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jorgequeiros-pt
Reviews
Our Son (2023)
As a gay man, I'm not feeling it
If you run out of queer flicks or are a fan of Luke Evans and Billy Porter, sure, give it a try.
I don't know what the point of this film is other than the LGBTI representation. I do appreciate good queer representation, don't get me wrong. But even on that point I have issues that I'll save for later.
The story revolves around a divorce, with a kid in the mix, and despite having two great leading actors doing their best, it's no "Marriage Story" or "Kramer vs. Kramer". There's no big dramatic scenes, there's no deep dive into the characters... It's just lackluster.
On one hand I would expect that two gay men with some level of privilege would know better how to manage their communication. On the other hand, the divorce is understandable. Nicky, the white husband who supports the family, is close to the typical discreet and masculine man, and, like many straight dudes, he barely takes responsibility for his son. Gabriel, the black husband, on the contrary, abandoned his artistic career when their son was born to take care of him. Very traditional heteronormative for a gay couple if you ask me.
This is where the good queer representation becomes questionable to me.
It becomes clear that the reason they both got married was to have a family through children. But as a couple they are not a family. No chemistry, different backgrounds, different ideas how to raise a kid... The movie failed to make me believe in them, or root for them.
I Care a Lot (2020)
You don't have to care to watch it! But please do.
Nothing special, but it's still a great thriller. Don't be fooled by the bad reviews, which only exist because someone didn't notice the satirical tone of the film. Also, the main character is a woman. If she were a man, there wouldn't be so much hate.
Now, do not create high expectations. The film has a dark comic side, and has a false epiphany in its message. The characters are bad people in many ways. But that is what makes this film interesting. You don't root for anyone in particular, you just watch the chaos and the story unfold until the last minute. Without saying much about the plot, the film makes you think about how far you are willing to go to be rich, and how easy it is to take advantage of older people while abiding by the laws.
Rosamund Pike is great as the cold and calculating main character, and makes you both appreciate and hate her. Peter Dinklage brings the tension, stillness, agitation and frustration that the viewer expects. Solid performances from both.
Could the film be more realistic? Yes. But it would lose what sets it apart from the most popular tense dramas and non-stop action features. It's a yes from me.
Date and Switch (2014)
For GAY and SRAIGHT dudes.
As a gay man, I'm happy to see a gay-related-film without sex scenes or stereotypical characters. There's no flags, awkward coming outs, clichés or any of that. In fact, this isn't as much a gay-related film as it is about friendship. We get to see two guys, both dealing with their newly discovered difference and trying to stay friends in their own way.
For the straight audience, I believe this can be equally funny and touching. The movie really shows how a straight guy can still be friends with a gay dude. Nothing has to change. Also, it's nice to see a gay character that isn't effeminate, overly dramatic or promiscuous. An original and refreshing teen story I must say.