Reviews
Shelter (2007)
Disappointed
Wow, I can't believe all the rave reviews of this agonizingly slow film.
The film is technically very well made, and Trevor Wright's acting is wonderful (about the only thing going for it), but the movie seemed 5 hours long to me.
It took a half hour to get going and then moved at such a slow pace it was like it was stuck in slow motion to get to the very predictable conclusion.
This is not a movie I would want to watch a second time.
Disappointment.
The Conrad Boys (2006)
A delightful film
I thought this was a delightful movie, very professionally filmed and with some excellent acting. Good photography and sound (I'm amazed at how many gay themed films have low or bad sound - it can ruin a movie.) I really came to care about these lead characters very much. They seemed absolutely real.
If I have to find fault at all, I thought that the film was a bit slow at times and could stand to be tightened up a bit in editing, perhaps by about 15 minutes. The two young lead characters are the stars of the film and the story line involving the father is less interesting and that's where I find myself wanting to fast forward. But, that's quibbling. This film is an amazing accomplishment. It is quite rare to find a gay-themed film of such quality and honesty. I'm always thrilled to come across something of quality after encountering so much junk wrapped in a pretty cover photograph. This film was very touching.
Noah's Arc (2005)
Absolutely terrific
This is the best thing I've seen since the original British Queer As Folk in 1999. Smart, funny, superbly acted, charming. The only downside is that the DVD version does not have the same songs as when broadcast on LOGO. Diana Ross' terrific song in episode 9, for example, has been replaced with the Noah's Arc theme song. What a shame. I assume it cost too much to get the rights to the original songs for DVD, and that's why this excellent series took so long to come out on DVD - to replace all the music. I was wondering what was taking so long. Still, don't let this quibble stop you from enjoying the series. It's really terrific.
No Night Is Too Long (2002)
This terrific film should be on DVD
I stumbled across this excellent movie on late-night Canadian television, and I was simply blown away. I'm so glad I was able to record it because I learned later it has only rarely been shown in Canada, has never been shown on TV or anywhere in America, is not on DVD or VHS, and not likely to be released in those formats either. I showed this film to a friend of mine who is involved in the movie industry and he was so impressed he contacted the producers to try to buy the rights to release it on the film festival circuit and then put it out on DVD and he gave up because they showed absolutely zero interest in it. I fear this is one superb movie destined to be seen by very few people, which is a shame. It is among the very best gay-themed films I have ever seen. Based upon a mystery novel, it has many unpredictable twists and turns, is beautifully and professionally photographed, and the acting is great. It leaves you on the edge of your seat.