Rock Haven (2007) User Reviews

Nice Sea Oats, Clover, Ocean Rocks, but...

[gradyharp · 4/10 · 30 December 2007]

ROCK HAVEN seems to have its heart in the right place, showing the conflict between the religious right and human sexuality that occurs between two young teenagers, but the script is minimal, uncomfortable in saying what it really wants to say, and in the end the resulting film is a long drawn out series of a few sentences followed by lengthy views of the ocean and the wild flowers at coastline (even though Bodega Bay is stunningly beautiful to watch!).

Brady (Sean Hoagland) lives at the beach with his mother (Laura Jane Coles) preparing to go to Bible college at summer's end: the two are strongly right wing religious people. Into this rather rigid atmosphere steps Clifford (Owen Alabado) and there is an immediate chemistry between the two young lads - Clifford being openly gay while Brady is so far back in the dark closet that Clifford's mere presence terrifies him. Clifford's mother (Katheryn Hecht) is a free spirit who deals comfortably with her son's feelings and tries to support Brady in his fear of sinning. Brady's mother 'can't change the way she believes' (gay relationships are sinful) and tries to 'change' Brady by encouraging his attraction to a sweet well-meaning girl (Erin Daly) who just happens to understand Brady's needs more than he does! The manner in which this conflict is approached and quasi-resolved is weak as written and directed by David Lewis (who also plays the role of the minister...), and the ending is unsatisfactory at best.

The quality of acting is low on the scale but the sincerity is palpable. The viewer wants to care for these young lads confronting love for the first time, but the situation posed by the meager dialog and the ending keep it from becoming the nice little wisp of a film it could have been. The scenery is the star, but it is hardly the 'haven' for this dilemma that the title suggests. Grady Harp

"Latter Days" for mainstream Christians...almost

[Vanyel · 5/10 · 26 June 2008]

This is a good movie for the conservative religious to see, in hopes that it might show them the harm their narrow-minded views have, and how unchristian they are, but it's only mediocre at that.

The best part of it is that you really feel the love Clifford feels for Brady, and you really do see how conflicted Brady is over his feelings. Having grown up in rural America, though fortunately not in such a strongly religious household, the fear and denial are *very* real, and the two actors did a good job in their roles.

I also commend the movie for not artificially contriving to hide body parts. When the clothes come off, they come off just like they would for real, so what if you can see what you know is there? Lastly, though like all the messages this was relatively understated, they did hint at the fact that Brady was basically going through "coming out" as religious, though it would have been pretty obvious. Denial goes both ways, and it's a good thing for those of us non-religious sorts to be reminded to treat those we disagree with with the same respect we expect and deserve.

The main problems with the movie are:

1. It's too painful to watch the train wreck for someone who cares about the couple, and I don't think the message is strong enough to hit home the people who need it.

2. The long drawn out "time passing" scenes feel like they're there to make the movie full length without having to write real dialog. The short snippets that comprise scenes are marginal enough that this is probably a good thing.

It wants to be "Latter Days" for mainstream Christians, but falls fairly short, unfortunately.

Nice Effort, but.......

[moviegeek1 · 6/10 · 18 November 2010]

Rock Haven is a well-meaning movie that is difficult to dislike. This beautifully shot film, which promised to be a heartfelt story about a young man coming to terms with his inner truth while struggling within the confines of his religious upbringing, ultimately fails. Young Brady is a conservative, studied young man who moves to a seaside town with his devoutly religious and slightly over-bearing mother. He quickly meets his young neighbor, Clifford, and the two young men couldn't be more opposite. The reserved Brady is at first put off, if not a bit intimidated by the outgoing and confident Clifford. He even has a tough time talking to Clifford at first. Over time, a friendship develops and pretty soon, an emotional connection is made. But Brady, who is in conflict with himself due to his burgeoning feelings for Clifford being at war with what he has been taught to believe, cannot easily accept Clifford being so demonstrative in his affection. This relationship is what the entire film rests on. The movie seems to be screaming, "Come out, come out!" but never in the entire film do either of the two male leads say the word "gay." Never in the film do the two male leads say "I love you" to each other. And once one of the characters has the courage to do what he needs to do, he still doesn't quite get the words out. If the movie is about coming out, shouldn't someone in the movie do just that? It certainly shouldn't be done half-way with innuendo, averted eyes, never really saying the words. Unfortunately, this is the fatal flaw of the movie. I think another turn at the typewriter would have done this story some good. The ending, quite frankly left me cold. It's a shame, really and a missed opportunity. All the other elements were in place.

