The Conrad Boys

The boys are cute, so I guess that's one reason I want to like this film, but I just can't. The acting is less than spirited and at times I didn't want to even watch the entire film. The writing is sub par but had great plot line potential, I believe. So much more emotion and connection to the characters is possible, but it just wasn't there. I felt disconnected from the entire cast and I felt no sense of love between the brothers or the two "lovers." In fact, all the relationships in the entire movie seemed fake and inconsequential. I will always support the LGBT community, writers and actors and if Justin Lo comes out with something else, I'll be sure to try again. But as far as this title goes, save your time and money. Sorry Justin and Boo Boo.

CONRAD BOYS is not a bad movie: the story though frequently used by others holds its own, the style of direction keeps the pace moving, the message of the movie is worth stating. The problem is one of a single person assuming the role of writer, director, film editor AND principal actor. Justin Lo does well in all categories except the last one. As pleasant as he is to look at his ability to create a believable character on film is seriously lacking.

Charlie (Lo) is a 19-year old taking care of his little brother Ben (Boo Boo Stewart) after the sudden death of their mother. Charlie is a history buff headed for Columbia for college until his mother's death halts that direction. He becomes a recluse despite his friend Tori (Nancy Hancock) attempts to get him out of his café job and into a social life. But at last Charlie reluctantly attends a party and eventually encounters a very handsome, intelligent drifter Jordan (Nick Bartzen) who touches Charlie's buried attraction and the two become friends and more. Jordan has demons, some of which become painfully apparent form his life of crime's encounters from the past. Another stumbling block for Charlie's adjustment appears in the form of his long departed recovering alcoholic father Doug (Barry Shay) who has cleaned up his act and wants to be a part of Ben's and Charlie's lives. The myriad clashes to Charlie's fragile ego serve only to bring out his protective forces in caring for Ben and eventually his nascent longing for Jordan and his responsibility for Ben are settled in surprising ways.

The cast Lo has selected is fine - especially the promising young Nick Bartzen and the solid Barry Shay. If only Lo had had the foresight to cast Charlie with an equally fine actor the film would have played more strongly. But as a first film by a young talent there is reason to view this venture. Justin Lo gives evidence of being a solid talent who just needs some focus.

This film is about a 19 years old man having to take care of his young brother after the death of his mother. He could not enjoy any social life until he meets a hot guy called Jordan.

I am very impressed by this movie. First of all, the relatively big budget surprised me. It was shot on proper film, and not on hand-held cameras. The sets are nice and well touched up. The lighting is excellent, and the cinematography is pleasant. Every scene is bright and sunny, with great colour contrast. The quality of the production is much better than most of the gay films I have seen. I wonder how the first time filmmaker financed all this, and managed to make such a good production.

Charlie's is character that is written well, I totally sympathised with him. However, I agree that the acting by Justin Lo is a little Wooden. By contrast, Jordan is a lively character with ultra good looks. Nick Bartzen's acting is good, I hope he will become big one day. I also liked the subplot of Mr Conrad coming back. Justin Lo must have faced a lot of personal demons when he made this film. I salute him for that.

I think this film is an excellent attempt, especially for a first time film maker. I enjoyed the film a lot.

Poorly acted, directed and written, "The Conrad Boys" is barely watchable. The main problem is Justin Lo, who assumes the role of writer, director, film editor and principal actor. Lo does not handle any one of his jobs well; his ability to create a believable character on film is seriously lacking. Watching Lo is akin to watching a beginning actor with no idea of what he is doing or saying. The script is quite clichéd and lacks any real imagination. The two stars I awarded this are solely for Nick Bartzen who is quite good as the young drifter, Jordan Rivers.

This film is to be avoided.

i totally agree with the reviewer's comments and the point was made regarding jason lo trying to wear too many hats in the making of this film. he did a decent job as director, writer, editor, etc... but his acting skills are absolutely not where they need to be. His film could have been much more powerful had he casted an actor other than himself in the lead. really a glaring mistake that almost ruins the film and thus relegates it to more of a straight-to-video offering. not deserving of the big silver screen. a shame really. i do hope in future efforts he hears this criticism and learns to cast a film properly. i believe he has some talent.