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.

And so glad I did, I really really enjoyed every second of it, the writing was so impressive the way the backstory was intertwined with the dialogue to give background was done in a smooth way very natural and stylistic , the two twins and the flashbacks were amazing and the two wanna be gay guys were amazing acting and dialogue , directing and editing and the whole thing was just really impressive! Amazing for a really low budge thing! Great stuff!

Six years after it was filmed, I found this and I am glad I did. Given that there are only eight reviews for this film I gather that not many others have found it either, though it's a specialty piece that won't appeal to everyone. First thing I have to say is kind of a criticism, but in this small remote Alaskan town is it really feasible that there are this many gay people?! I highly doubt it, but that doesn't negate the fact that it's an enjoyable little film about acceptance, caring, support, standing up for one's rights and doing what you gotta do what's best for you in life. Or at least try. The four principal characters in this film are a twin brother and sister and it's that brother who has major aspirations to be a drag queen along with two guys, one who seems to have to live in denial of being gay and the other just learning that he might be. Martin L. Washington Jr. & Maya Washington portray the twins and the other two are played by Matt Dallas and Chris O'Shea and all are good and Dallas is really hot! There are a bunch of small character actors in small character roles, too many to mention, and all are enjoyable. This film is funny, interesting and while not exactly a great film, I could find little wrong with this simple little story.

Simple storyline. Love these kids. It may not be 100% believeable story but I dont care about that. It wasn't so depressing these characters make the best of their situations and make you like them and this taste for this simple middle of no where life they lead. If I were to believe thered be someone trying to "get outta this town" its them. Thanks for the feel good when it may not be meant that way.

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