No, It Isn't a Parody

[griffinmill27516 · 1/10 · 27 August 2007]

Ten minutes into Rock Haven I had given up hope. Nothing I've seen on screen had approached the level of overall ineptitude on display here. Suddenly though, when the film descended to a never before revealed level of after-school-movie hell, I realized that this film was actually a kick-ass parody of the "Christian/gay predicament" genre. Haha. Brilliant.

Wrong! To give this film full credit, it's a brainless screed aimed at an audience that outgrew this sort of crap probably in the mid 60's at the latest. A languid melodrama that would be boring at 25 minutes is stretched to 87 deadly minutes with (30+) breaking waves/Pacific/ community shots. Gay audiences - most audiences - are too smart for this idiotic pandering.

Characters have no back story and no depth; and most are written and performed as grotesque stereotypes - most notably Brady, his mother, and, especially, his priest (who makes Paul Linde look like Sam Elliott). Neither IMDb nor the film's website provides full cast credits. Telling. Credit Owen Alabado for an engaged, informed performance that belongs in a much better movie.

Tech credits are sub par across the board: script, score, editing, hilarious lighting, and "cinematography" will have set (-) standards when history is written.

TLA Releasing has, with this dv gem, begun to compete with Wolfe.

If anybody has a radically more positive take on Rock Haven, I'd like to hear it.

Sweet, romantic story ... but ENOUGH with the waves already!

[bigbearphx · 7/10 · 7 November 2007]

The plot of "Rock Haven" (2007) is simple and realistic, though far from original: is being gay an impossibility if you consider yourself a Christian as well?

Brady is a shy, introspective 18 year old spending the summer before going away to college in a small coast town in Northern California. He is there with his widowed mother, who is a devout Christian in the process of establishing a religious school for the local pastor. Brady spends most of his time either reading the bible or staring off at the waves crashing on shore, until he meets a neighbor's free- spirited visiting son, 19 year old Clifford. While we later find out that Brady had some early inklings that he was somewhat attracted to other boys, he never before felt drawn to anyone as he feels to Clifford, and the other boy makes it clear that the feeling is mutual. Sensing his apprehensions and inexperience, Clifford lets their relationship develop slowly over the course of the summer, and, although he kids Brady about being a "nerd" in many of his interests, is careful not to express a conflict with his religious upbringing and convictions.

A beautifully written story by director/writer David Lewis ("Under One Roof"), capably acted by a talented Bay Area cast. While the basic plot is not original, and the story development somewhat predictable, it is told in a well-paced, sweet and romantic manner that lets the viewer feel the emotions experienced by the characters. The one negative I must point out is Lewis' seeming obsession with numerous extended scenes of waves crashing on the beach (Waves wash out like past experiences, wash back to erase what was on the sand before, metaphor for life going on, new beginnings, yadda yadda yadda ... WE GET IT! The ocean should not have more screen time than the actors!) Other than that, I enjoyed the film and recommend it, especially for those who may be going through a similar dilemma.

