When Boys Fly (2002) User Reviews

Another expose of the circuit party scene

[Havan_IronOak · 6/10 · 20 May 2002]

This film, like the somewhat better Circuit, purports to be an expose of the circuit party scene and the dangers therein.

Although Circuit admits to being a work of fiction and this film is meant as a documentary, I felt there was more truth in Circuit than in this film.

In both cases, the films rely heavily on the appeal of the very thing they are condemning to sell tickets. Both films show a lot of the seedier facts of the scene amid buffed bodies, fantastic costumes, sparkling glitter, pounding music and oceans of drugs, I couldn't help feeling that both were hurt by this underlying dishonesty.

The reason that I would give Circuit higher marks than this one is that in Circuit, the film-maker admits on camera that although he's condemning the scene, he loves it.

What Circuits Parties Mean

[larapha · 5/10 · 15 October 2015]

Through the stories of three subjects we are introduced at the world of circuit parties. At first, it's all very exciting. It's a world where very little imports; if you're young, have a great body, and is prepared to take drugs, lots of drugs, in a rave that will take a whole evening, if not a whole weekend. We're supposed to follow the trajectories of three men, all with different shapes and objectives, and see what happens. And what we see is not the best of the worlds. An evening of dancing that ruins a body for its extremes, leaving young and potentially good people a rack. At the end we see people being taken to hospital, even getting premature strokes. Lives consumed by the illusion of great moments. It's a pretty disillusioned documentary, with obvious detrimental effects, taken at the most possible no judgmental view. You will certainly finish the film with a bitter felling in your mouth, thinking of which were the illusion prospects of the subjects and their final results. What won't make them disillusioned. So strong are the brief moments of 'happiness' experimented during the circuit that many will return, until

Honest look at gay subculture

[shomrig · 30 August 2002]

It might be a good thing that I've never seen "Circuit", which is the film that everyone seems to keep comparing this piece to. I got to see "When Boys Fly" when it appeared at the Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival and really enjoyed the experience.

This is a film about a circuit party, one of those big all-night events frequented by gay die-hard participants who will travel across the country. For those of you still in the dark, a circuit party is basically a rave, except the guests are almost all gay and in a variety of age ranges and occupations. Oh yeah, and there's a LOT of sex and drugs.

I saw this movie two days before attending my first circuit party and it both excited and intimidated me. The subjects clearly explain that they attend these events despite the fact that others may think they're lame or laden with too many drugs or simply too expensive. Obviously, these are gay men, and as many of us know, gay men rarely conform to what the rest of society calls "normal", which I suppose is part of what these circuit parties are all about: the chance to express yourself through dance, partying, and hanging with friends.

It all comes out as great fun; the actors/subjects are cute, funny, and for the most part we really care about them. I came out of the theater feeling as hungover as those in film, however, as the moral of the story is crystal clear: too much of a bad thing can be destructive. One should never think one is too smart to get swallowed up by the party scene.

Am I Allowed to Be Gay..If I'm not Pretty and White?

[kalaomaha · 3/10 · 14 May 2006]

I will try very hard not to air my grievances with gay culture but before I begin my dissertation I'm inclined to preface my comments. As a gay black male 20something I'm appalled to read comments that insist that such behavior that takes place in "When Boys Fly" is something we (gay culture) should all identify with. I find these narrow-minded assessments truly and ironically limit the scope of diversity and tolerance that our community so boastfully touts. It's clear that even those of us who demand diversity and tolerance amongst our brethren - that we ourselves do not embrace such noble notions.

It's obvious that my follow posters share a similar disdain for the content of this documentary and not so much for the documentary itself. Some have seemingly confused a personal dislike of the content, even certain or all individuals with the documentaries merit as a credible "documentary." Clearly some have also called that into question as well. I personally choose to acknowledge that this documentary has no obligation other to depict the "truth" as it unfolded before them. This in my opinion gives this documentary merit as it provides objective material insomuch as an unbiased insight into a very "exclusive" niche in the gay world. Albeit a niche (subculture) that perpetuates an ongoing view of gay culture as being an elitist clique of excursionists who are youth-obsessed Caucasian males controlled by little more than an unhealthy preoccupation with looks, aesthetics and vanity and above all else INSTANT GRATIFICATION. A sentiment echoed by a follow poster:

Author: Ripshin from Texas I honestly can't stand these people, a sorry group of low-rent white trash. Toned bodies do not make a man, and the low intellect of the subjects, along with their total lack of class, make this a difficult film to watch.

While I choose to reserve judgment on these individuals the thought is more succinctly espoused by another poster:

Author: info ed (info [e-mail]) Apparently, none of these guys are able to really find community unless it's accompanied by drugs and sex. Oh, and being white and having a great body doesn't hurt either. This documentary (which at times seems a bit forced) aspires to be hard hitting...

