This is one of those movies that I confidently predict will wind up being considered much better as time goes on than the critics said at its inception. It's especially funny (and biting on occasion) if you happened to have lived through the first rush of AIDS deaths and the fear that engendered. This whole movie is a send up of that, and revels in the idea that sex and life go on even in the aftermath of terror. The Hoe-down fantasy sequence with its overtones of Busby Berkley and Oklahoma is hysterically funny. As for the acting, it's purposely broad with Patrick Steward playing against type, both in his role of Picard and in his many Shakespearean ones. Steve Weber is a hoot and there is no doubt in my mind that the other actors had a blast working in this flick. Many of them appear to have that "look" you see when actors are performing for their peers and enjoying every moment of it. The Pink Panthers moment alone lets Stewart shine. Are there flaws in the movie. Yup! The dialogue is sometimes stilted and jokes occasionally are dumped in rather than flowing from the plot, but overall it's witty, biting, and downright rapier-like on more than one occasion. All in all, Jeffrey is fun and worth an hour or so of your life.
60 Reviews
A touching AIDS comedy? Sure, why not?
JasonTyne12 March 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This is a very silly movie. If you don't think that a movie about AIDS can be silly, you need to see this movie. Susan Sontag would be very happy to see a movie that defies the thought that AIDS=death, and that AIDS (or the fear of it) doesn't stop love or life. Jeffrey is a gay man in New York City who suddenly decides to stop having sex. His plan goes well until he meets a gorgeous man in the gym that he can't stop thinking about. The more he tries to maintain a sex-free lifestyle, the more he thinks about this man. His feelings for the man is complicated when it it revealed to Jeffrey that the man is HIV+. It's as smart as an ironic romantic comedy can be and as funny as a movie about life can be. Personally I think that Patrick Stewart was directed to be far to gay than he needs to be (Not all gay men are limp-wristed, Patrick.) and the world doesn't need another gay priest joke, but you can't take this movie to seriously. After all it's a romantic comedy!
It's Still Our Party
dwr2468 May 2006
Warning: Spoilers
The world is a scary place, and serious contemplation of that could be enough to cause anyone to shut down. So, what happens when, in the face of the AIDS tragedy, one handsome, young gay man decides that he'd rather be celibate than risk it all? Worse yet, what happens when he then meets the man of his dreams who turns out to be HIV positive? Rent this little gem to find out.
Jeffrey (Steven Weber) is a handsome, young, single gay man in New York City, who is letting his fear of AIDS run his life. In fact, he is so afraid of AIDS that he has decided that celibacy is the only way to protect himself from it. And considering the kinds of sexual encounters we see him engaged in during the opening sequence of the film, that may not be such a bad idea. His closest friends, Sterling (Patrick Stewart), a wise old decorator, and his partner, Darius (Bryan Batta), a dancer in the musical Cats, don't necessarily agree with Jeffrey, but they remain supportive. And then one day at the gym, Jeffrey meets trainer, Steve Howard (Michael T. Weiss), a very handsome man who is very interested in Jeffrey. After agonizing over the decision, Jeffrey agrees to go out with Steve, but before their first date, Steve tells Jeffrey that he is HIV positive, and Jeffrey cancels. As the movie goes on, Jeffrey experiences several life changing events which cause him to question the wisdom of his insistence on celibacy, and to wonder if a life without risks is a life worth living.
It's rather a delightful script, full of wit and silliness, and flights of fancy. But underneath it all, there is a seriousness to the message, which only makes the comedy that much funnier. And its message about taking risks in life is one that should resonate universally.
The acting was superb. Batt's uneducated, kept dancer is nicely done, in that we see that he's not stupid, he's just not sophisticated. Stewart camps it up with hilarious results, and yet his serious scenes show just how much range and talent this fine actor has. Weiss gives a nice performance as a man with a confident exterior who is still quite vulnerable underneath. Weber plays Jeffrey's uncertainty very well, and is surprisingly good as a gay man.
Fun little film that shouldn't be taken too seriously, but which still has a serious message. And one well worth watching.
