very, very sweet, but there wasn't much to think about beyond the superficial once the credits kicked in.

Overall I would say that your enjoyment of this film will very much depend on how much you buy into the lead character. If you can relate to them and project your own personality and experiences onto them I suspect that you'll be left feeling very happy. If you are looking for a character to make you think about yourself, then this is not the film you are going to meet them.