DVD has deleted scenes, production stills and trailer. No director commentary, which would have been nice (I'd have loved to hear what he says about the ocean scenes. :)

This Movie Really Made Me Mad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kot426 · 4/10 · 19 December 2007]

I was really enjoying this movie because I, well, grew up Catholic, 'nough said? Anyways, the story was true to life except for the horrible acting of the minister and the bigger disappointment was when the "christian" boy let true love just go away.....because of his love for God???? It shows how we are all brainwashed as children and why it makes coming out and accepting ones self so hard. Why couldn't he of had both???? I WOULD NEVER HAVE LET SUCH LOVE GET AWAY....TRUE LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP AND HE JUST LETS HIM GO............UNBELIEVABLE!!!! I really enjoyed this film until the end so I gave it a 4. If he would have accepted himself and his love for another guy, I would have given it a 9 because of how true most of what he went through was (is). It just makes me so mad that he was so very brainwashed as not to accept his very deep love for both God and another man. No wonder there are so many young gays that turn to drugs and alcohol or commit suicide.

"Building Your Love Upon A Rock"...............or.........

[arizona-philm-phan · 5 July 2008]

........."Finding The One Who Helps You Find Yourself".

So, Folks......we could play a little game of "second-guess the Director?" Just kidding; after all, trying to do the "Monday morning quarterback-ing" thing is too easy a way out.......especially if we're honest and admit that David Lewis did do the biggest, most important-est thing right. What is that, you may ask? Well, in the case of a gay romance, be it a comedy or otherwise, doing the right thing is finding and bringing together two male leads who've got "C-H-E-M-I-S-T-R-Y" with one another. And in the case of Sean Hoagland and Owen Alabado, it's undeniably there---it's "cutely" there, I might add (a term which fittingly describes them and what we increasingly see them come across as). While some leads grab you from the very beginning.......others grow on you. These two are of the latter persuasion, but along the way they do hook you nevertheless. Honestly, in the initial scenes I was thinking: these two guys can't act, (particularly Sean's way of expressing himself---though it grows on you), but before long they were reeling me in. So, maybe this pair didn't have the acting "chops" to give us what a Cyrille Thouvenin and Stephan Guerin-Tillie ("Just A Question Of Love") gave us, or even what a Trevor Wright and Brad Rowe ("Shelter") happily bestowed upon us, but what they did give us was real enough. Thanks, Boys.

Not to let Director Lewis off the hook completely, while others have already complained of over-numerous surfside and coastline "nature" scenes, as well as the big misstep of thinking he could effectively/believably act the minister role, I won't have to echo those thoughts. BUT.......I do feel I have to add this: in a religious community in which someone like "Brady's mother" would find herself comfortably at home, no way would I expect to find such a gay-understanding, "servant of the lord" as Reverend Brown. On the other hand, I also wouldn't expect to find in that "little white-steepled church" community a character such as Katheryn Hecht's "out-there" mother (Angie) either.

To me, much of this film pits religious indoctrination (read: interpretation of the bible) vs. learning to be---and accepting---oneself. Brady, finally, epiphanies (please let me make that a verb) that he can be who he is.......and still have his religion. As he, in a closing scene, says to his mother: "I just want you to love me".......then forgives her after she replies she can't change either.

Lastly, for myself and others of you who are observant and find positive meanings in such things, I'd like to ask that you remember the place to which Brady finds his way in the film's final scene is that very same beach-side location at which he first encountered Clifford. We are now sure with whom his thoughts remain. Plus, this realization then reminds me most tellingly of a bit of conversation occurring the morning following their night of love making. Laying in Clifford's embrace, Brady is asked by him: "How're you feeling?" Very significantly, Brady's answer simply is: "Safe." (Can any of you think of a more meaningful response to one's lover in this situation?).

PS--Oh, yeah, and who's to say that there isn't a good prospect of a "reunion" between a more accepting, "reborn" Brady and a Clifford---whose mother, after all, will still be needing visits at her Rock Haven home?