Jeffrey (Steven Weber) is a handsome, young, single gay man in New York City, who is letting his fear of AIDS run his life. In fact, he is so afraid of AIDS that he has decided that celibacy is the only way to protect himself from it. And considering the kinds of sexual encounters we see him engaged in during the opening sequence of the film, that may not be such a bad idea. His closest friends, Sterling (Patrick Stewart), a wise old decorator, and his partner, Darius (Bryan Batta), a dancer in the musical Cats, don't necessarily agree with Jeffrey, but they remain supportive. And then one day at the gym, Jeffrey meets trainer, Steve Howard (Michael T. Weiss), a very handsome man who is very interested in Jeffrey. After agonizing over the decision, Jeffrey agrees to go out with Steve, but before their first date, Steve tells Jeffrey that he is HIV positive, and Jeffrey cancels. As the movie goes on, Jeffrey experiences several life changing events which cause him to question the wisdom of his insistence on celibacy, and to wonder if a life without risks is a life worth living.
It's rather a delightful script, full of wit and silliness, and flights of fancy. But underneath it all, there is a seriousness to the message, which only makes the comedy that much funnier. And its message about taking risks in life is one that should resonate universally.
The acting was superb. Batt's uneducated, kept dancer is nicely done, in that we see that he's not stupid, he's just not sophisticated. Stewart camps it up with hilarious results, and yet his serious scenes show just how much range and talent this fine actor has. Weiss gives a nice performance as a man with a confident exterior who is still quite vulnerable underneath. Weber plays Jeffrey's uncertainty very well, and is surprisingly good as a gay man.
Fun little film that shouldn't be taken too seriously, but which still has a serious message. And one well worth watching.
I just adore this film
linda.c18 November 2000
I first saw this film on TV, and was gobsmacked (a British expression!) at Patrick Stewart's performance- this is totally unlike anything else I have seen him in.
However, I soon discovered that there many more superb performances in Jeffrey... from the smallest roles (usually played by bigger names than you'd expect!) to the main roles entrusted to Stephen Weber & Michael Weiss. I managed to have a marvelous time just star spotting!
I found this so hilariously funny in some scenes, and yet full of pathos in others that I ended up laughing & crying at the same time. In the end I just had to buy it, so I can watch it as often as I want. Be broadminded, and give this film a go... it won't disappoint.
However, I soon discovered that there many more superb performances in Jeffrey... from the smallest roles (usually played by bigger names than you'd expect!) to the main roles entrusted to Stephen Weber & Michael Weiss. I managed to have a marvelous time just star spotting!
I found this so hilariously funny in some scenes, and yet full of pathos in others that I ended up laughing & crying at the same time. In the end I just had to buy it, so I can watch it as often as I want. Be broadminded, and give this film a go... it won't disappoint.
Life's a lottery when you come down to it
bkoganbing22 June 2018
Seeing and writing a review of Jeffrey 23 years after the film came out and now
having the perspective of history I can only come to the conclusion that life is
truly a lottery. Some people I knew who were diagnosed with AIDS in the early
80s are still here to tell the tale. Others are in the HIV+ status and have never
developed the disease. And others I knew were diagnosed and went in weeks.
They're all part of fabric of our lives, there stories should be remembered and
told.
Jeffrey is a mostly comic film that turns serious in the last 20 minutes or so. Steven Weber in the title role is a 30 something gay man who has met the man of his dreams as so many did in the gym. Michael T. Weiss however has just been diagnosed as HIV+. For those unfamiliar he's been exposed the antibodies to the HIV virus have been discovered and he could develop the disease. Could, but that's the crapshoot of life.
Anyway he's decided to be celibate and fill his life with other things. But could it be too late romantically because HIV+ status or not, these two look fated to be mated.
Patrick Stewart looks like he's having a ball camping it up as Weber's older gay friend Jeffrey. Then Stewart gets deadly serious as he faces burying his young partner Bryan Batt. His scene with Weber in the hospital is just classic.
I have to give mention to Nathan Lane who chooses to practice his art mostly for the stage. He has a great part as a not so celibate priest. His scene as Weber seeks some spiritual guidance is also quite classic.
