Partner(s)

The thing that struck me most about Partner(s), aside from the fact that it's funny and romantic and features a talented and attractive cast, is "how far we've come." By this I mean that only a few years ago one would have expected a film about a straight man who (for various plot reasons) must pretend to be gay, to have featured offensive gay stereotypes and homophobic comments/reactions by at least some of the characters, none of which is present in this delightful and charming film. Dave's roommate and best friend is a gay man; when Dave "comes out," he is accepted by co-workers and family; he doesn't try to or feel the need to "act" gay; and finally, Dave himself seems to feel no embarrassment or shame in telling people he's gay. In fact, the only reason he wants to come out as straight is because he's falling in love with a woman and pretending to be gay gets in the way. There's a funny subplot involving two male co-workers that plays with straight males' discomfort with "gay stuff," and hints that these two supposedly straight guys may be protesting a bit too much. Though at heart a boy-girl romance, Partner(s) does deal intelligently with issues of coming out to parents, gay sex roles, gay men involved in dishonest relationships with women, etc. The cast is made up of very talented and photogenic mostly TV actors, and though most likely low budget, has very much a big movie feel. If I have one complaint, it's that this is one movie which would have worked better with openly gay actors cast in the gay roles. Since Partner(s) is about a straight man pretending to be gay, the film loses some effectiveness because (with the exception of out actor Reichen Lehmkuhl, who has only a bit part) *all* the actors in gay roles seem to be straight men pretending to be gay, and to tell the truth, I didn't buy any of them as gay (especially Sean McGowan and Bru Miller as Michael Ian Black's gay friends, who registered zero on my gaydar). But other than that, a film which straight and gay people can enjoy equally, and a must see for straight men who could do with a bit more contact with "the gays."

Dave (Jay Harrington) and Katherine (Julie Bowen) are rivals for the one partner opening at a successful law firm. Dave is smart and scrupulous while Katherine is as despicable and conniving as they make them. One day, Dave is specifically asked to handle a discrimination case and he jumps at the chance. With such a high profile, the case will surely enhance his chances to make partner. He is beaming until he learns why he was selected! It seems the client believes him to be gay and, thus, best suited to handle the suit in question, a gay, work-related discrimination case. But, Dave is straight, having eyes only for women. Yet, if he refuses the assignment, Katherine is certain to take over. Therefore, Dave decides to play the role of a gay man. Things get complicated when a beautiful woman named Lucy (Brooke Langton), the defendant's daughter, garners Dave's affections. Can Dave win the case quickly, so he can declare his love for Lucy? This is a funny and romantic film but its gay themes make it a touchy one for some viewers. How does one "act gay" without playing a stereotype, for starters. And, is the resulting depiction something to be laughed over, at all? Everyone loves a case of mistaken identity, its true, but this plot seems guaranteed to offend the audience at some point. On the other hand, Harrington is really quite wonderful as the sensitive lawyer and Bowen has her she-devil role down pat. Langton and the other cast members give nice performances, too. Then, too, the costumes are very fine, as are the settings and production values. If you adore funny tales of love, you should probably take a chance with this one, as Hollywood can not seem to churn them out fast enough for the true romcom fan. But, if you are looking for a movie that will suit a wider audience, you might want to try While You Were Sleeping or Return to Me instead.

Because I consider myself a harsh critic, I was really surprised by how much I liked this film. I thought it was just a very well told and well acted story. A good adult comedy about people working at a law firm is difficult to pull off, but this movie does it. I really like Julie Bowen and I'm surprised she played 'the bitch' role so well. Only because I find her to be very likable. The guy that played her assistant was really funny also. Jay Harrington was very good. I never saw him in anything before. I think he's a good comedic lead. Not too 'over the top.' It was refreshing. As I'm thinking back about the movie now, I'm smiling. That's how I know I liked it. It was just a good, smart, and funny film.

Just watched this again, I liked it even better this time. I am a lawyer and that subplot was portrayed correctly, but this was really just a standard romantic comedy, although funnier than most. The acting was excellent, including the supporting characters. I don't think this was ever released in theaters but I see it was on TV, it looks a lot more professionally made than many other independent films I have seen and in some places is quite beautiful. There are some really funny moments that are unrelated to the love story, and there are some tender moments that were well-written and well-acted. The movie seems a bit short at 90 minutes, but I prefer that to a movie that is padded or has a lot of boring exposition.

'Partner(s)' turns out to be a far better little film than expected. Not that there is anything original about this oft told variation of posing to be something you're not in order to take advantage of career development only to have that posing backfire. But Dave Diamond's script and direction and the presence of an attractive, bubbly and capable cast make this little piece of fluff float.

Tables are turned in a competitive law firm where an important case is to be assigned, a case involving sex discrimination over a gay employee. Dave (Jay Harrington) and Katherine (Julie Bowen), lovers in the past, vie for the assignment that will most assuredly result in being granted full partner ship in the firm. The company involved happens to include a cute young lass Lucy (Brooke Langton) who lives in the same apartment with Dave (Dave happens to room with a gay guy Christopher - Michael Ian Black - but Dave is straight). Lucy eyes Dave but mistakenly thinks Dave is gay, a fact that she feels will help her father's company in the lawsuit if they are represented by a gay lawyer (politics, you know...). Dave goes along with the charade, tells his company he is gay, wins the assignment leaving Katherine jealous, knowing that Dave is NOT gay. The remainder of the story revolves around the cat and mouse game between Dave and Katherine and Dave and Lucy's mutual attraction that interferes with his job. There are many funny side characters who constantly comment on what the gay mind is like. But the story ends well, with the film being a vaguely funny if very superficial view of what being gay is all about.

Not a great film but certainly an entertaining one. Sort of an extended au courant soap opera, it works fairly well on the big screen, largely due to the sustained light touch with which it is delivered. Grady Harp, December 05