Judas Kiss

Judas Kiss is a truly an excellent film in every way. Of course, Charlie David's performance was great but the big surprise was the performance of Sean Paul Lockhart (a.k.a Brent Corrigan.) He was spectacular in his role. The story line really made me think about my own life and the choices I've made. The production values are incredible, especially given it's an indie film. This is a movie you need to see more than once (twice for me so far) as little things you might miss the first time become more obvious the second time.

This could easily be a main stream film regardless of the "gay content." J.T. and Carlos should be very proud.

I saw Judas Kiss at the Rhode Island International Film Festival in August, 2011. Aside from some technical issues on the festival's part, I really enjoyed this film and am looking forward to getting my copy. I can't help but believe that I will pick up on more symbolism each time I watch it! It was also great to see a piece Of work from Gay Cinema that could break the boundaries of the genre and work well in mainstream film festivals like RIIFF!

The characters were entertaining and thought provoking, and the writing made me snicker and laugh throughout while still keeping me enthralled during dramatic poignant moments. The cinematography was gorgeous, rich in color and well composed.

I'm not always a fan of magical realism, as many films don't do it justice, but Judas Kiss ranks up there with Across the Universe in my mind! Unlike the later, it was based more in reality (or perhaps alternate reality), which created a great escape without going too far outside of the boundaries as we think of them.

Great soundtrack as well!

Sometimes we wait too long before we get serious about our careers. Sometimes we start with everything and fall into a hole. What if that happened to you and you had the opportunity to go back and change something in the past that would alter your future?

While some people seem thrown by the premise, this is a fantasy and so it has it own rules which it follows scrupulously, if you watch closely enough to discover what they are.

Zack returns to his Alma Mater to judge a film festival when his close friend Topher is unable to attend. There's a shimmer on the invitation when he opens the envelope that is barely noticeable. As he pulls onto campus he looks up and the clock tower shimmers for a moment.

After settling into his digs for the weekend, a dorm room, he goes out to find the towns gay bar where he's attacked by a really cute boy, who sneaks out of his room in the morning. Later that day he is confronted by the same boy in the interview session for the film makers who are vying for this years prize.

The actors are very convincing, particularly the two young film makers, Danny and Chris, as they explore a potential romance. Chris, portrayed by Sean Paul Lockhart, is especially convincing as a former innocent who doesn't want to get involved in a possible triangle.

The underlying tension that revolves around who might win the festival and what will happen to Danny's film is particularly engaging. As the story develops we grow more concerned about the decisions Zach will have to make.

This film has been enjoyed by many audiences across the country at this point, receiving a resounding ovation at the screening I attended.

Without writing spoilers, let's just say the entire premise of this mess is completely unbelievable, specifically because there is no explanation given as to WHY or HOW such a time-leap could happen. Yes, there is definitely something about "second chances" that makes us all wonder "what if?" But this was just too arrogantly concocted and executed (as if we're just supposed to swallow it all at face-value...and if not, then we're just not "cool enough" to get it). I honestly can't think of one good reason to watch this.

Judas Kiss is by no means your average story. It has some unexpected twists, dabbling in time travel, love triangles and redemption.

Zach Wells, a failed filmmaker, reluctantly covers for his much more successful friend by taking his place on the judging panel at their Alma Mater's annual film competition (a competition that Zach won years ago). As soon as he gets on campus... well, it's not hi-jinks ensue in a kooky way, but Zach starts to notice that things are not what they seem.

The time travel aspect was a cool way to approach the material; certainly a welcome change from the mainstay "let's do some lame flashbacks to explain how my life got so screwed up." The film has an interesting cast of characters that all bring something different to the table, too (a little heart and humor).

All of the technical elements (cinematography, lighting, sound, etc) were great, including the subtle effects work. I also thought they did a commendable job making a film with gay lead characters, but not dwelling on their sexual orientation. It was obvious that the focus of the film was on the story and I appreciated that.