I think the moral of the story is that when you find a soulmate grab that person of whatever gender and hold on as tight as you can. That's Jeffrey's story and it's well told.
Jeffrey is a mostly comic film that turns serious in the last 20 minutes or so. Steven Weber in the title role is a 30 something gay man who has met the man of his dreams as so many did in the gym. Michael T. Weiss however has just been diagnosed as HIV+. For those unfamiliar he's been exposed the antibodies to the HIV virus have been discovered and he could develop the disease. Could, but that's the crapshoot of life.
Anyway he's decided to be celibate and fill his life with other things. But could it be too late romantically because HIV+ status or not, these two look fated to be mated.
Patrick Stewart looks like he's having a ball camping it up as Weber's older gay friend Jeffrey. Then Stewart gets deadly serious as he faces burying his young partner Bryan Batt. His scene with Weber in the hospital is just classic.
I have to give mention to Nathan Lane who chooses to practice his art mostly for the stage. He has a great part as a not so celibate priest. His scene as Weber seeks some spiritual guidance is also quite classic.
I think the moral of the story is that when you find a soulmate grab that person of whatever gender and hold on as tight as you can. That's Jeffrey's story and it's well told.
There are millions of stories in the gay naked city, and this is one of them....
mark.waltz29 June 2013
Warning: Spoilers
New York City, mid 1990's, the heart of America's theater community, a mecca for artists, and thus, filled with a gay population that is certain to be over the rumored 10 percent. For handsome Steve Weber, frustration with his sex life and lack of a romantic life, his decision to concentrate only on working out is stalled with a handsome spotter (Michael Weiss) who happens to be HIV positive. This at first isn't an obstacle for the somewhat neurotic Weber but when it comes to making it to their first date, he can't bring himself to go there. So what does Weiss do? Call him up and ball him out? No. Go to a bar and drink to forget? No. He cries a little, dances around the room to get over his hurt, but then picks himself up, dusts himself off, and starts all over again. But like Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli in "Arthur", Weber and Weiss get caught between the moon and New York City, and thanks to some very understanding friends (among them, acerbic Patrick Stewart), come to terms with their differences, all with humor and tears, and only a bit of pathos.
Gay camp humor is abound here as you have Sigourney Weaver as a self-help guru (she can spot a homosexual and a heavy-set woman with low-self esteem immediately in her audience), Christine Baranski as a socialite hosting a "Hoe-down for AIDS", Olympia Dukakis as the mother of a transsexual lesbian (shades of her character from "Tales From the City") and Nathan Lane as a show-tune singing priest. Stewart offers both bitchy humor ("Does this scarf make me look like some gay super hero?") and wise father-like advice as he deals with his own crisis (his dying lover, a chorus boy from "Cats" who shocks Stewart by revealing he has no idea who Ann Miller is!), while a cigarette smoking Mother Theresa look-alike keeps popping in and out. There's wonderful sights of New York's Greewich and West Village (Sheraton Square and Washington Square) and a disturbing gay bashing scene (where one of them appears to be hiding his own sexuality), plus a starry finale that might appear over the top and unrealistic, but certainly every romantic gay man's fantasy. So this isn't a picture perfect adaption of a hit Broadway play, but it is totally entertaining and fast moving, one that may satisfy more for its moments than its total structure. The acting is first rate, although some of the performances are often characteratures rather than fleshed out individuals. This makes it a bit sitcomish in spots, but in the case of this film, that is not an obstacle to enjoying it, only a minor snafu.
Gay camp humor is abound here as you have Sigourney Weaver as a self-help guru (she can spot a homosexual and a heavy-set woman with low-self esteem immediately in her audience), Christine Baranski as a socialite hosting a "Hoe-down for AIDS", Olympia Dukakis as the mother of a transsexual lesbian (shades of her character from "Tales From the City") and Nathan Lane as a show-tune singing priest. Stewart offers both bitchy humor ("Does this scarf make me look like some gay super hero?") and wise father-like advice as he deals with his own crisis (his dying lover, a chorus boy from "Cats" who shocks Stewart by revealing he has no idea who Ann Miller is!), while a cigarette smoking Mother Theresa look-alike keeps popping in and out. There's wonderful sights of New York's Greewich and West Village (Sheraton Square and Washington Square) and a disturbing gay bashing scene (where one of them appears to be hiding his own sexuality), plus a starry finale that might appear over the top and unrealistic, but certainly every romantic gay man's fantasy. So this isn't a picture perfect adaption of a hit Broadway play, but it is totally entertaining and fast moving, one that may satisfy more for its moments than its total structure. The acting is first rate, although some of the performances are often characteratures rather than fleshed out individuals. This makes it a bit sitcomish in spots, but in the case of this film, that is not an obstacle to enjoying it, only a minor snafu.
