Third Man Out (2005 TV Movie)
4/10
Great Idea, Horribly Executed
11 February 2010
When a controversial gay rights activist comes under physical threat from person or persons unknown, he turns to a gay private investigator, expecting unconditional support and assistance. Things don't go well until tragedy strikes...

Fantastic idea that frames a number of interesting questions e.g. does being gay mean automatically accepting and agreeing with all gay politics and attitudes, within the fascinating conceit of presenting a traditional gumshoe who is happily 'out' as a gay man. Sadly, the execution of this relatively low-budget production is frankly terrible, ham-strung by clunking dialogue and some of the worst supporting actor performances I've seen in a while. Chad Allen has charm and chops to spare, and Spence is endearing but for the most part they are horribly hindered by an unimaginative and hackneyed script and a host of wooden performances.

Big shame...

Here's hoping if Joseph Hansen's Brandstetter series ever reaches the screen (small or large), it'll be better than this.
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