Trick
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Movie Reviews of Trick
Movie Review: "So, can we go to your place?"
Summary: 5 Stars
Trick is probably one of the best American queer-themed films ever to be produced. And it's an absolute pleasure the revisit this charming little movie, originally released in theatres in 1999 and now out on DVD. Taking place in Manhattan over a twenty-four hour period, Trick tells a tale of a potentially fulfilling relationship in danger of being sacrificed when sex happens too soon.
As the movie opens, we meet Gabe (Christian Campbell), an amateur songwriter and artist who lives with a whacked out roommate, Rich (Brad Beyer). Rich keeps forcing Gabe to sleep in the hall outside of their apartment whenever he wants to have sex with his girlfriend. The somewhat shy Gabe accepts this torture without putting up much of a fight. His only solace seems to be the humorous comfort of his best friend Katherine (Tori Spelling), a budding actress and incessant chatterbox.
After Gabe and Katherine attend a rather dubious audition attended by Gabe's friend Perry (a riotous Steve Hayes), Gabe decides to walk into a pub. There he sees hunky go-go dancer Mark (John Paul Pitoc) - whose nickname is "Beer Can" - stripping on the bar. Their eyes meet and there is an instant sexual attraction, but the reserved, and shy Gabe doesn't give the exchange much thought perhaps assuming that he wouldn't be found attractive by the muscular beauty.
Just minutes later, however, the two meet again on the subway and Gabe almost swallows Mark up with his eyes. Mark pretends to be asleep while really inviting Gabe to cruise him even more. Things progress quickly from there, and the two soon pick each other up on the subway platform. After some hesitant introductions, Mark propositions to Gabe. But where can they go to fool around?
At first they try Gabe's apartment, but Katherine is there and won't leave because she has to print 500 copies of her resume. And later, after Gabe throws Katherine out, the macho Rich comes home with his new ditzy girlfriend Genevieve (Lacy Kolhl). Frustrated, Gabe asks Perry if they can use his place for a couple of hours, but Perry has just reconnected with his estranged boyfriend, and needs some privacy.
Gabe and Mark gradually drift through the night, to discos, drag clubs, and diners, increasingly discouraged. Why, oh why, is there no place where they can have sex? Yet something strange is beginning to happen: In their somewhat ludicrously vain attempts to find a place to have sex, Gabe and Mark have developed feelings for each other and having sex at this point would probably destroy the newly bourgeoning relationship that both of them seem to want.
Trick is an absolutely delectable movie. The pacing is terrific, the direction tight, and the performances are spot-on. Never before has a film struck at the heart of the gay scene with so much honesty, vigor, and bravado. As the timid, reserved soul, Christian Campbell is adorably likeable and he provides a fitting juxtaposition to Pitoc's Mark, who is occasionally sour, but absolutely smolders with an off-the-cuff, confident sensuality. Both have a blazing, and fiery on-screen chemistry - you can utterly believe that they're hot for each other.
Tori Spelling is a revelation as Gabe's overzealous and clingy friend who just doesn't get the hint. And her monologue in the café towards the end of the film is absolutely priceless. But the greatest performance in the film takes place inside of a nightclub bathroom, where drag queen Miss Coco Peru tells Gabe to watch out for Mark, that he's bad news, and that she once got certain body fluids of his in her eye.
As the evening progresses, Gabe's encounters with his various assortment of kooky, mismatched friends, allows Mark to see him for what he really is, which is much more than just a "trick." Also, as Mark begins to open up to Gabe, the young musician begins to see Mark as far more than just an exotic go-go dancer. Viewers will leave this film with the knowledge that even though the night will soon be over for these two charming, sexy young men; their sparkling new romance is only just beginning. Mike Leonard July 05.
Movie Review: A great gift for your crush, if you really dare!