"Jeffrey" not just for gay people-it's a story of awakenings
the24Frans27 March 2005
I watched "Jeffrey" with my Husband earlier tonight. I had meant to watch it for years, but it was a "gay" film, a genre which I love, but often eschew because these films always make me think--even "La Cage aux Folles" had a deep and abiding lesson or two hidden inside.) The themes often involve intolerance, and the traumatic impact of AIDS on the entire gay community; even if the film is a comedy, I find these themes fill me with empathic pain and frustration. I decided to brave those themes despite my female tear ducts this evening, and I was glad I did.
This film was silly. This film was witty. The dialogue is sparkling. All those things made it wonderful to watch. The characters we meet are intriguing, and though the 2-dimensional stereotypes are made for laughs, we get the feeling that we are laughing at the strange mix of truth and falsehood many of the stereotypes possess; we are laughing not at people who are "flaming" but at characters who are exuberant, joyous people, trying to squeeze every bit of joy and delight that they can out of every moment.
I won't spoil the journey through this story with any specifics, let's just say that Jeffrey doesn't quite get it. It is both painful and joyful at turns watching the character navigate through a turning point in his life. I laughed, I got choked up, and then I laughed again, and again ad infinitum. This is not a "gay" movie. It's a character driven story that we can all identify with, if our minds and hearts are open.
This film was silly. This film was witty. The dialogue is sparkling. All those things made it wonderful to watch. The characters we meet are intriguing, and though the 2-dimensional stereotypes are made for laughs, we get the feeling that we are laughing at the strange mix of truth and falsehood many of the stereotypes possess; we are laughing not at people who are "flaming" but at characters who are exuberant, joyous people, trying to squeeze every bit of joy and delight that they can out of every moment.
I won't spoil the journey through this story with any specifics, let's just say that Jeffrey doesn't quite get it. It is both painful and joyful at turns watching the character navigate through a turning point in his life. I laughed, I got choked up, and then I laughed again, and again ad infinitum. This is not a "gay" movie. It's a character driven story that we can all identify with, if our minds and hearts are open.
OK but lacking
preppy-34 December 2000
This takes place when AIDS was still killing guys left and right. Gay Jeffrey (Steven Weber) loves sex but is terrified that he'll get AIDS. So he decides to give up sex completely. Then he meets handsome, hunky Steve (Michael T. Weiss) and falls in love. Michael feels the same way...but he's HIV+. Can Jeffrey fight his fear?
First off, the play was better. Some of the humor that worked so well on stage fell flat on a movie screen. Second, Weber is miscast. He's handsome, muscular but he can't act. However, I give him credit for playing an openly gay man so easily. Third, the direction is really off. I don't recognize the director's name, but comedy is not his forte. His direction really destroyed some of the jokes. Other than that, this is an OK movie. Michael T. Weiss is beautiful (and hunky) and one hell of an actor. Patrick Stewart played a gay older man to perfection--I couldn't believe it when I found out he was straight. Also the scenes with Olympia Dukakis, Sigourney Weaver and Nathan Lane are great! Also a great romantic ending with a few nice, long kisses. So, worth seeing but no great movie. If only they had a better leading man and a better director it might have worked.