***This film is becoming "Addictive." Other such habit formers: "Brokeback Mountain" / "Boy Culture" / "All Over The Guy" / "Second Skin" / "The Man I Love" / "Latter Days"

****

(Spoiler) I loved this film, but

[lottalove19 · 6/10 · 11 March 2008]

I just finished watching this film. I really liked it, but there are a couple of problems. The writing was good, but the silences were extremely awkward. Also, what's up with the montage of wave scenes. It started feeling like a commercial for some sort of douche...summer's eve, anyone? Also, the ending was so anti-climactic. This is the spoiler part. Okay, so this guy is about to leave to Barcelona. Why would this guy that is so in love with him just wander around staring at the ocean? The whole reason I loved the film was because they really seemed to love each other, and in the end, it's about him coming to terms with it? That's the first step, the next is you get your butt to the airport so that you can get him back. That was so disappointing. Like sex with no real climactic ending. No pun intended.

P.S. Great frontal nudity. Very risqué.

Insightful or trite?

[scootmandutoo · 3/10 · 2 December 2007]

Right til the end, I thought, in the more melodramatic moments, like the scenes with 5 times more awkward silence than one might normally expect in a film, is this going to be an offbeat, yet ultimately insightful flick? And then after the end I decided, nah, just incredibly trite.

That awkwardness wasn't planned or staged, it was the result of exquisitely bad writing and ham-handed direction.

The scene when Brady is reminiscing about the good times, and we get a series of clichéd poses of the 2. It was like watching a parody on Mad TV.

Ultimately, what totally ruined the flick for me, and why I gave it a 3, was the equivilance it gave to the reality of being gay, versus the reality of being a homophobe, as if both were immutable traits.

Oh really? Since when is homophobia something that can't be changed? And how offensive to compare one's bigotry to one's sexual orientation.

One last thing, the character of the Reverend bordered on satire. He opened his mouth and I wanted to scream, "Please Mary!" Wouldn't you know it was played by the writer/editor/director.

That should tell you all you need to know.

Touching movie for teens mostly!

[webmaster-3407 · 6/10 · 12 October 2010]

This film is essentially about the inner struggles of Brady, 18, Christian, and yet so alone until Clifford shows up. The film has many awkward moments, the story almost lurches in sync with the shy, clumsy, and yet touching progress of the friendship between Brady and Clifford. It is worth remarking that Rock Haven seems so bereft of glibness, blasé wit, and all the affectation that tends to pass for 'dialogue' in films today. Instead it is a heartfelt attempt to capture all the angst of first love and its complications from the viewpoint of the teens involved. There are no raised voices here, no harsh words or meanness and the prominence of the landscape, beautiful as it appears, almost makes you wonder if the film was part-financed by the local real estate association - Bodega Bay, California. It is generous to all points of view and ends appropriately with a focus on where Brady now is. When he says, 'I have already made the mistake of my life,' you really feel for him. Sean Hoagland as Brady' has that awful earnestness of youth, wide-eyed, the incessant twitching and all, and I wish him a great career. His 'mother' makes a strong and impressive contrast. Owen Alabado as 'Clifford' is a dream first love and I can imaging that anyone from 10yrs+ would be very comfortable with this simple story that is effectively told.

Unbelievably horrible

[carsena882 · 1/10 · 27 January 2008]

You have got to be kidding me. This movie was more poorly acted and devoid of substance than a Lifetime movie! Ten minutes in and we were praying for Meredith Baxter-Burny or Judith Light to save the day. It's hard to know where to start. There are a total of seven people in the town, it seems. There is positively no chemistry between Brady and Clifford. The scenes are stiff and choppy. The reverend is HORRIBLE, and I'm not sure if the viewer is supposed to assume he is obviously gay. Lines don't make any sense ("You look more and more like your father." "You need to get out more." WHAT?)

Too bad - the concept for this movie is a good one, but this low budget piece of poop simply bounces between pathetic and hysterical.

A Beautiful, Heart-felt Film

[kuwinhi · 9/10 · 2 September 2007]

I saw this beautiful movie at the Outfest film festival in Los Angeles with some friends who dragged me along. I am glad they did.

Let me be up front: I am a sucker for romance, so I was pleasantly surprised and moved by how sexy and romantic the story was. The two young men have a great chemistry on the screen, and they ably carry the movie. The film also has a disarming sense of humor at times, but not at the expense of the characters.