Summary: 5 Stars
If you wish to give a friend a present or a treat, whether be on his/her birthday, anniversary, valentine's day or a hot date, the movie, Trick would be a great choice and a big move to get that close to someone. Trick is a laughable story about two hopeful romantic guys trying to "get off" away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The story is wonderful in its entirety as it portrays a typical gay dating scene on a cosmopolitan setting that can turn into chaos just like for Gabe (Christian Campbell) & Mark (JP Pitoc), who played the starring roles. Both have interesting professions. Gabe is in the theater arts while Mark is in body worshipping, a "gogo" boy for short. It is so magical and intriguing to see how the two connects in a fast paced city life especially when it's complicated by one chaotic moment to another and another, which makes it entertaining and hilarious to its extreme. The movie has a wonderful cast which includes a jealous drag queen, a straight roommate and his aspiring sex therapist, a cabaret singer and most notably, a neurotic best friend, played by Tori Spelling, who are all part of this circus of chaotic events. Ms. Spelling's ballistic outburst at the restaurant scene was one hell of an act that will surely put the audience a shock because I did. She's really good. The movie has a positive ending after Gabe & Mark's kissing scene (finally), which resembles the main title of the movie. Besides the story, the movie has a wonderful soundtrack and performances. Steve Hayes, who played the gay Cabaret singer, performed "Como Te Gusta Mi Pinga", which has funny lyrics. Of course, Tori Spelling performed her Broadway number "Enter You" which is sensational. To the dance club scene, there are excerpts of dance anthems by Erin Hamilton (Dream Weaver), Jessica Williams (I Am Woman), Kim English (Unspeakable Joy) and among others. A beautiful love ballad "Trick of Fate" performed by Valerie Pinkston is played at the end credits of the DVD. In fact, there is a separate soundtrack CD that is available, and believe me, it has these great dance anthems. So treat yourself on owning both the DVD and the movie soundtrack on CD coz my peers drew the same feedback for a great gay comedy and an amazing sountrack. If you're expanding your gay library or if you're starting to build one, Trick is it. It's funny and will surely warm your hearts.Movie Review: Oh! L'Amour,L'Amour! ...Trick Is A Blast!
Summary: 5 Stars
When I recieved the DVD of Trick about a week ago I was not expecting too much (thank God for region1 converted DVD players!) But when I put it on I was completely blown away!.Never before since the likes of Torch Song Trilogy,Longtime Companion or Love!,Valour!,Compassion! have I enjoyed a "Gay" film.This one had no heavy message themes,angst,comming out traumas just a good,old fashioned feel great story.Christian Campbell was just perfect as Gabriel,slightly geeky,slightly unsure,slightly clumsy and a bit low on self confidence..but totally sweet,cute endearing.perfect! He reminded me of what I am like especially when I'm "weak in the prescence of beauty"..just perfect! What could be said of JP Pitoc?...OH MY GOD! he has type of cool,sexy looks and body that keep their secrets well,I mean, at their initial meeting on the subway Mark seem almost predatory, next time you watch this film have a good look in his eyes in this scene and you'll see what I mean.However by the end of the film he opens up to Gabe,becomes vulnerable,and thru out the film he becomes increasingly warmer and loving towards Gabe (yeeha! ) and the Kiss at the end had me crying and cheering for our two heros(wonderful!).Both Cristian and John Paul are talents to watch and admire!.What can I say about Tori Spelling? just when I was about to chuck her in the 90210 garbage can as a no talent try-hard,she gives me a double barrell blast of talent as Katherine Lamberg( Hi,I'm Katherine Lamberg,I'm an Actress)Tori just stole so many scenes and especially the Greasy Spoon Restaurant scene was just too,too hysterical,but underneath it there is a deeper meaning to Katherine,and it becomes obvious that Gabe is the man she loves but cannot have....As for the remainder of the supporting cast Steve Hayes...fabulous as Perry, Clinton Leupp as Miss Coco Peru(have you ever got come in eye.. umm?..it buuurrrns!)just incomparable!,Lori Bagley as Gabesroommate,Rich,ditzy but suprisingly on so ditzy girlfriend Judy and Brad Beyer as Rich,the horny roommate, all coupled with the New-York (I love you,New-York!)background,terrific soundtrack and you have the perfect,uplifting,feelgood,go out and get 'em sort of film that you just got to have in your collection! See It,Love It,Buy It!
