Gone, But Not Forgotten
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Movie Reviews of Gone, But Not Forgotten
Movie Review: Wished I had seen it on the big screen
Summary: 5 Stars
Movies for me have always had a "bigger than life" impact when seen on the big screen for the first time. I wished I have had my initial viewing of this film at the theatre. This flick is definitely one of the better gay romance movies to come out over the past few years that can be appreciated by both gay and straight audiences. If Michael Akers can do this remarkable, credible, and satisifying a project on his limited budget for this film, I can't wait to see what he will do when the "bank vaults are open." The dialogue and scenes do jump awkwardly a bit from time to time, but nothing that detracts or cheapens the overall quality of this film. No, this is not a "Meryl Streep- Oscar-worthy" movie. If it were, the true power of this flick would have been lost.This likeable cast has a great chemistry together, which added to my enjoyment of the film. What is all the more amazing is that this was the movie debut of all the actors. Aaron Orr (Drew Parker) put forth a wonderful and credible effort of making me laugh, making me cry, and bonding me to his character as few actors have over the past few years. My big surprise was the supporting role of Ariadne Shaffer as Catherine Reeves. I thought I was in a "time warp" watching Kathleen Turner 20 years ago! Matthew Montgomery (Mark Reeves) put in a great effort of creating the sensitive, confused amnesia victim and expressing to the audience Mark's coming to terms with his sexuality and who he really loves. Bravo Aaron, Ariadne, and Matthew! We will be all the better seeing these upcoming actors in future projects over the next few years.
The chemistry and bond between Drew and Mark was very evident throughout their scenes together and the main reason this film doesn't disappoint. The love scene between the two main characters goes beyond the typical Hollywood "sanitized" scenes, but is tastefully and affectionately done.
Michael Akers' first film is a recommend "must-see" for all romantics out there. It is not a surprise this film was the official selection at almost a dozen or so showings around the 2003 festival circut. With the just the right balance of humor, happy, hope, sad, and serious, this film gets better and more satisifying to me upon each viewing. Good cast, good dialogue, and great cinematography... get a date, turn down the lights, cuddle, and enjoy! This film has an addicting quality to it that will make you want to watch it again and again.
Movie Review: The Best Indie Film I've Ever Seen
Summary: 5 Stars
This may have been a low-budget film, but the cast and the acting are superb. There are new faces: Aaron Orr, Matthew Montgomery, and some more familiar faces: Bryna Weiss, Joel Bryant, Brenda Lasker, Ariadne Shaffer. The acting from all is brilliant and their portrayal of their characters is absolutely believable. There's none of the attitude and arrogance that so often marks and mars the performance of Hollywood's chosen few.
I was especially impressed with Aaron Orr who was absolutely natural and never missed a beat in his role as one of the two central characters. Matthew Montgomery seemed a bit forced early on, but came into his own and gave a sterling performance overall. Watch the film once, then watch it again and look more closely at the eyes of the two as they interact.
The rest of the cast play their roles with flair, and give a depth to their characters that becomes more apparent with each viewing (this is a move you will want to watch again and again).
The film goes places that Hollywood has apparently forgotten how to go. Whether you're gay, straight, or anything in between (even Druids will find something to be enthused about in this movie ;-), you'll find yourself emotionally involved with the characters and wishing the film didn't have to end. If you've got one spark of romance in your soul, this movie will set it to blazing (to paraphrase Granny Clampett speaking about her Spring Tonic).
Michael Akers and Sandon Berg can be proud to have created one of the finest movies that, in my humble opinion, has ever been made.
Watch it, and prepare to be entertained, kept on the edge of your seat, compelled to identify with at least one character in the film, and most importantly, to smile. If your faith in humanity has been eroded by watching the world unfold around you in recent years, you'll come away from this film with the conviction that there may be some hope after all.
The musical score is worth the price of the movie, by itself. Especially, the beautiful and haunting Staring Straight Into The Sun, by the very talented Jared Young. I've had the song stuck in my head for days.
Enjoy!
Movie Review: Simply superb
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased this film upon the reviews that I had read and it was absolutely well worth the money and the wait.This may not have started off with a multi million dollar financial package but it truly did not need it. There are no faults I can find with this film.
As others have said, the chemistry between Drew and Mark and that between Drew and most of the cast was brilliant and had just the right amount of humour as well as a basic feeling of wanting to be needed. It showed perfectly the relationship between Drew and each of the people who surround him and how they react to his slightly carefree attitude to life but the best thing is that it doesn't make him seem careless only carefree. This means that when he says that all he wants is someone to come home too you feel that he really means it and it is not for effect.
The ending may have been obvious to some within the first ten or so minutes but it did not stop the warm feeling rising when it happened and when Mark finally realised who he was and who wanted. The idea of not showing the incident and how Mark lost his memory was very well thought out. It gave us small glimpses throughout the film until the end when you finally get to see how the whole thing happened and why Drew reacts through the film as he does.
This a really very good film and is one that people should watch who want a feelgood film with what I can only describe as the perfect ending.
A TRULY TERRIFIC FILM.
Movie Review: First-time actors/director- and it's a winner!
Summary: 5 Stars
Simply put- this is the best, affectingly told gay romance films to be released over the past few years. If you walk away from this one and not moved by this impressive debut movie by Michael Akers- you're the Tin Man in "The Wizard of Oz"- no heart! (heh heh) This movie will win you over on many levels- characters, plot, direction, and cinematography. Do not rate the merits and "final product" of this film against bigger budgeted gay-themed films currently available, many of which disappoint with their "been there; done that" plots and stereotypes such as "The Trip" and "Friends & Family." You will be comparing "apples to oranges" and miss the message of this simple film. "Gone..." successfully shows the honest portryal of two gay men in their growing feelings as a couple in a honest but tasteful manner. In most main-stream "Hollywood" gay-theme films, the writers and directors seem more afraid not to offend and dilute the actors' characters and actions so you walk away from the film thinking you saw two "straight buddies," not two gay men in genuine affection for each other. Mr. Akers has taken a much needed "next step" in breaking that pattern with this film.
I definitely recommend this one for your DVD collection over many other run-of-the-mill gay-themed movies available. It is also fun, entertaining, and informative to watch playing the commentary track with Michael Akers and Matthew Montgomery.
Movie Review: Wonderful!
Summary: 5 Stars
It isn't often these days that a movie fulfills all my requirements as a viewer. Gone, But Not Forgotten did, leaving me satisfied and happy after watching this fantastic movie. Recommended by a friend, it isn't the type of genre I would normally watch. I decided to persevere, as I'm disillusioned with most of the movies that are made these days.
Captivated from the beginning with the character of Drew and the intrigue surrounding Mark I eagerly awaited the story to unfold. By the end of movie I was astounded that the story had consisted of intrigue, drama, comedy, angst, sexuality, death and love all interwoven by amazing storytelling.
The comedic touches are based on simple life events and had me laughing out loud. The romantic scenes are beautifully done. A strong emotional scene had me in tears, it was heart breaking. The attention to detail to tie everything together at the end is perfect.
The scenery and setting is gorgeous. The fact that the movie was made on a really small budget is astounding. It goes to show that if you have a good story and dedicated movie makers then millions of dollars are not necessary.
The only bad thing about this movie is that is had to end.
I've watched this movie a few times and will continue to do so as it makes me happy.