I had been quite excited to see this movie for multiple reasons: my interest in religions and how issues are dealt with, my enjoyment of many movies with LGBT lead characters/subject matter, and finally, Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Alas, I my excitement was for naught.
It was great story concept with mediocre acting and dialog. Several times I actually cringed. But, despite those flaws, I did care for the characters, which shows this was not a total loss of time (for me).
There were many moments in the movie that I could immediately see ways to make them better in simple ways. Often, a few words changed out, or stressing certain words over another, or modifying the facial expression/body language. Then there was Jacqueline Bisset. I don't actually think she was the problem (or maybe she was), but about every scene she is in felt so terribly forced and fake. She is suppose to be the wise-mother figure and (without giving anything away) her character is vital to the story's destined conclusion. But her scenes were not just bad, they were bad (!).
Loved Erik Palladino (playing Keith Griffin). He was my favorite character in the story. Of course I loved Joseph Gordon-Levitt, but he could be in a cat litter commercial and I would be captivated. And finally, felt very motherly toward Steve Sandvoss. He is just so adorable and even when I disliked his acting or his scene, I just wanted to give him a little pat on the head and maybe some chocolate chip cookies with milk.
Last note: I am glad I finally saw this movie. But, I would not watch it again.
It was great story concept with mediocre acting and dialog. Several times I actually cringed. But, despite those flaws, I did care for the characters, which shows this was not a total loss of time (for me).
There were many moments in the movie that I could immediately see ways to make them better in simple ways. Often, a few words changed out, or stressing certain words over another, or modifying the facial expression/body language. Then there was Jacqueline Bisset. I don't actually think she was the problem (or maybe she was), but about every scene she is in felt so terribly forced and fake. She is suppose to be the wise-mother figure and (without giving anything away) her character is vital to the story's destined conclusion. But her scenes were not just bad, they were bad (!).
Loved Erik Palladino (playing Keith Griffin). He was my favorite character in the story. Of course I loved Joseph Gordon-Levitt, but he could be in a cat litter commercial and I would be captivated. And finally, felt very motherly toward Steve Sandvoss. He is just so adorable and even when I disliked his acting or his scene, I just wanted to give him a little pat on the head and maybe some chocolate chip cookies with milk.
Last note: I am glad I finally saw this movie. But, I would not watch it again.