Mr. Smith Gets a Hustler

Saw this movie completely by accident. Didn't know any of the actors involved but was prepared for the worst but was genuinely surprised. The movie was good overall and had a likable character in Bobby-the lead character.

Most movies that deal with this topic have characters that come off as homophobic straight boys or stereotypically gay, but the character of Bobby is different and this credit goes in part to the young actor and the director/script for giving him a likable disposition and circumstances that traps him into the lifestyle.

Props goes out to the supporting cast who did a great job showing that no one is either pure innocent or pure evil when you're dealing with prostitution and the resulting lifestyle.

The end song, "Wings on my ankles" is even catchy.

Definitely worth a look if the topic ever interested you.

Certainly there is a Mr. Smith, for sure there's a Hustler, but it is as far as it goes while talking about sex. This is not a rom-comedy as some could expect. It's a drama with dark tones because of the photography and mood of most personages. Once set this path, it can be most times agreeable for the viewer. The forces go swiftly on a drama where gay elements are not the sole reason for movement, but are greatly present. The principal actors play pretty well. Larry Pine is a classy Mr. Smith, and Alex Feldman a handsome face in a not that built up body Bobbie. The supporting cast plays fine. It's of particular interest the evolution in Bobbie's character, as he lingers through the film from a mindless hustler to a more sensitive person, who can respond to the dilemmas proposed by the film. So, if you're looking for an introspective film, that's your choice. If not, next please!

This is an offbeat little indie film that came out a couple years ago about a new york city Hustler and his somewhat odd relationship with a client(Mr Smith) who hires him. An unusual, type of movie with quirky characters and an engaging story.

I wanted to see this movie because I am a big fan of Larry Pine the actor who plays Mr Smith. Actually though all the featured performers are good in this and the story though odd, is quirky, touching and different. I suppose if the subject matter is distasteful one won't like this but this is not a movie about sex, more of a character study. I found it wellwritten and very good.Would easily give it an 8 out of 10. I'd like to see these performers in more movies.

Reviews complaining about the "cheapness" of this low budget film really have no business watching this really fascinating glimpse of the crime infested underbelly of New York City, circa late 90's.."Mr Smith" isn't one of these modern so-called "indie films" with a million dollar budget;it is the real deal; a movie created with little else besides talent, and a passion for the art of film-making. For someone who lived in NYC when the meat packing district was still populated by pimps and male prostitutes, this is an awesome nostalgia piece. And it should be noted that this is not a "Gay Film" at all. Although the story takes place within the "rent boy" scene, that is merely a backdrop for a crime story, and a tale of redemption. Viewers looking for a movie filled with nude guy on guy action will most likely be bitterly disillusioned with this movie. Big on character development, we are introduced to a family unit broken by crime, alcoholism, and selfishness. Actress Anna Thompson, known for many New York themed movies, plays the alcoholic mother to Bobby, who is making a living as a male escort. He works out of a seedy bar on the West Side, which is obviously a mere front for criminal activity, as there are never any customers inside. He's got a vicious pimp, who sends his sex workers to local hotels to hook up with men for cash..One night Bobby meets a strange client, Mr. Smith, an older man who doesn't want sex from the boy, and finding out who this man is in relation to Bobby is at the heart of the film. For fans of "Underground" cinema, and for those who seek out movies that focus on New York City, in a realistic way, I strongly recommend "Mr. Smith Gets A Hustler..." For fans of Hollywood trash, aka "disposable cinema," you have no business even watching a film like this; it will be utterly wasted on you...

Bobby Blue is a NYC hustler who supports his dysfunctional mother with his earnings. Their fiction is that he's working at a restaurant and making great tips. When Bobby Blue meets a new john who isn't interested in sex and takes him to a basketball game, Bobby doesn't know what to think.

This not-so-well-made film suffers from all of the typical indie woes. Some of the problems may have been budgetary but others seem to just be bad story telling.

It may have been the theater I saw this in, or that we were seeing a video of a film print, but the color in the film seemed to be way off and many parts of the movie were terribly overexposed.

Scenes that took place in a bar in the meatpacking district seemed very off. The only customers in the bar were the principals, Couldn't they get any extras to appear as other customers?

Also, having lived in NYC for the last 20 years and having met a few boys that have made their living this way I felt that the film-maker could have done his homework better. The relationship between Bobby and his `pimp' seemed very unrealistic (at least different from any that I had heard of). Also the going rates in the film seem to be way off. From what I hear, $600 will buy you a LOT more than what these boys were offering from boys that are way more attractive. Also the few hustler bars that I've actually been into would never charge $20 a beer.

Overall, I'd have to give this film a miss.