There are very few films that attempt to deal with spirituality, let alone in the gay context. Yes, the film may be unabashedly sentimental, but in this cynical day and age where most gay characters on screen are trying to figure out their wardrobe or their next conquest at the bars, it was refreshing to see a film take a chance. I loved it.

Omigod

[pogostiks · 5/10 · 16 June 2008]

I gave this film a 5 - but really don't know WHAT to give it. I think the problem is with the director/writer, in that I don't think he ever really knew what he wanted to do here. The opening lines were so trite I found myself talking back to the screen... Then the two boys meet and I began to wonder if it was just bad acting/directing, or whether somewhere between the lines the director was hoping for parody... at times it was so embarrassing that I thought he HAD to be attempting comedy. The overlong pauses made me wonder if it was bad acting - or bad editing - or both. The lead character , Brady, played by Sean Hoagland, was filmed almost always in close-up - where he seemed to think that he had to project at least three different emotions all at the same time... He seemed to be twitching through his role too much of the time. And his mother seemed to be channeling some very uptight drag queen...All of this was my first impression.

Somewhere about halfway through though, I actually found myself enjoying the film - mainly, I think, because, despite a certain amateurish quality to the acting, the two boys really did have a sweetness to them that was almost impossible not to like. And they both have charm - so it made it easier to let myself get drawn into it. Although most of the script seemed ineffective, there were a few lines that did ring true and make some sense. Oh, and Owen Alabado, who plays Clifford, is definitely worth watching - he has a screen presence and a hot quality to him that is very promising. In fact, under the right director, I think both of these boys could end up making waves.

But then, near the end, suddenly it all came apart. First of all, two lines from the Bible are not enough to find a solution to such existential questions as those presented by the situation; Second - the priest - played by the director - reintroduced a fuzzy unfocused dissonance to the proceedings - which is why I think most of the blame for what doesn't work in this film comes directly from him. As the priest - he comes across as a very possible gay priest who can barely control his desire for his young charge, and can't seem to keep his paws off him, caressing his shoulder as if he were touching Christ himself. His performance (if you can call it that) adds an entire subtext to the film that never gets resolved, and only manages to complicate things without adding anything worthwhile. And it doesn't really make sense that if the priest was that positive and tolerant towards the boy, how come he didn't take any time to try and help the mother?

The only part of the movie that truly worked well for me was the scene where they make love for the first (and only) time. They both seemed mesmerized, so lost in each other's eyes that as they strip off they don't even take a moment to appreciate each other's bodies (but the audience does, I'm sure!) Someone will certainly write that it wasn't necessary to show full-frontal nudity, but I think this was the most honest thing in the film; the two boys were finally letting down all the barriers between them and offering themselves up to each other without the slightest artifice. There is an innocence to this scene that makes it truly beautiful... and the nudity only underlines the sincerity that the two boys bring to it.

So there it is - a mishmash of a film which shouldn't be totally dismissed, even though there are many things that could have been done better. Worth seeing, nevertheless, for the moments of un-jaded sincerity and sweetness.

Homophobia

[Zeker24 · 4/10 · 9 October 2008]

You can read the first review on here for a mostly accurate account of the film. It's not great but not awful either. For anyone who is or has experienced the battle between homosexuality vs. religious beliefs, parts of it will personally hit you.

I take issue with the first reviewer referring to the mother and/or church as homophobic. I don't think that's accurate. When the son tells her he can't change and she says that she can't either, all that she's saying is that she can't change her beliefs. She doesn't hate gay people just because it's wrong or gross or against nature. She has strong beliefs about what the Bible supposedly says about it. And to say that is easily changed is not fair or true. To me homophobia screams of people who are intolerant and often times, violent because of it. It's quite possible to be tolerant of homosexuals without changing your religious beliefs regarding their behavior.

Rock Haven vs Latter Days

[internaught · 1/10 · 11 September 2008]

Joshua Skye wrote: [...]I have seen people compare this with the incredible film "Latter Days" but such a comparison is almost offensive. If you want a religious gay film that's done right, see "Latter Days" and don't waste your time with this one [...]

