Shelter
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Movie Reviews of Shelter
Movie Review: One of my favorites
Summary: 5 Stars
Without a doubt, Shelter is one of my favorite gay-themed movies. The director called it the "anti-Brokeback" and I would have to agree. It's a beautifully written love story that just happens to revolve around two guys, one of whom is on a journey to discover his affectional orientation.
What I loved:
* A new gay image. Both of the main characters, Zach and Shaun, are completely non-stereotypical. They just happen to be gay.
* Happy ending. I'm a sucker for a happy ending and it's good to see that Zach and Shaun live happily ever after. Too many gay movies make it look like gay = drama and heartbreak.
* Sex is kept to a minimum. What little they show is done tastefully. We see nothing below the waist.
* The eye contact they share provides a level of non-sexual intimacy never before seen in a gay movie. These characters are in love. They don't have to say it, because you can see it.
* No fag hag! Zach has an on-and-off girlfriend (Tori) at the beginning of the movie. When she starts to suspect his confusion, she backs off and gives him time to come to terms with himself. She's very much not a gay groupie.
What I disliked:
* Too short. The movie was only 90 minutes, including credits. Some parts felt rushed. Everything was fully fleshed, but I felt it could have gone on another half hour.
* Casting quirks. Tina Holmes' (Jeanne) performance was slightly under-par, compared to everybody else's.
Movie Review: Touching and emotionally charged without being sappy...
Summary: 5 Stars
I watched this movie almost like I would have watched a fairy-tale. Actually, considering, I would say Zach is a modern Cinderella... His desires always came second after his family's and he didn't even realize how much his sister (or his absent father for that matter) took him for granted. And when his chance to have a life eventually came his way he almost pushed it away. Felt bad for Shaun - who didn't deserve at all Zach's rebiffs and second thoughts - but oh, how understandable these second thoughts and self-guessing were...
It would be difficult to choose favourite moments in the movie. There were several - loved a lot the 'fast forward over few days' silent scenes - the first showing the beginning of Zach-Shaun relationship and the last one showing a glimpse of their and Cody's life, the touching moment of Zach's apology, the comic of almost-discovery by Gabe of our couple in bed and so many others.
And, if there was any doubt, there is a happy ending. To paraphrase a publishing site, maybe there is not the certitude of 'happily ever after' but there is absolute a 'happy ending for now'. Which, considering your own quota of optimism could easily be upgraded to 'ever after'.:-)
I highly recommend this movie. It will prove a very enjoyable entertainement and will leave you smiling happily at 'the end' moment.
If you seek for more however, a big movie to make you thinking etc, this is not it.
Movie Review: Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy ...
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie is probably one of the most "make-me-feel-good" gay-themed movies that I have ever seen and overall a very satisfying experience. What I love about this movie is that it doesn't give the usual cliche of traumatic past or tortured soul ... it is plain sweet, sexy, and down-to-earth. Added with luscious backdrops of San Pedro beaches, surfings, sunsets, AND AMAZING soundtrack - this is basically what gay-themed movies I have long wished for.
Because falling in love could be gentle, beautiful and rewarding - even among M/M. Sometimes there is no need for over-the-top or dramatic situation. This movie is also a story about commitment to other family members and acceptance of one's sexual preference over the other.
Both main actors make the relationship work and truly believable. The sex is romantic and sensual without having to show full body nudity. When it comes to that first love making, you can feel the tension that lead up to there and it's perfect. There are also those scenes where both characters just stay in bed, look into each other's eyes ...
It sizzles ALL the way through ... and worth watching more than once. I recommended it to another friend and she loved it as much as I do. So yeah, this is one well rec'd movie.
The only complain that I have is the length of the movie. In only 85 minutes, this movie is just TOO DA*N SHORT!
Movie Review: lyrical, sweet and poignant
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm previewing "Shelter" for the Brisbane Queer Film Festival where it screens on Saturday 24th May 2008. "Shelter" shines as a film with huge heart, and one that's been made with equal care by the actors and all of the film-makers.
It's not at all like the angst-ridden abomination of a gay surf flick "Tan Lines". In "Shelter" surfing is simply a fact of life element - it's not used or abused as a device.
"Shelter" is a beautifully edited, spectacular looking and luscious sounding film which is definitely character driven. Each of the main characters is carefully developed so that we quite soon decide that we really do care about Zach, his young nephew Cody and Zach's love interest, Shaun. We want things to work out for them.
We understand that Zach is in a bind - he's allowed himself to be the physical and emotional anchor for a progressively more dysfunctional family, but we know that he deserves much better life options. The writer and director of Shelter has done a fantastic job - not a look or word is wasted, and yet the whole pace of the film is very relaxed.
"Shelter" deserves every accolade that any individual or Festival might care to bestow.
Straight audiences must find "Shelter" to be equally rewarding. The film's theme is, after all, about love, honour and commitment. What could be more wholesome than that?
Movie Review: Wonderful movie
Summary: 5 Stars
I love this movie. I'm not interested in either surfing or California, but that's no handicap to enjoying "Shelter," because what it's really about is relationships. The screenplay is sharp and believable, the pace is exactly right, the story is engaging without being too melodramatic, and the ending is both very happy and completely believable, unusual and welcome in a gay movie.
Brad Rowe's performance is fine and understated, appropriate for the slightly older and more experienced lover, and Trevor Wright is amazing in a strong, intense, very intelligent performance. I'd never heard of him before, but I'll be looking for more.
I'm glad to see such talented straight actors willing and able to play gay in non-stereotyped roles. And I'm very grateful and surprised that neither man has the gym body that seems to be required in gay entertainment nowadays. It's so refreshing to see bodies that don't look like they've been tortured.
Tina Holmes as always is excellent, and Ross Thomas is very funny and sweet as the brother/best friend. But best of all are Jonah Markowitz's wonderful screenplay and direction. This movie is smart, subtle, immensely entertaining, entirely believable, and never boring, predictable, or depressing. I love it.