Boys Life 3 (2000) User Reviews

Not as good as "2", but OK

[preppy-3 · 5/10 · 11 December 2000]

"Boys Life 1" and "2" are a collection of short movies dealing with gay youths. "2" actually contained an Oscar-winning short--"Trevor". This movie isn't as good as the first two, but occasionally works. It contains 5 shorts--"Majorettes in Space" comes first. It's a French film that juxtaposes gays, straights and the Pope in a very interesting way. Short and very well-done. Second is "hiTCH"--a very boring story about a young gay man and straight man on a road trip. Annoying direction and a pointless story. Third is the longest (27 min.) and called "Inside Out". It's about a young man (Jason Gould--son of Elliot and Barbra) dealing with being a celebrity's son and gay. Well-done with a few good lines and a nice cameo by Christina Crawford, but it lacks a specific point of view and is kind of dull. 4th--"Just One Time" is basically a promo for the feature film of the same name. Cute and quick. Last is "$30"--an excellent short about a prostitute (Sara Gilbert) and a closeted young man trying to lose his virginity. Predictable, but sweet and entertaining. Worth seeing for the first and last episodes. Hopefully, there will be a "Boys Life 4" with a better selection.

Short Vignettes

[harry-76 · 6/10 · 11 May 2001]

In some ways making a short film can be both easier and more difficult than making a full length. While there isn't the great cost and challenge of a feature, there's still the need to make a statement within a brief time frame.

"Boys Life 3" is the arbitrary title given to five independent shorts, and each has its up and down side. David Fourier's "Majorettes in Space" is one of the more successful, with a tight script and good editing. Lane Janger's "Just One Time" likewise does a blackout approach with its one-joke idea.

Gregory Cook's $30 has some affecting moments in a coming of age scene. Jason Gould's "Inside Out" has a surprise appearance by Elliott Gould, though the film is a bit uneven. Finally, Bradley Gray's "Hitch" is an average effort with a competent cast.

All in all, "Boys Life 3" is a slightly above average collection; at the same time, these films do hold the attention while in the process of unfolding. It's only at the end that one realizes its sum total is in the fair range.

Thank the Crest Theater for making free passes!!!

[alleyboy · 21 February 2001]

I admit, I've never seen "Boy's Life" or "Boy's Life 2", and I was quite excited about going to see "Boy's Life 3" (2000). With all the hoopla over the previous two, who won't be. Fortunately before I left the apartment, I had a pizza & a few Red Bulls (minus(-)Popcorn & Italian Soda=$6.25). Fortunately I had a free movie pass (minus(-) Admission=$7.50). Now for a good movie $14 Beans isn't all that bad these days, but you should have saw the faces of the happy movie goer's when this installation of a great series was over! REFUND REFUND! Luckily the movie lasted only an hour and like 20 minutes, just enough time to catch the last 35 minutes and a few "feel good" laughs from "Billy Elliot", which was playing next door. Hey, even though I payed nothing to see "Boy's Life 3", I still needed some redemption. Five shorts, well actually four shorts & a boring 60's style public service announcement. First, "Majorettes In Space". Sorry I didn't get it. Was it supposed to be funny, entertaining or informative, because it wasn't. Next, "Hitch". This reminded my of what director "Greg Araki" left on the cutting room floor when he made "Living End". You know the scenes we didn't see during his character's "road trip". Then we have Jason Gould's "Inside Out". This was like a bad "Woody Allen" movie without the sharp dialog and comic timing. Really? How entertaining or interesting is the life of a child of a "celeb"? Who cares. He should have axed a few people. Now there's a film. Next is "Just One Time". Now this was a far more entertaining short than the rest. OK, I'm a little biased because of my boy "Guillermo Diaz", but this story is more intriguing than a road trip, a brat, and a public service announcement. Which leaves me to "$30". I loved seeing "Sara Gilbert" in a convincing role that even Roseanne would be proud of. Again this is a story which has the potential to be a really good and interesting indie film.

Over all "Boy's Life 3" kinda sucked and really isn't worth the price of admission. I'll give it 4 out of 10. Two for "Sara Gilbert" and two for "Guillermo Diaz". Better luck next time.