Thanks a ton, Joshua! Your comment on a bad movie referred me to a gem I might have missed otherwise.

Rock Haven is a mere school-prom play, at best. A snippet of a piece that never began to be written. A huge waste of time indeed!

By comparison (offensive as it is!), Latter Days is from the heart, full of gentle wisdom and compassion: "beautiful, funny and good," to quote a highlight phrase from the film itself. Not a perfect achievement, but three scenes in it (outside the hospital; in the snow, with the subsequent sex sequence; and the finale) are more than enough to give it its raison d'etre. A must-see!

The movie was okay, but had much to be desired.

[godsfluteprincess · 5/10 · 19 December 2007]

So, I gave this movie a 5. Mostly I have to say that the cinematography was actually pretty good. I really liked the quality of the film when it came to how it was shot. However, I would have to agree that the script had much to be desired. Mostly I think they just wanted to capture a really big problem within a very short amount of time. But, the idea for the movie was good. Unfortunately this happens a lot in real life. The problem is that while I knew the sex scene was coming--- it felt like that was all the movie was working up to, and then the writer said, okay now they had the worst sex scene in the world, and now we have to end the movie. Then what I thought would actually be the climax, had I made the movie, the whole mom issue was just pressed into maybe ten minutes. I think that if they wanted to get what they had wanted out of the movie, the fight for love, they should have made that more of a problem. Meaning, what his mom thinks about homosexuality, and how Christian he is--- it could have been done better.

However, i can't help liking the movie just because I really think my generation needs more movies that expose the fact that there are TONS of Christians who are really gay, but are so afraid to tell anyone, or to do anything, and hate themselves for it.

It was just that this movie, while a nice attempt, never really satisfies the pallet. (And this is from someone how has been in the same situation).

Mary, please.

[SteverB · 4/10 · 9 December 2023]

Oh, man, the triteness of this movie is only outmatched by the script, which obviously wasn't longer than a 30-40-minute short film. That length would have made the film more bearable and hopefully have done away with 80% of the shots of the Pacific crashing against the rocks. If that was supposed to be a metaphor for something, it completely went over my head.

The DEEP sincerity of this film was gag-inducing at times. On a more positive note, the acting from the two boys seemed natural and realistic. I liked especially how Brady used his eyes in some scenes, quickly looking away, and then back, to avoid talking about what was being discussed. The actor who played Clifford made the most of what he had to work with, as did the actress who played his mother. They seemed like mother and son -- both free spirits. Brady's mom, on the other hand, was played as a stern, rigid, frozen Christian woman who followed her faith right off the cliff. The final scene between her and Brady should have meant more than it eventually did. With heartbroken Clifford off to Barcelona, I fully expected Brady to move in, at least temporarily, with Clifford's mom, at least until his mother came to terms with her own feelings. One thing missing from the final scene, whether intentionally or by neglect, is that Brady tells his mom that he just needs her to love him, and she responds that he will always be her son. Pointedly, she did not say that she loved him, which may have been something he needed to hear at that moment.

At the very end, I thought, "well, at least the gays didn't DIE!" But would it kill a writer/director of an LGBTQ+ movie to let it have a happy ending? So, Brady's mom has her son, Clifford has flown off to Barcelona to live with his dad (I guess due to his heartbreak), and Brady, from all his strife, feels closer to God. Whoopee!

This is not a film I will ever watch again. Overall, it's depressing, and there's enough in the world to do that without it crossing my movie screen. So, 4 stars, and a Mary, please! Recommended if you're feeling a bit masochistic.

sincere, sensitive and moving

[johannes2000-1 · 10/10 · 23 April 2008]

It keeps amazing me, that one and the same movie can generate such totally opposite reactions on this site. I saw "Rock Haven" last night, and was totally charmed by it. To me it seemed sincere, respectful, realistic, sensitive, engaging and very touching.

