Jeffrey
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Movie Reviews of Jeffrey
Movie Review: gr8 movie
Summary: 5 Stars
Jeffrey is funny man who just scared and took everything to another level at least until another guy came his way to explain that it aint bad!Movie Review: Highly enjoyable arthouse film with many special moments..
Summary: 4 Stars
Jeffrey follows a very predictable plot - a 'thirtysomething' gay man is jaded and confused by dating and sex in an era of HIV and emotional distancing. He meets a wonderful guy who is HIV positive and becomes scared and runs away. We then see him work through his issues to eventually become reunited with HIV positive guy. Hhhmmm, certainly sounds like a terrible Hollywood cookie-cutter plot so far.....But what makes this movie special is the low budget nature and the use of 'arthouse' style tricks. Yes, every conceivable trick is employed here - artsy fade outs, character narrative (including direct to camera whilst other actors are frozen), dream sequences and an almost cartoonish quality to the performances. So if you're like me and adore the forementioned arthouse style of film making, this movie is a must see!
Whilst the overall plot may indeed be predictable, the journey to the end is filled with many wonderful moments. We have over the top characters providing hilarious comedy which is contrasted nicely to unexpected moments of raw emotion leading to an emotional rollercoaster of a movie.
Two actors particularly stand out in this movie. Michael T Weiss (from TV's The Pretender and Days of Our Lives ) excels as the HIV positive gay man who thinks he has found someone special in Jeffrey. He really delves deep into the character to deliver a wonderful three dimensional performance of a gay man who is looking for love. Patrick Stewart (well known for his role in Star Trek) plays a flamboyant, over the top, quick witted older gay man to perfection here. Just when you think his role is completely 1 dimensional, we also see a more human side to him.
A special mention must also be made of the numerous cameos made by well know Hollywood actors throughout the movie. Most of their apprearances may be brief, but they all sink their teeth into their respective roles to give us something extra special. Though I won't spoil it for you and tell you who they are....
The predictable plot not withstanding, this movie is a very enjoyable journey through the struggles of gay men during an era of HIV and emotional distancing. The 'arthouse' gimmickry employed may not be appreciated by those who are used the standard Hollywood fare, but for those of us who enjoy thought and experimentation in our movies, Jeffrey will leave you with that wonderful 'goosebump' feeling.....
Movie Review: "Just think of AIDS as the guest that won't leave."
Summary: 4 Stars
In 1995, the light-hearted comedy named "Jeffrey", which examines the troubled life of a fictional gay man named Jeffrey (Steven Weber), was released to theaters. Living in NYC, Jeffrey makes the unusual decision to become celibate due to his fear of contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The gay couple of Sterling (Patrick Stewart) and Darius (Bryan Batt) befriend Jeffrey and introduce him to a single guy named Steve Howard (Michael T. Weiss), but Jeffrey is afraid to get involved with Steve because Steve has HIV. Along the way, an assortment of different people attempt to help Jeffrey, including the psychologist Debra Moorhouse (Sigourney Weaver), Mother Teresa (Irma St. Paule), his father (Peter Maloney), his mother (Debra Monk) and Father Dan (Nathan Lane). Other interesting characters include Acolyte (Kathy Najimy), Mrs. Marcangelo (Olympia Dukakis) and her son Angelique (Gregory Jbara).
The two best performances in the film were those of Patrick Stewart and Nathan Lane. Also very good were those of Bryan Batt, Michael T. Weiss and Olympia Dukakis. Sigourney Weaver, Kathy Najimy and Gregory Jbara were also very entertaining. Unfortunately, the least memorable performance was that of Steven Weber (who is best remembered as the character Brian Michael Hackett in the 1990-1997 TV sit-com "Wings") as his portrayal of Jeffrey was rather wooden. The most memorable scenes in the film include the telephone call with Jeffrey's parents, the church, the parade and the hospital.
Overall, I rate "Jeffrey" with 4 out of 5 stars. It's not a great film, but it is very entertaining.
Movie Review: Good Movie (how generic is that?)
Summary: 4 Stars
To start out - Steven Weber, however likeable he might be, is the only person miscast in this movie. I didn't buy anything he said or did. He just looked uncomfortable the entire way through the movie.That being said - I don't think there is a weak cast member here. There are not a lot of major characters - but lots and lots of great supporting roles. Michael T. Weiss does a great job as Steven.
Sigourney Weaver and Nathan Lane both should have been nominated for Best Supporting roles from this movie. Of course, that would never happen because they could never ever ever play the clips at any televised award show. Both scenes are priceless. Kathy Najimy, Patrick Stewart and Bryan Batt all do outstanding jobs.
...and the scene where Jeffrey talks to his parents on the phone is worth the rental fee alone.
Movie Review: Enthusiastic If Not Gay
Summary: 4 Stars
The professional reviewer missed the main point of Jeffrey's dilemma. He's not so afraid of getting AIDS; he's afraid of falling in love with a man who then dies of it. Most people figure a 50% chance of dying before their spouse; but taking on a person with a known, fatal disease throws those odds way out of kilter and creates a desperate, poignant situation.
Steve Weber is no gayer than George Bush but he certainly is an enthusiastic kisser. This was the first film I saw Michael Weiss in and he totally had me convinced he was gay. I knew Patrick Stewart isn't, but his performance is dead on.
Overall, a very funny movie with a big, big heart.