I guess in the end I enjoyed the documentary for what it was…disheartening and unflattering as the content may have been for me - there's no need to kill the messenger!!

states the obvious... not insightful.. and uninspired

[emerson81 · 2/10 · 15 December 2002]

Unfortunately, Not very insightful, nor dramatic... I didn't care about ANY of the characters really.. No time to get to know them, and when little dumb drama arises, u really don't care...

Documentaries should at least be insightful.. This one was boring, and I"m a big fan of Indie films and documentaries.....

A must See

[lola61-1 · 10/10 · 13 November 2002]

A very powerful film of a peak into the Circuit Party World. I am a straight woman who did not even know what a circuit party was until seeing the film, so it did not pertain to my life directly, but I still found it extremely interesting. It is at once exhilarating and heart wrenching. I recommend it highly.

If you didn't like the film...

[MinxMusic · 8/10 · 19 August 2007]

...then I suspect you're possibly in denial about the community of which you are a part. If you're complaining about how shallow and pathetic the people in the film are...take a look around you the next time you're out at a meat-market West Hollywood bar (or in whatever city you live) and see if you can pick out clones of the characters in this movie. I'd put money on it that you can...AND find more than one of each. And why? Because very very sadly, the gay community is known for its addictive, destructive behavior. If it were not true, there wouldn't be a White Party Circuit in the first place. Don't you think? I have a bazillion gay friends and as a singer/songwriter, the gay community comprises at least half of my fan-base (my sister calls me the musical version of Kathy Griffin, even). But I honestly can't think of a single one of my gay friends that isn't a functioning alcoholic. Honestly. Some have drug problems. Most of them have sex indiscriminately and sometimes even unsafely. Many are addicted to pornography. And the majority are indeed self-absorbed, shallow, unreliable and flat out compulsive liars. I wish I could say that's not the case, but I can't. Of course, as with any community or social group, there are exceptions to "the rule". But this film is about "the rule" and those who are essentially trying to imply that this doc only makes your community look bad...well...wake up and smell the coffee, campers. And then become the change you wish to see in your world.

Valley of the Dudes

[infoed · 26 February 2004]

Everybody has an opinion about the whole Circuit Party craze, but often the films about the subject are basically made by a bunch of apologists. Apparently, none of these guys are able to really find community unless it's accompanied by drugs and sex. Oh, and being white and having a great body doesn't hurt either. This documentary (which at times seems a bit forced) aspires to be hard hitting, but it's yet another version of "Valley of the Dolls."

This documentary is mercifully short and concise. I am ambivalent about some of the characters. People like Brandon seem like a nice guy, but the documentary strives to make him look like an outsider when, with his looks and body, he's already rather clearly an object of desire. (All the forced shots of him eating alone while gazing upon the gay guys at another table and of him painting in a field are supposed to emphasize his "outside looking in" status but end up looking artificial. We KNOW the camera is there, and we know he is the subject so it's hardly a revealing shot of some candid moments.) His conversion to the circuit scene happens rather quickly although he does come across to me as the smartest of the group.

The less said about Jon and Todd the better. The filmmakers telegraphed the denouement of their relationship so far in advance that we knew exactly what would happen. How each man handled what happened was the real surprise. I found myself hoping Jon is doing well.

And then there's Tone, whom we are supposed to see as the tragic character, but instead he's incredibly annoying. Nothing about him seems real, every moment he is mugging for the camera (there is a scene with him trying to be funny while eating an apple that comes off as bizarre and very forced.) Tone is really nothing more than a real life Neely O'Hara, at least as the film wants us to believe. I wouldn't doubt that he got into a wig pulling fight with Susan Hayward in the lavatory.

No need to see this and Circuit, see one or the other. This documentary really has nothing new to say.

"When Boys Fly" Soars Higher Than My Expectations

[eyelips · 8/10 · 30 July 2008]

As a gay 20-something, watching this film was one of the most eye-opening experiences I have ever had. I never quite understood the appeal of the circuit party scene. In some ways, I still don't. What is so fun about getting so trashed you have to be taken to the hospital on a stretcher?

I always thought I was missing something - left out - by not experiencing this part of gay culture. However, this brief excursion into these boys' lives is enough experience I will ever need.

The film is engaging throughout and excellently edited, keeping the film rolling faster than its lead subjects. As shallow and confused and lonely as most of these boys appear to be, they are incredibly interesting and fun to watch.

My problem with documentaries is that frequently they use a lot of filler to make a longer film, but with the 62-minute run time of "When Boys Fly," it's just enough to set the scene, make a point, and leave the audience with a great high.

