Nick and Nicky

Reminiscent of the 30s and 40s whodunit spoofs, this film updates the story with a gay twist following Nick and Nicky as they solve a murder. Fun, colorful, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Nick & Nicky! Oh my gosh, I can't WAIT for everyone to see this movie. This film is an old-timey murder mystery wrapped in a riddle. And by "riddle" I mean, high-end camp couture gay cult comedy classic! It's literally so much fun. I already want to watch this movie a million times.

At its core it's a murdery who-done-it keep-you-on-your-high-heels type investigation. The main character, Nick (Patrick Askin) is roped into solving the murder of his ex lover's lover and his soon-to-be (adorable) husband, Nicky (Ian Whitt) is not super keen on the idea at first.

But also, like, what murder? A lavish christmas party that only a wealthy gay New York City couple could pull off sets the stage for the over-the-top characters, clever writing, and old-fashioned romance that fills each well-thought-out scene throughout the movie. The first two-thirds of the movie is filled with camp, fashion, Sound of Music references, well-structured jawlines and well-written comedy that the actual murder almost feels secondary in the beginning (Though every once in a while, Boom! You're hit a blood-splattering plot twist).

And the characters: Trevor (Glen North), for example, whose lover was murdered, plays so perfectly over-the-top that it's hilarious. Is it gay camp over-the-top? Or is it exactly the way a 1930's movie damsel in despair would act? It's both and it's freakin brilliant. But the romance between Nick and Nicky is also so reminiscent of those old movies. It's unbreakable and sweet, but layered with the difficult gay-marriage climate of today (though not as difficult now, but still). And there are so many more; the newsie, the twins, the parents! (Oh my god, the parents, you guys), the old lady, the priest. There are many.

The last third of the movie jolts you into chandelier draped dinner party where the mystery of the murder starts to unravel. Thankfully, any murdery plot points you may have missed because you were (I was) chuckling about the funny way Nick holds a glass or the fallacious decor of a clueless old lady (I NEED to see this again), he sums it up while keeping you guessing.

It's an indie movie, and it's out and proud of it. Not unlike the cleverly well-written character-driven Emmy Award-winning show Schitt's Creek, Nick & Nicky was left alone to be what it is and we're so blessed because of it.

It's so much fun, and I can't wait for everyone to see this.

A style reminiscent of Hollywood 30's and 40's. And what wedding doesn't come with a little drama. But this one ends up entwined in a murder mystery in the middle of it all. Will the wedding actually happen? Will the murder be solved? Sit back and enjoy the comedy and suspense as this wealthy gay couple navigate it all.

Every now and then you just need a cute gay romcom to give you a smile. The cast does a great job with this movie and it brings together all sorts of wonderful elements that contribute to good entertainment. The point of the movie is to be playful and fun so just sit back and enjoy. Seeing Sean Young in another film brought me back to my teen years. Watch with friends... And wine!

A great time of year to watch this film is also around the holidays. There is sort of a romantic escapism about the era and the costumes and it certainly is a nod to some of the classic films and classic scenes we all grew up with.

If you're going to update "The Thin Man", you have got to do something different. Director Marcus Slabine & screenwriter Patrick Askin have certainly done that. "Nick and Nicky" is a fun, boozy whodunit with memorable characters and lively dialog. Mr. Askin is charming as Nick, the never-without-a-cocktail private eye who must solve a series of murders before his wedding to Nicky (an appealing Ian Whitt). The supporting cast shines in this film, particularly Sean Young as Nicky's acerbic mom, Tyler Hollinger as a manic tabloid reporter and especially Deborah Twiss as the police detective who reluctantly teams up with Nick.

As with all good mysteries, the culprit is revealed at an elegant dinner party. This is the highlight of the film, as Nick must weed his way through a considerable contingent of colorful suspects to get to the guilty party.

So grab a drink, enjoy and please pay special attention to the distinctive décor found in one suspect's salon. I believe this might be a first for cinema.