Reviews

The further removed from watching this film, the more chance I had to change my initial impressions of it. There was some very nice acting by Brad Hallowell--very impressive in his film debut and in the starring role,no less (and just an incredibly sexy, adorable guy). Gregory J. Lucas was also good as Andrew.

The female roles were poorly cast/poorly written/poorly acted in some combination at almost every time. Also, while the guys seemed to be able to play younger (18), the women playing the high school girls seemed way too old and the woman playing Joe's mother was RIDICULOUSLY too young.

The high school girls were caricatures -- overly silly and just didn't have real roles. The sister was also not believable--although I think it was more the writing that her acting.

Story-wise, it was enjoyable and seemed to have a nice arc. However, there were huge leaps in the plot--sometimes between scenes, sometimes right in the MIDDLE of scenes. There were also some twists/tangents that didn't really fit to the story. The script and the film could both have used some better editing and the direction seemed non-existent in stretches.

All that said, I would still recommend seeing this movie--on the strength of the acting by the leads, their on-screen chemistry, and the viewer's interest in learning what happens to them.

Very enjoyable, well-acted, well-scripted romantic movie! It's hard to believe this is Mr. Portugal's debut film. It doesn't hurt that the movie is chock-full of really cute actors, with enough shirtless scenes and quick rump shots that titillate. ;)

Great characters--almost all the main characters were fully developed. Unlike many gay films, some female characters were given genuine roles and they soared with them. There was definitely a chemistry between ALL of the actors and the movie flowed very well.

Standout performances by René Alvarado as Diego and Irene DeBarri as his grandmother.

This is the best film I have seen so far this year at New Fest in NYC.

OK. I am NEVER, EVER, EVER again going to trust a movie review in the Gay press. After fawning all over this film and Cox's writing, I have to wonder who is getting payola and who is just afraid to say that the emperor has no clothes. I should have learned my lesson after Mambo Italiano, which the Gay press would have you believe was My Big Fat Greek Wedding--done "correctly" and better--when it was a waste of money to see in the theater.

Every cliche in the book was used in Latter Days...let's see...cute, shallow guy? Check. Cute, innocent boy? Check. Queeny black sidekick? Check. Understanding gal pal? Check. Saintly older parental substitute? Check. Homophobic climactic scene? Check. Older, wise, AIDS-infected character? Check. Idiotic chain of circumstances that link all of the main characters? Check.

The dialog was about as well written as George Lucas' drivel from Attack of the Clones. I burst out laughing several times at what were supposed to be "serious" moments and felt horribly embarrassed for the actors having to spew the crap written in their scripts. The actors mostly did a fine job, given the material. The two leads were certainly fun to look at. Sandvoss in particular portrayed what seemed to be a very genuine character. The sex scene was completely underwhelming from what I had expected from reading the gushing reviews.

Don't get me wrong. I enjoy fun, funny, non-serious gay romantic comedies. Straight people get to see them all the time why shouldn't we? Instead of wasting your cash on this (until it hits video), go rent All Over The Guy or I Think I Do for a good date movie.