First off, the play was better. Some of the humor that worked so well on stage fell flat on a movie screen. Second, Weber is miscast. He's handsome, muscular but he can't act. However, I give him credit for playing an openly gay man so easily. Third, the direction is really off. I don't recognize the director's name, but comedy is not his forte. His direction really destroyed some of the jokes. Other than that, this is an OK movie. Michael T. Weiss is beautiful (and hunky) and one hell of an actor. Patrick Stewart played a gay older man to perfection--I couldn't believe it when I found out he was straight. Also the scenes with Olympia Dukakis, Sigourney Weaver and Nathan Lane are great! Also a great romantic ending with a few nice, long kisses. So, worth seeing but no great movie. If only they had a better leading man and a better director it might have worked.
Awesome Movie!
firesosweetie20 April 2005
This is one of my favorite movies. This movie takes a very serious subject and presents it in a very light-hearted manner. There were times when I wasn't sure if I should have been laughing or crying. My favorite scenes had much to do with the quasi-comical nature in which AIDs is presented, and how each character acts, reacts, and is affected by the sickness. Rest assured, this movie will keep you interested not only with its story line but with the surprise cameo appearances by some of today's best actors.
Patrick Stewart gives an outstanding performance as "Sterling," however, it is Michael T. Weiss who steals the show! Not only does he look incredible in white spandex, but his performance is incredibly believable. Whether you are a Weiss fan or not, this movie is a must see! Lanie, NY
Patrick Stewart gives an outstanding performance as "Sterling," however, it is Michael T. Weiss who steals the show! Not only does he look incredible in white spandex, but his performance is incredibly believable. Whether you are a Weiss fan or not, this movie is a must see! Lanie, NY
Entertaining, if not great cinema
cgd320725 May 2009
When Rudnick's right, he's unbeatable (Addams Family Values, In & Out) and when he's not, he reeks (Isn't She Great). Not having seen Jeffrey as a play, I can't attest to its workability in that form, but as a film, it never really gets off the ground. But as a series of loosely-connected vignettes, it's entertaining.
The cameos by various stars are very good; Patrick Stewart's performance outshines the vehicle; and a number of trenchant points about America's ongoing confusion about sexuality are made.
I have to keep writing because there's a minimum number of lines of text, which is a completely stupid rule.
The cameos by various stars are very good; Patrick Stewart's performance outshines the vehicle; and a number of trenchant points about America's ongoing confusion about sexuality are made.
I have to keep writing because there's a minimum number of lines of text, which is a completely stupid rule.
Can love among gays be carefree?
lib-419 October 1998
This movie vascillated wildly from being maudlin to hilarious. The one thing it proved was that television talent doesn't always translate to the movies. Steven Weber was wooden, but Michael Weiss sexy and believable. Nathan Lane as a gay priest was funny as was Sigourney Weaver. Patrick Stewart was the best thing about this movie- his wisdom and composure at the illnes and death of Darius showed remarkable understanding of the condition of life and death in today's gay community.
It didn't get the credit it deserves.
kathygclawson13 February 2002
Jeffrey is the story of a young gay man, who, in this day of AIDS, decides to give up sex, and the very next day meets the hunk of his dreams. Steven Weber, Michael T Weiss and Patrick Stewart give Oscar worthy performanscs in a film few even know of. It is not truly a 'gay' film , but one about the confusion of true love and the heartbreak of loving some one who is ill. It will bring you to the brink of tears, and then make you laugh. I highly recommend it as a must see.
It should have been a major massive blockbuster!
jasonshaw-331-94670731 March 2012
Jeffrey should have been a major massive blockbuster, a sure-fire smash hit, just take a look at some of the names on the cast, Christine Baranski, Patrick Stewart, Sigourney Weaver, Kathy Najimy, Nathan Lane and Olympia Dukakis, yet it failed to set the queer or the straight world alight. Jeffrey a gay romantic comedy from America came out in 1995/6 and was based on a Paul Rudnick play about a young gay New York guy who considers sex is too dangerous in the days of AIDS and commits to a life of celibacy. Just to throw a spanner in the works and pad the film out another hour he meets the man of his dreams, whom surprise surprise just happens to be HIV+.