To begin with: unlike many other reviewers I didn't mind all the waves at all, it sort of created this dream-like atmosphere that contributed to the feeling of an endless summer, of being a little bit outside of the real world - exactly as one should feel on summer-vacation. The many silences in the interaction between the few characters may have felt awkward, but that was precisely the point, evoking in the viewers the same feelings as in the protagonists of the movie. And the silences between Brady and Clifford also enhanced the wonderful feeling of sexual tension that kept building up. Both young actors did a great job: maybe not Oscar-winning performances (as the script didn't aim on providing them with Oscar-winning material), but they were (to me) exactly right for their parts: the one naive, innocent, cute and terribly afraid of his own feelings; the other sensual, a little more streetwise, and yet as much afraid of this fragile new love as his friend. There was noticeable chemistry between the two of them and all this mutual shyness and carefulness and awkwardness felt very realistic: that's how it goes (or should go) with first loves and first sexual experiences.

Sure, I would so much have enjoyed a happy ending. But this is obviously how the writer wanted it, and it makes sense too: how many first loves - especially summer-loves!- that at the time seemed like The Bigggests Thing ever, just evaporate after summer is over.

Then there were reviewers who commented on the way the mother sort of exchanged her acceptance (or toleration) of her son's being gay for her right to have her own (negative) opinions on homosexuality. Maybe that seemed like some artificial paradox, but to me it actually did make sense. Personally I came out as being gay in the same kind of suffocating (roman-catholic) environment, and I would have died for a mother who took this up as Brady's mother did, even if it's "just" a compromise or some sort of truce. You simply cannot expect everyone to change. And we gays should stop monopolizing the rest of the world in pointing out what's politically correct behavior. If you want respect, you have to give some too.

If anything, I was a bit disappointed in the religious "solution" of the story. I could relate to the doubts of Brady (like: "how can something so beautiful be a sin?"). But the end of the movie suggested some sort of religious catharsis that failed me. The role of the priest was rather dubious, what he had to offer as support and wisdom was cryptic to say the least. So I couldn't really grasp the fact that apparently Brady in the end could bring his being gay to terms with his religious beliefs, just by two quotes from the bible. As I know it, the RC church still thinks that being gay is alright but acting on it is wrong and sinful. So what "solution" did Brady end up with?? I'm sorry that I do not know the writer's real agenda on this.

For the rest, I absolutely enjoyed the movie, the beautiful and effective photography, the sincere and subtle direction, the powerful script and these two young and very promising actors (and let's not forget Laura Jane Coles as the rigid mother!).

I give it a heartfelt 10 out of 10!!

No! No! No! Stop!

[ernestas-vascenka · 2/10 · 28 March 2018]

God, I can't believe I went through so much to watch this absolute horridity.

Interesting idea poorly executed

[GroteBlauweVogel · 3/10 · 6 October 2023]

This movie is about a Christian boy falling in love with the boy next door and the struggles to come to terms with ones osn sexuality. Being gay myself I'm always interested in a movie that shows these kind of struggles. So this movie seemed like a fit but it just didn't cut it for me. The story is very thin and very slow. That in itself is not bad, but the characters are not very interesting and they don't develop. There was really nothing interesting about them. The slowness of the movie mainly comes from the many scenes of the waves hitting on the coast that seem to serve no purpose except to fill the time. In the parts of the movies where people actually talk it seems forced and unnatural. It's a combination of poor acting and a bad script. All together I gave this movie a 3 out of 10. It's really quite bad but I've seen few films that are worse.

I loved it

[rbyledbal · 8/10 · 5 November 2010]

I must be one of the easily impressed as described in an earlier review. I thought this film was excellently directed and written. Coming from a Christian and conservative background, I can relate with the tension of coming to terms with absolute truths about oneself. It is difficult to reconcile blind faith with the reality of actual experience. I envy those who can define and reach that balance. This film is a rare depiction of the inner conflict so many young and not so young individuals have to deal with daily. The strength of the character Brady shows those who feel alone and isolated that their feelings are valid. I wish I could have seen this film as an adolescent. To me, this film has the potential to comfort a confused teenager in a positive and potentially lifesaving way. For me Rock Haven hit home.

