I bought this film without knowing anything other than the advertised description. It is a wonderful film and it evoked real emotions from me.
After my first viewing, admittedly, I felt that there were some missing storyline elements, and the way the scenes were cut together was somewhat annoying. The acting in this film, however, seems so much more realistic than others I've seen. I don't think that categorizing this film as a "Brokeback Mountain wannabe" is unfair, but taken for what it is, which is a love story between two unrequited lovers reuniting, it's very good.
Upon second viewing, it seemed to fit together better than the first time. The only scene that still seems unsettling to me is the confrontation between Kyle and his cousin, Heath, after he finds Jake and Kyle in bed together. It's the only scene that, to me, doesn't seem realistic. The pacing of the scene between Jake and Cora (Kyle's indigent friend) was also not great. It was well-acted, but the pace was too slow. I felt like I could have driven an 18-wheeler between their lines at times.
Jayme McCabe is sheer perfection as the closeted gay man who never left the little podunk town where he grew up. I've seen other work by Eric Dean, and he was much better in this film. His portrayal of a man who did leave the little podunk town, and forged a successful career in the film industry, but who still pines for his first love back home, to me seems very accurate. Just because someone lives in Hollywood doesn't mean they "become Hollywood," even if they work in the industry. I think Jeffery London has a clear stroke of genius in portraying Jake that way. Brent King, as Jake's best friend/housemate Steve, is a little different, admittedly, but having known men who act almost exactly like Steve, he was a pleasant surprise. Patricia Place, as Aunt Elaine, was absolutely wonderful. She's a very sweet, peaceful older woman, and when she gets up in Kyle's face and tells him he needs to own up to who he is and be happy, it is a great treat.
The fact that these two men, who have been separated for 15 years and a great distance, and dealt with everything life has thrown at them, can come together, admittedly awkwardly, and finally find a little happiness together, is absolutely wonderful. I would have given this film a "10" if I considered it flawless, but it isn't. However, the flaws merely make it quirky, and I still love it, and I will enjoy it again and again.
After my first viewing, admittedly, I felt that there were some missing storyline elements, and the way the scenes were cut together was somewhat annoying. The acting in this film, however, seems so much more realistic than others I've seen. I don't think that categorizing this film as a "Brokeback Mountain wannabe" is unfair, but taken for what it is, which is a love story between two unrequited lovers reuniting, it's very good.
Upon second viewing, it seemed to fit together better than the first time. The only scene that still seems unsettling to me is the confrontation between Kyle and his cousin, Heath, after he finds Jake and Kyle in bed together. It's the only scene that, to me, doesn't seem realistic. The pacing of the scene between Jake and Cora (Kyle's indigent friend) was also not great. It was well-acted, but the pace was too slow. I felt like I could have driven an 18-wheeler between their lines at times.
Jayme McCabe is sheer perfection as the closeted gay man who never left the little podunk town where he grew up. I've seen other work by Eric Dean, and he was much better in this film. His portrayal of a man who did leave the little podunk town, and forged a successful career in the film industry, but who still pines for his first love back home, to me seems very accurate. Just because someone lives in Hollywood doesn't mean they "become Hollywood," even if they work in the industry. I think Jeffery London has a clear stroke of genius in portraying Jake that way. Brent King, as Jake's best friend/housemate Steve, is a little different, admittedly, but having known men who act almost exactly like Steve, he was a pleasant surprise. Patricia Place, as Aunt Elaine, was absolutely wonderful. She's a very sweet, peaceful older woman, and when she gets up in Kyle's face and tells him he needs to own up to who he is and be happy, it is a great treat.
The fact that these two men, who have been separated for 15 years and a great distance, and dealt with everything life has thrown at them, can come together, admittedly awkwardly, and finally find a little happiness together, is absolutely wonderful. I would have given this film a "10" if I considered it flawless, but it isn't. However, the flaws merely make it quirky, and I still love it, and I will enjoy it again and again.