It starred Steven Weber who was nice enough as the insipid Jeffrey an actor/waiter who is supposed to be AIDSaphobic, which just does not wash. Michael T. Weissis handsome and some nice eye-candy but you just wish he would get on and so something, anything as this film drags on and on and ever on. It would have been a total flop and dire mess on the floor of movie history were it not for the dozens of big names doing small cameos - Olympia Dukakis, Robert Klein, Nathan Lane, Kathy Najimy, Kevin Nealon, Ethan Phillips, Sigourney Weaver and Christine Baranski for example.
Read more and find out where this film made it in the Top 50 Most Influential Gay Movies of All Time book, click this link.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007FU7HPO
It starred Steven Weber who was nice enough as the insipid Jeffrey an actor/waiter who is supposed to be AIDSaphobic, which just does not wash. Michael T. Weissis handsome and some nice eye-candy but you just wish he would get on and so something, anything as this film drags on and on and ever on. It would have been a total flop and dire mess on the floor of movie history were it not for the dozens of big names doing small cameos - Olympia Dukakis, Robert Klein, Nathan Lane, Kathy Najimy, Kevin Nealon, Ethan Phillips, Sigourney Weaver and Christine Baranski for example.
Read more and find out where this film made it in the Top 50 Most Influential Gay Movies of All Time book, click this link.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007FU7HPO
It has some insightful things to say, but it's too silly...
moonspinner551 September 2006
Almost a breakthrough for queer cinema: a homosexual cater-waiter in New York City swears off sex in the AIDS-era but soon finds himself falling for a hunk who is HIV positive. Paul Rudnick adapted his own play for the screen, allowing his gay characters to act upon their desires and not just whine about them (which is what cramped the film-version of "Torch Song Trilogy"). Yet, the tone of the picture wavers as if the filmmakers weren't sure whether they were doing a fanciful comedy, a satire, a tragi-comedy with pathos, a revue, or a love story in the more traditional sense. The central leads (Steven Weber and Michael T. Weiss) are handsome and charming, but the intrusive star-cameos (directed broadly for big laughs) do not work. A semi-serious movie about tentative gay love can always stand a sense of humor (self-effacing or otherwise), but hamming and camping gets old pretty fast. ** from ****
Lighten Up...
NachtvNoir25 January 2003
I've noticed that many of the people who really didn't like this film were taking it way too seriously....Either that or they were expecting too much. Its a comedy, (with some serious underlying issues)...It doesn't pretend to be anything else. I found it fun, light-hearted and adorable. Michael Weiss is yummy as usual, Patrick Stewart adds flair and finesse, Nathan Lane gives yet another spunky fun performance, etc.. If you have high expectations for the film, you're going to be disappointed. If you want to have a good time and a good laugh, give it a go.
Not bad...
Tito-82 April 2000
I had very mixed feelings about this movie. As a comedy, it was fairly pleasant, and occasionally very funny, although some "comedic" scenes simply did not work at all. As a drama, it was somewhat effective, but these scenes seemed a little out of place. But in general, I'm still glad that I saw this film. While the end result was only moderately satisfying, I still admire this attempt to make a generally light-hearted movie even though it focuses on a very serious subject.
Good
manitobaman8118 August 2014
Jeffrey is the story of a gay man decides to give up sex to avoid AIDS but meets the hunk of his dreams. The film is unrelentingly dark, both in camera action and in storyline. From an artistic standpoint, there were plot elements and character developments I didn't think were needed; they do, however, drive the story, which seemed to be their purpose. Weber, Weiss and Stewart give Oscar-worthy performances. It will bring you to tears and make you laugh. It's the kind of film that proves that a small story can be much more meaningful than a larger one. This film was nearly perfect, but sadly still not made for everyone. It's an important film, as well as very entertaining.
sexy and hysterically funny
mahalo-227 July 2000
My sister introduced me to Jeffery a year or so ago and I immediately loved it! The movie is so funny! And Michael T. Weiss of course is the sexiest man alive! Patrick Stewart is phenomenal and the relationship with him and his partner was so touching. Personally I thought that Steve Weber and Michael T. Weiss had tons of chemistry. Just the way they looked at each other was so sweet. Anyway, the whole movie was so funny. I still laugh hysterically when I think about how nobody showed up for the "black gay republicans" section of the gay pride parade.