A nice film.Better than I expected1

[reeves2002 · 8/10 · 27 November 2007]

I also agree with what another person wrote saying,I wish I was younger viewing this movie because in my teens there wasn't any movies like this and I wish there were because it also would have been useful.It's a nice drama and also has a good message attached to it whether the director intended it or not.It gives gay Christians some kind of hope.Unfortunately I am sure there will still be some who will be brainwashed by fanatics thinking it's a sin to be gay and all that other stuff. The movie was realistic, simple and sort of believable and very scenic.The beach and other shots where the film was made were very breathtaking.It makes you want to visit or vacation there.It was also extremely funny and the humor had me laughing, especially in some of the scenes where the characters felt awkward around each other.One scene in particular had me roaring with laughter.The scene where Brady(Sean Hoagland) and Clifford(Owen Alabado) had their first close encounter in Cliff's bedroom and Brady unintentionally got aroused and then embarrassed and stormed out.This movie was nicely acted by everyone and it was good to see talented newcomers. I think my only complaint about this movie was seeing all the deleted scenes afterwords.I thoroughly enjoyed them and strongly felt most of them would have added to the story and needed to be in the film.I really don't know why they were deleted.It can't be because the movie was too long,hell it could have been longer! A few of the extended/deleted scenes made more sense and explained stuff better. In a way I wish I never saw these deleted scenes because then I wouldn't be thinking the movie was missing something. This is why I gave it an 8 out of 10.

A Miracle of a Movie

[cliffcg2002 · 10/10 · 3 September 2007]

All I can say is that I wish they had made this film when I was a bit younger -- it would have changed my life. They should show this film in every church in America. The film is not preachy, it's a love story with a lot of meaning. Straight people should see this, also. The actor who played Brady in the movie was great, he deserves to be in more movies. And the guy who played the non-Christian boy is not only gorgeous, but talented. The only thing I would say against this movie is that it kinda gets off to a slow start in the first few minutes, too much ocean photography at the beginning, even though I thought it was beautiful to look at. But the film quickly picks up momentum and really gets interesting. And hot!

A touching movie!

[chris-chasely · 10/10 · 21 May 2012]

Truly, a very good movie with great acting by the two leads along with Clifford's mom. I enjoyed the movie immensely and mainly because unlike other movies, the depiction of the gay characters was portrayed in a realistic manner, giving the audience a taste of what being gay is really about and not different than the heterosexual way of loving! I think a lot of people in society consider being gay is all about sex when it really isn't and this film forwards that message. The sex scene was extremely tastefully done for which the credit goes to the director. Overall, I really enjoyed this film, it was touching, romantic and sincere and am hoping others will give it a chance.

A Truly Magnificent Film...

[ajwachter · 10/10 · 27 June 2008]

Considering the small budget this film must have had, all-in-all I found it to be a true delight. I now hold it as my second favorite after "Latter Days." Sean Hoagland turns in a masterful performance as Brady, the confused Christian lad with a heart of gold and a tortured soul. He brought the movie home for me and I found myself tearing up at the end. Sure, I wanted both of the boys to go off into the sunset hand-in-hand, but the actual ending was more realistic and illustrated the consequence of failure to be true to one's self. I can't say enough about Sean Hoagland, a truly talented young actor who completely suspended my disbelief with his performance of the naive, sweet, introverted and sad Brady - he will go far. The brief nude scene only intensified the implied love making. If the two boys were seen grinding in bed, the movie would have turned into soft-core. Instead, the act of revealing their bodies to each other in the way the two actors did told you everything you needed to know and was not gratuitous. The kissing scenes were the hottest part to me as there was real passions being expressed. In conclusion, I think it's very interesting that people seem to either love or hate this movie. Count me as one of the ones who loves it.