October Moon

I really enjoyed this movie. It was edgy, heart-warming (at times) and disturbing (at times). It took some unexpected turns and kept me guessing where it was going to end up. I feel the individual performances were strong. Jerod Howard, Jeff Dylan Graham and Sean Michael Lambrecht each made their character their own. My emotions were all over the board on this one... just the way I like a film. Watch the 10 minute mini-feature in the "extras" section to find out some of the motivations of the director and cast. Jerod delivers a great performance even when dealing with a personal tragedy during filming. My guess is that he used that tragedy in his character. Because of October Moon, I am a new fan of all three main actors (Jerod, Dylan and Sean).

October Moon was seen by myself and several friends at the North 94 Club Kenosha, WI-- showing this past Sunday Oct 2, 2005. Many of the cast members, including the producer, and go-between were present. These folks were as down to earth as it gets. Many times when people think of a gay film, thoughts of 'queeny princesses' pop into mind. This movie was directed and acted out by some of the most loving, wonderful, down-to-earth folks that there are in the Midwest. Everyone should see this awesome film. Since it was only done in one week......I have to say it receives a 10 from me on plot, story-line, actors, costumes, scenes, sound, visual, etc. God blesses the gay folks that really put their heart, soul, and mind into meaningful projects like October Moon! I also wanted to add that the illustrative Christ scene compared to the mothers' ignorance (in the movie) was a delightful touch. Who lies to who?, who destroys peoples lives?...many ignorant and narrow-minded straight people--that's who! Also, the passion (and reality) of gay life between the two lovers was spectacular, and I must state that because we live in a day and age where social constructs push us gay folks toward failure....we must stand up and be counted for as human beings! We too deserve a chance at long lasting relationships like the straight world! Praise is due this most delightful work my brothers and sisters regarding this most magnificent gay film project!!! I wish you the best...and know that it will go far. Good luck at the Gay-Film Festival Milwaukee! Everyone should vote in favor of this most wonderful cast! God Bless!

Contrary to my initial assumption, "October Moon" really isn't a horror movie. Not that there aren't some rather disturbing moments, but the film plays itself out more like a psychological drama in the vain of "Fatal Attraction" (yes, the comparison is inevitable) or "Unfaithful." The climax of the film verges on "slasher" territory, but ends up being more depressing that actual scary.

The film centers around Corin, a thirty year old professional, and his younger, party-loving boyfriend Jake. The two have been together for awhile. but it is obvious that all is not rosy in their relationship. While Corin has settled down and likes to spend quiet evenings at home, Jake still loves the "bar" scene, and often views his relationship with Corin as holding him back from enjoying his youth. At work, Corin is able to confide in his boss and good friend Nancy (Brinke Stevens) about his relationship troubles. She listens with a caring ear and seems to be the only person to really understand him. Due to an increased work load and his unstable home life with Jake, Nancy decides to hire an assistant of sorts name Elliot to help Corin with some of his duties. At first, Elliot is awkward and somewhat nerdy, but likable nonetheless. Corin learns that Elliot lives with his over-protective mother (Judith O'Dea) and is engaged to be married to long-time girlfriend, Marti. Corin begins spending some time outside of work with Elliot, inviting him home and to various outings. Before long, Elliot begins to develop feelings for Corin and realizes that he is a homosexual. This causes severe mixed emotions in him; his mother is deeply against this lifestyle because he husband left her years earlier for another man. With no real support for his new feelings, Elliot's feelings for Corin begin to become a dangerous and disturbing obsession, resulting in a dark, depressing climax.

"October Moon" is truly a character driven story and because of this, may cause some viewers to lose interest. No real action occurs until the films final moments, but the build-up is almost more intense. Elliot's behavior does become more and more disturbing and where the film excels is in its believability. The characters actions and reactions are realistic and because the characters are developed extremely well, it is easy to sympathize with their individual situations. Even at the end of the film, it is hard to really blame Elliot for his actions; he desperately just wanted to be loved and accepted, and like many gay men, the emotions that came with falling for another man, when his entire life he had been told how wrong that was, were almost too much to handle. The writers takes careful steps to ensure that Elliot never becomes a despicable character and it works to the film's benefit. While there is some clichéd and dialogue steeped with stereotypes, overall, it does an adequate job of moving the plot along and creating interesting characters.