A Very special movie!
paulclaassen29 July 2023
With AIDS being the subject matter for 'Jeffrey' I had the preconceived idea it was going to be somber and judgmental, despite it being a romantic comedy. Turns out I was completely wrong and this was indeed a very funny movie.
Steven Weber stars as the titular Jeffrey - an unemployed actor who vows never to have sex again "because it is too dangerous". With temptation around every corner, it is proving to be a very difficult task. And then he meets gorgeous hunk Steve (Michael T. Weiss), who happens to be HIV positive.
The film follows Jeffrey and Steve as they enter into a relationship. Off course they encounter obstacles - especially on an intimate level. There are hilarious moments through their adventures and misadventures, and friends they meet along the way. There's eye candy galore!!
Although essentially a comedy, the film also has a fair share of drama, but it never becomes depressing. The dialogue is really funny, and I loved the satire. The film is very well acted. Patrick Stewart, especially was just fabulous! He stole the show in every scene he was in. This man should be gay! Also look out for Nathan Lane as a priest. He is a comedy legend!
The film has a touching, beautiful ending. 'Jeffrey' definitely is a thought-provoking film, told in a funny, lighthearted manner. I've said this before; gay-themed movies are not generally my genre of choice, as I generally found it too clichéd and predictable, but 'Jeffrey' was an absolute delight to watch. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.
Steven Weber stars as the titular Jeffrey - an unemployed actor who vows never to have sex again "because it is too dangerous". With temptation around every corner, it is proving to be a very difficult task. And then he meets gorgeous hunk Steve (Michael T. Weiss), who happens to be HIV positive.
The film follows Jeffrey and Steve as they enter into a relationship. Off course they encounter obstacles - especially on an intimate level. There are hilarious moments through their adventures and misadventures, and friends they meet along the way. There's eye candy galore!!
Although essentially a comedy, the film also has a fair share of drama, but it never becomes depressing. The dialogue is really funny, and I loved the satire. The film is very well acted. Patrick Stewart, especially was just fabulous! He stole the show in every scene he was in. This man should be gay! Also look out for Nathan Lane as a priest. He is a comedy legend!
The film has a touching, beautiful ending. 'Jeffrey' definitely is a thought-provoking film, told in a funny, lighthearted manner. I've said this before; gay-themed movies are not generally my genre of choice, as I generally found it too clichéd and predictable, but 'Jeffrey' was an absolute delight to watch. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.
a fine look at life in a grim moment
lee_eisenberg28 February 2019
I suspect that Christopher Ashley's "Jeffrey" (based on Paul Rudnick's play) will hold a lot more meaning to people who witnessed the AIDS epidemic, but even if you didn't, it's still a pleasure. It essentially looks at the dilemma that a person faces when hoping to have a relationship in a setting where relationships look dangerous. In this case, a young gay man (Steven Weber) is concerned about AIDS and so he decides to abstain from sex entirely, but this choice becomes harder once he's smitten with a handsome man (Michael T. Weiss).
The only problem that I had - at least on the copy that I watched - is that the DVD skipped over a number of scenes (you know how DVDs can do that sometimes); I never got to see the scenes featuring Olympia Dukakis, Sigourney Weaver and Nathan Lane. No matter, I did get to see the hoedown hosted by Christine Baranski (now known as Leonard's mom on "The Big Bang Theory"). That scene alone is worth the watch. This movie is one of the best examples of 1990s indie cinema, and a solid addition to the pantheon of LGBT cinema. Above all, it was neat seeing Patrick Stewart in a role so different from his most famous one. I recommend it.
PS: Gregory Jbara co-starred in another LGBT-themed movie written by Paul Rudnick two years later: "In & Out", which was inspired by Tom Hanks's praise of his gay teacher while accepting his Oscar for "Philadelphia".
The only problem that I had - at least on the copy that I watched - is that the DVD skipped over a number of scenes (you know how DVDs can do that sometimes); I never got to see the scenes featuring Olympia Dukakis, Sigourney Weaver and Nathan Lane. No matter, I did get to see the hoedown hosted by Christine Baranski (now known as Leonard's mom on "The Big Bang Theory"). That scene alone is worth the watch. This movie is one of the best examples of 1990s indie cinema, and a solid addition to the pantheon of LGBT cinema. Above all, it was neat seeing Patrick Stewart in a role so different from his most famous one. I recommend it.