Movie Review: A Great Lesson To Learn
Summary: 5 Stars
Let me just start off by saying that I don't know whether to love this movie or hate it. Maybe it's because I'm stuck here and I used to live in New York City, and it just so happens that the film "Trick" takes place in New York City. I used to take that subway train...the number 1 or 9 train on Christopher St., right near that pharmacy store. I can identify almost all of the locations you'll see in this film because I've been in all of those places. Watching this film just makes me want to get a plane ticket and go back to the city.Enough of nostalgia. This is a very romantic, funny film that is both romantic and touching. Impossibly straight people will most probably not appreciate this film, but open minded straight people might learn a thing or two from "Trick".
This is a story that takes place in 24 hours (I think). This is about two gay men trying to find a place to just you know, do it. But every single time they seem to have found one, something just happens. They end up going to gay bars, diners, discos...and falling victim to Tori Spelling's character's antics. In the process, these two guys (Christian Campbell...what a dish) fall in love and end up having something more substantial than a one-night stand...which is what they were supposed to have in the first place.
And this is a dilemna that faces a lot of gay people. A lot of them are on a desperate search for real love, something that has a lot of substance. It isn't that easy, though. They go on searches on personals and chatrooms, and go to gay bars hoping that they'll find THE one, and they end up having one-night stands. This film just gives us the lesson that love- and I'm not talking about gay or straight here- will come to you but it has to take a certain process. And this film just captures that perfectly, which is why I love this film.
Christian Campbell delivers his role so convincingly as the bored musical writer who goes out one night for a night's adventure. Tori Spelling is downright funny. The musical score is just so touching...the perfect icing on the cake. And the love theme from "Trick" by Valerie Pinkston, "Trick of Fate", is one of my favorite songs, even if I'm a pure goth rock fan.
Someone give me this DVD please!!
Movie Review: A must see ... solid storyline and cast
Summary: 5 Stars
The story plot was simple and effective. Gabe, a young gay man with a major case of writer's block and a real jerk as a roomate, was told to "live a little" to get a feel of the emotions he is trying to put into his songs. In response to the suggestion, he goes to a bar only to meet Mark, the go-go boy, and immediately falls hard for the guy. One thing leads into another and they both head out to Gabe's place only to be kicked out by the roomate. This was the start of their adventure to find a place where they can be together in private. Along the way, what started as an anonymous encounter evolved into something more with all the complications attached to a relationship. By the end, it only takes a kiss and a phone number to seal the deal.Christian Campbell shines as Gabe with his dimples and just enough amount of sweetness to endear his character to the viewer. I like the way that equal amounts of longing/desperation mixed in with a little self doubt that the character had which made him more believable.
The character Catherine was very annoying for me to watch. If this was what the director intended, then he hit the bullseye by casting Tori Spelling. I'm reminded of her character in BH90210 when I saw Catherine. But in a way it helped to flesh out Gabe's personality so that was acceptable.
JP Pitoc deserves high praise for his potrayal of Mark who was the object of Gabe's desire. For a debut performance, his work in "Trick" is nothing short of impressive. At first glance, the character Mark seems to be just another uncaring walking centerfold but as the story unfolds we see that Mark is more than just the body. In the wrong hands, the character could have easily just be eye-candy but Pitoc played the character with just enough of humor, sexuality (the "beer can" remark was hilarious)and sincerity to make it interesting.
"Trick" should appeal to all audience both gay or straight who loves a little humor and romance in their films. Take a chance, see it and just enjoy in the glow it gives you afterwards :)