Alaska Is a Drag

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.

How many time have you had this kind of story? Wanting to be inspiring but in there end is the same fairytale with "a happy ending".

I thought that the other reviews would be a good point of view to watch it... Well rated, well commented... But not!!! This a plain and boring tale. Sorry to the director and writer (the same one) but you need to word hard in the storytelling because we haven't had strong moments to feel something. I mean, I get the point about a guy being gay in Alaska, poor and faithless, but the scenes look so fake, actors need more guidance and the script needs more creativity.

I don't like it. I really wanted to, but not! I'm disappointed.

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.

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.

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.