PS: Gregory Jbara co-starred in another LGBT-themed movie written by Paul Rudnick two years later: "In & Out", which was inspired by Tom Hanks's praise of his gay teacher while accepting his Oscar for "Philadelphia".
Fun - Interesting - Good, but not great.... Enjoyable...
mikehamilton15 June 2002
This film is fun.....I like when the characters talk to the audience - it enhances some films....This was interesting for gay viewers - and also good for straight viewers - I especially enjoyed all of the cameos by famous actors.....I loved Olympia Dukakis and her son and Nathan Lane was fantastic as the typical Catholic priest......
Frivolous Candy Floss
plumbweiss13 November 2005
I saw the trailer for this film on another DVD and ordered it on the strength of that. Unfortunately, I was pretty disappointed throughout, save for the enjoyable camping by Patrick Stewart and an all-too-brief appearance by the always deft Nathan Lane.
I think the film is best enjoyed by a female audience, the whole thing plays to camp stereotypes and I think many gay guys will find it insulting. (At least if they're sober..) Certainly Patrick Stewart seems to be enjoying the role, in his pink beret and flouncing neckerchiefs, but generally I'm left thinking it's the woeful product of a straight person's impression of the gay world. Its self-indulgent, self-conscious, smug and embarrassing. Sorry.
I think the film is best enjoyed by a female audience, the whole thing plays to camp stereotypes and I think many gay guys will find it insulting. (At least if they're sober..) Certainly Patrick Stewart seems to be enjoying the role, in his pink beret and flouncing neckerchiefs, but generally I'm left thinking it's the woeful product of a straight person's impression of the gay world. Its self-indulgent, self-conscious, smug and embarrassing. Sorry.
My All-Time Favorite Movie
jlombardy6 June 2006
This is, and has been since 1995, my favorite movie. Jeffrey, staring Steven Weber, Michael T. Weiss, Patrick Stewart and Bryan Bratt, also has many, many parts played by extremely well-known actors. Kathy Najimi, Kevin Nealon, Olympia Dukakis, Sigourney Weaver, Christine Baranski, Victor Garber, Robert Klein, and Camryn Manheim, just to name a few. To sum it up, it shows how important friends are in our time of need. This is one movie I can watch over and over, and I have seen it probably two dozen times or more. The writing, acting and music are flawless, you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll love it! This is the one, single movie I can quote the most amount of lines from.
Trite charity flick not worth watching.
jeskoy29 October 2001
This film views like a bad high school play. Its adaptation from stage to screen should have been better thought out. Acting and writing designed to translate 200 feet across an auditorium is awkward and awful on screen. Directly addressing the audience is difficult to pull off and this film does not even come close to making it work. The worst part of this film it its Hollywood-charity feel. A sort of `Lets use our big names to make a quirky AIDS public service announcement! Isn't showbiz funny?!!' It was slow, heavy-handed, preachy, and worst of all poorly written. If you are a washed up Hollywood wanna-be you might think this film is funny if not, don't waste your time. There are hundreds of gay cinema titles to choose from that won't treat you like a idiot: `All over the Guy', `Beautiful thing' or `Get Real' are in my top ten. Leave `Jeffrey' on the shelf.
Laugh when you're scared
maltcavet4 April 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This is the movie that I always say is the funniest one I've ever seen. It's funny because it doesn't rely on Ashton Kutcher or bad parodies or stupid clichés -- the jokes are tight, unique and, most importantly, have meaning. Any comedy that can make us cry at the death of a Broadway extra from Cats (the poor much maligned Cats) but have us laughing at the one man's desire that he feels he can't have, gives us a depth of meaning not seen in comedic film in quite a while. We've become to dependent on having comedies without a meaning, or a point, or a way of laughing at something as terrifying as the AIDS crisis. Sometimes we want to laugh at that which scares us -- it gives us power over it.
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