Punks

Punks attempts a daunting task -- staying true to the varied spirits of gay black males -- while staying accessible to a wide audience. The film introduces the audience to an entire spectrum of what it means to be a black gay male at this point in time and does so most assuredly. This film takes its place alongside other groundbreaking queer cinema such as "Parting Glances" but goes beyond that film in quality of its production. The cinematography, costumes and makeup are first rate and serve in and of themselves as character. The cast is simply a great group of actors who you cannot take your eyes off of. Rockmond Dunbar and Seth Gilliam give great lead performances as do Dwight Ewell (from "Chasing Amy" fame) and Jazzmun, who nearly steals the film. Director Patrik-Ian Polk wisely presents a balanced film that is humorous, thought provoking and disarming to any notion that the men in this contemporary West Hollywood are any less worth caring about simply because you've never taken the time to know them. Punks is an important film, one worth seeking out and supporting. Executive producers Kenneth "Babyface" and Tracy Edmonds are to be commended for providing the budget this film deserved. Check out "Punks".