Useful in teaching what to avoid

[nycruise-1 · 18 December 2007]

I showed this to some 20-somethings who harken from small towns and are currently going to school where the closest gay bar is 3 hours away.

My purpose was to expose them to one aspect of gay life that is the topic of much discussion, as well as experience, so that, at the very least, if they are ever confronted with this aspect of gay life and its various situations that are integral to it, they can at least make an "informed choice".

They certainly got into the "cuteness" of the physiques, and were quick to point out how the younger lad of the couple was totally into his older partner just by the way the younger lad looked into his partner's eyes.

But the drug use and the antics of the "gay party boys" drew strong negative response.

I don't know that this movie affected my 20-somethings to the point that they will never attend a Circuit Party; I do know that they don't view Circuit Parties as something "mysterious"/"intriguing" - filled with adventure and lust and romance - even a gay rite of passage.

Hitting the Circuit with "Boys"

[wardp1 · 8/10 · 25 November 2002]

WHEN BOYS FLY is an intriguing, entertaining, and sometimes harrowing documentary on the Circuit Party scene, particularly the annual festivities that take place in Miami Beach. The characters we meet range from mere boys to men, but each of them are in search of the ultimate high - a non-stop marathon of music, dancing, sex, drugs, and more sex. But what happens when the music fades? That's when the real drama of the film unfolds. The results are sometimes hilarious, sometimes disturbing, but the film never loses our interest - even when the party has ended.

Surprisingly engaging and fascinating, candid, shocking & sometimes sad peek through the looking glass to see what really goes on at those "gay raves"

[jodyjohn21 · 9/10 · 15 November 2002]

I found the documentary "When Boys Fly" a surprisingly engaging and fascinating, candid, shocking and sometimes sad peek through the looking glass to see what really goes on at "gay raves," aka circuit parties. The filmmakers Halpern & Rolov did a great job in revealing the world in which this segment of so-called "A-listers" live and party, and how some newcomers and White Party veterans are drawn into the circle of rave party life and its immediate results...good and bad. The quick editing makes for a fast-paced viewing and humor is where you might not always expect it in this honest and non- judgemental portrayal of this subculture within a subculture that I believe can be enjoyed by gay and straight, young-to-middle aged audiences alike.

Oh, PLEASE, people

[Ripshin · 14 October 2005]

This shallow film about the gay "circuit" scene is a badly directed, filmed and edited flick about a subculture that may be interesting, but is ultimately incredibly unsympathetic.

I honestly can't stand these people, a sorry group of low-rent white trash. Toned bodies do not make a man, and the low intellect of the subjects, along with their total lack of class, make this a difficult film to watch.

The vacant eyes, moronic expressions and idiotic behavior of the "subjects" are appalling, and the fact that the "filmmakers" possibly risked the lives of some of the guys, on occasion, is quite disturbing.

And, has anyone seen a more pitiful gay man than "Todd"??????

buy it!!

[feebee4_98 · 10/10 · 14 November 2002]

This is a great film! Well shot, excellently edited. Very interesting, sad as well as entertaining. I found it very informative and had a great time watching it. The film makers are all great guys too! So, buy it, book yourself a Friday night in, and watch other people get trashed for a change, in an intellectual manner, of course...

Top Ten Gay Film

[FilmGuy28 · 10/10 · 15 November 2002]

I picked this up at the Virgin Megastore because several of my friends had seen it and recommended it. Man oh man, I never expected it to be as entertaining and impactful as it was. Flawless shooting and storytelling, sexy, funny and great DVD extras. Don't miss out... this film will be one of your favorites.

A beautiful and powerful film

[burgess747 · 6 November 2002]

Rolov and Halpern have made a beautiful and powerful film with "When Boys Fly." I had never thought of the world of gay circuit parties as something I would find particularly intriguing, yet this film answered questions I didn't even know I had. A must see!

Facinating

[pam775 · 10/10 · 4 January 2003]

The film was facinating! I completely enjoyed this film. It was a raw and real depiction of the party lifestyle. The film direction and production was professionally done. Bravo to all those involved. It was extremely brave of the main characters to expose themselves in this way.

I just ordered the DVD!

[slozier74 · 14 November 2002]

I saw this film while visiting London. (It was at the film festival there.) Literally, I stood up and applauded when it was over. You really feel like you get to know who these people really are... it's very open, honest and raw. One of my friends told me it was on DVD and I ordered it today! I am very picky about what DVD's I buy... usually Criterion Collection only. See this film. No matter who you are--you will relate.

Riveting

[Steve28WA · 10/10 · 12 November 2002]

I had a chance to see this film at a film festival in Austin, Texas and was blown away. Front to back one of the best documentaries and one of the best productions ever done on gay men. Riveting, Provocative and Powerful. You really have to see for yourself to understand.