klaatujohnson-13492 Review of Happy Birthday, Gemini

Happy Birthday, Gemini (1980)

A Heartfelt Time-Capsule Comedy-Drama from the 1980's

[8/10 · 14 February 2024]

This film is a product of its time. 1980- Regan. Four years before the AIDS Plague. Being gay was still a mostly hidden element- unless you were a flaming Queen (Nothing wrong with that). That being said, this film was a welcome helping hand for those who were gay and trying to survive the ultra-conservative environment that was the cloud over the 1980's. Such a clear and fair assessment of adolescent gaydom was rare indeed. That being said- the film is hilarious regarding the odd family arrangement with Madeline Khan- who is a force of nature in this film. The beating heart of the main character's attempt "to fit in" and deal with his new-found love of his best friend is the main focus of the story- and if you were gay in the 1980's this film was a Godsend. It may be dated- but the viewer has to remember that this was made immediately before the AIDS Plague stamped a completely different trajectory on such films. To come. So yes, grab your comforter and maybe a beer or two and enjoy this glimpse into a different age- one that is completely detached from our current reality.