The biggest flaw present in "October Moon" is certainly its low-budget, resulting in extremely amateur looking production values. For example, the picture looks dated and often times is no better quality than you'd get with an old hand-held camera. The sound fades in and out in many spots, making conversations hard to comprehend. These issues don't necessarily make this a bad film, but do, at times, make it hard to take seriously. The acting really is a mixed bag; the actors portraying Corin and Jake are adequate, but often times some cheesy dialogue interrupts their performances. Jerod Howard is effective as Elliot, but some particular scenes seem to put noticeable strain on his range. Horror veterans Brinke Stevens and Judith O'Dea are both serviceable, but criminally underused. What is really distracting about the performances is that in some scenes, the actors are brilliant, but in the very next scene, verge on being terrible. The climax is rushed and, while somewhat effective, doesn't pack the punch that it really could have.

Overall, "October Moon" is an interesting, engaging little independent film. Like so many other low-budget films out there, it is very apparent that the filmmakers actually cared about the final product and did the best of their ability and resources to make a decent film. While those expecting gore and non-stop action will likely become extremely bored with "October Moon," it is an effective that not only cares about its characters and presents a believable portrait of obsession and desperation, it subtly makes a statement about expectations, relationships, and the consequences of intolerance. It's a slow burn, but "October Moon" is an effective, creepy film that puts substance before style; the end result and a memorable portrait of love gone wrong on many levels.

This is the worst piece of garbage I've ever seen. The acting by the two main guys isn't bad but the guy playing the crazy straight guy who becomes obsessed is over-the-top and cringe-inducing to behold. And as an extra layer of smelly crap within crap, the scene where the gay guys teach the straight guys how to have fun is offensive to gays everywhere. Way to reinforce stereotypes. Was this movie made by the Republican party? If you were a gay filmmaker, why would you put in a scene to show that straights are "squares" and need to be taught how to have a good time? AND that said time would be a (warning! shocking twist ahead!)...a DANCE PAR-TAY!

I did like the scene where the janitor in the background sneaks a swig from his mop bucket, that's the only reason I'm giving this mop-bucket-of-a-film one star instead of none? Haven't seen the sequel, maybe next time I want to botch a date I'll put it on as she goes running for the hills. Or maybe I'll just stick with the original to do the job.

Jason Paul Collum both wrote and directed this little film that resembles a gay 'Fatal Attraction' without the benefit of a tight script, good actors, suspense, or sophisticated effects and camera work. Sadly it boils down to a fifteen-minute story spread out over an almost interminable 2 hours.

The story involves on Corin (Sean Michael Lambrecht), a 30-year old ad exec in a five-year bumpy relationship with 23-year old party boy Jake (Jeff Dylan Graham). Corin's boss and friend Nancy (Brinke Stevens) understands Corin all too well, appreciates his relationship, but in attempting to relieve his work duties hires an assistant Elliot (Jerod Howard), a gender confused nerdy lad who is engaged to his lifelong chum Marti (Tina Ona Paukstelis) in a push from his mother (Judith O'Dea) to make things 'right'. Elliot is befriended by Corin, brought into Corin's and Jake's friendship, and Elliot and Marti and Corin and Jake begin socializing. Elliot falls for Corin, comes out of the closet to the extreme dismay of Marti and his mother, and despite Elliot's friendship with Corin and Jake, he begins to stalk Corin. Corin's rebuff of his advances leads to disaster and the film tumbles downhill from there.

Yes, some may view this weak little foray as being full of statements about love, obsession, relationships, and friendships, but all of that has been said far better before and without the seemingly tacked on genre of a horror film. The acting from the women in the film is good, but the men are blunted stereotypes. Everything about the film screams low budget. One annoying factor - a music score that sounds like lessons on electronic keyboards and obscures a lot of the dialogue - turns out to be a blessing in that the weak script is covered frequently. Most viewers will utilize the fast forward button to get through the repetitious dialogue and race for the end, a predictable, stagy tableaux that really doesn't resolve anything. Not worth two hours of your viewing time.