User reviews

One of those movies you see it once and that's enough, No deserve any recognition at all. Ridiculous plot.

After college, artistic Mark escapes from his Indiana hometown to a fake job in New York City, where he rents a room in the apartment of his college roommate. Taking a job as an after-school babysitter to a 6-year old, the 2 bond together very well. Meanwhile, he meets Leather Man, who may be a figment of his imagination, from a porn magazine he found at home years ago. In certain BDSM scenes, Leather Man tells him to seek his safe space, which to Mark is his childhood "cubby".

But Mark is not all together, especially financially, and prefers street drugs to his prescription pills. So reality intrudes, and he has to eventually adapt.

Mark was played by the writer / director, and I found the character absorbingly irritating. I was charmed by the line drawing illustrations that permeated the film - something Mark could likely have done. The net result is, to me, a mixed review.

You know when you have that feeling someone is meant for stardom? Someone whose talent is so immense on screen you know you'll be seeing them again and again? I felt that way seeing Amy Adams in Junebug, I felt that about Laura Dern in Smooth Talk. I feel the same way about Mark Blane's performance in Cubby, which I saw at the Frameline Festival. I can't stop thinking about Blane's portrayal of an awkward and innocent, Klonopin popping, horny manchild who daydreams about spending time with a studly leatherman. When I discovered Blane wrote and co-directed Cubby, I became certain he is a talent to be reckoned with. This is a beautiful and special first film. Somehow I'm reminded of Harold and Maude's tenderness and wisdom, but sexier, queer, and on acid. Cubby's direction, like Blane's performance, is nuanced and thoughtful. There's an unusual and distinctive magical realism quality to Cubby, complete with animation. Many times the audience doesn't know what is real, psychosis, party drug induced hallucinations or leatherman fantasy. Blane and co-director Ben Mankoff deftly handle the ambiguity. Cubby lets us know at the beginning this is a "story based on a lie." However I'm certain we'll be seeing more from Blane and Mankoff. Don't miss this film!

I don't want to overthink this movie. It's sweet, sincere, and imperfect in the best way possible, which all contribute to its heartfelt charm. It doesn't take itself seriously, it's a movie that wants to have fun. Just enjoy the ride. It's full of fun clever moments visually and in writing.

Embrace it, and you'll be rewarded with warm, fuzzy, comforting feelings of "everything's gonna be alright" and "you're not alone".

It's also a very relatable film for any queer person living in a city with family back home. At least it was for me :) I'm glad it exists for anyone who needs It.

This was one of the standout films at the Torino: Lovers Film Festival. It's a very engaging and fun coming of age story which shows us the complexities of human relationships. With great performances from Mark and cast, this is an impressive feature debut making Mark one to watch in the future.

CUBBY is such a special film. I saw the trailer in a preview for the Reeling Chicago LGBTQ Film Fest, and my jaw dropped in anticipation. Finally, a film that would celebrate the weirdness and quirks that make many gay folks so unique. Such insight into how we think, our brains always daydreaming, one foot living in magical fantasy worlds, with one foot defiantly obligated to be a grown-up.

The grainy film and hand drawn animation are absolutely magical. The characters are so unique, yet universal, and the actors playing the parts always feel genuine. There's not once false move in the film. It is an absolute delight, heartfelt and magical.

It reminds me of Napolean Dynamite and LadyBird, but more insightful, more magical. We need more films like this! My favorite film of the year.

Not since Episode 1 of Amazon's Emmy-sweeping FLEABAG have I taken such delight in identifying with a struggling--and let's be honest, probably mentally ill--protagonist. I quickly fell in love with Mark on the screen, in all of his hysterical and poignant tragicomedy.

This is a film that offers profound insight and asks questions of its audience, neurotypical/not, queer/straight alike. I had the privilege of seeing it last week at Fort Lauderdale's OUTSHINE Film Festival. As with any great art, I will continue to reflect on this film. For now what I really have to say is just WATCH IT IF YOU CAN.

P.S. For me, the appearance of the hunky LeatherMan alone made it worth the watch, but there's something for everyone in this beautiful production.

Saw the trailer on iTunes trailers, and decided to rent it. Cracked me up. The main character reminded me of Jim Carrey in some of his early movies. Just ridiculous behavior and unexpected. Music was stellar. Favorite line was when he told the kid: "Lets go buy a ton of candy." Basically, my life mantra.

Cubby is an interesting film and a captivating debut from filmmakers Mark Blane and Ben Mankoff. It has characters which, while unique and their own people, all have elements that I was able to find very easy to relate to. It's a funny story that also carries a real emotional weight to it, and because of that, it's a film that creates real emotional resonance with the audience, even when traveling to places that are dreamlike or weird or wonderful.

I don't know that I've ever seen a lead character like Mark (played by Blane, who also wrote the script) in a film before. He's troubled and a little despicable, but also has heart and joy. He's a man confused just trying to find a place, which I absolutely found common ground with, even if we don't share a whole lot of other life experiences in common.

The supporting cast all adds layers. They all have been created with reality and care, making them people who add to the depth of the film as opposed to just being objects for Mark to bounce off of.

At the end of this movie, all you want to know is what happened to Mark next. Where is he in six months. Eight months. A year. He's someone who stays with you. And that speaks to the actor, writer, and director. The fact that those are all the same people is a pretty amazing thing.

I know this film is currently rocking festivals. I would love to see it get picked up and have a chance to make it's way into audiences. This is a film that takes chances, and that's a powerful and wonderful experience.

Mark Blane never lets up on the crazy energy and heartfelt emotions of a man overwhelmed by his imperfections. Super weird visuals and absurd characters deftly intersect with real-world mental illness, situations, and stakes. Go in with an open mind and it will charm you.

After reading the precis in the Frameline catalog, I was not so sure. But the film was a delight from the git-go. The main character is a total nerd, self-conscious to the point of discomfort, and out-of-place in the big city. "Sounds just like my kind of character!" said one friend. And yes he was, despite the description of him only having two friends, one 6 years old (and not a squirmy relationship) and the other imaginary. The audience actually cooed and roared its approval throughout. This film deserves a wide viewership.

Once this movie gets to it and it does have a bit of a slow start but once you get to the plot, it really begins to all unfold in a timely manner and all the pieces begin to come together there's some great shots some really good cinematic storyline, and the film in its entirety really gets the message across. So those that have the type of interest in the subject you should definitely take a look at it and see how it affects you. I mean I would definitely recommend this film to you definitely keep an open mind and when it comes to independent filmmaking, you have to keep in mind that the directors or Director has a vision and you have to try to get in their shoes to have the full understanding. This is one of those movies!

Mark & Milo: a friendship for the ages. This is a movie about growing up, and the pains that come with it when you aren't quite the milquetoast person everyone describes you to be. Also: that we never quite stop growing up. Oh! And there's a leather daddy. Visually stunning, crisply written, powerfully performed. A must see.