Akron (2015) User Reviews

A good film well worth seeing

[eventpix · 8/10 · 27 November 2016]

I saw this movie. Akron, at NewFest here in NYC and liked it. Both guys were attractive and it was very romantic, sometimes erotic, and interesting because their relationship was accepted by both families, even the Latino father of the character played by Matthew Frias. Joseph Melendez, the actor who played his father, was at the screening and he mentioned that he was eager to play the part of a Latino father who didn't, stereotypically, throw his gay son out of the house. The interesting plot really revolved around an event that was not related to the gay theme at all.

However the movie has a 3.7 rating on IMDb which is ridiculous and, to my mind, is another proof that IMDb is being trolled by homophobes. Many years ago the website created a complex rating system that was designed to minimize attempts by the industry to puff up their product, by having all their employees give a film 10 for example, or having a popular star instruct fans to do the same. The problem is that at that time the present culture of mean, negative, trashing commentary was only just rearing its ugly head and IMDb has apparently done nothing to try to minimize this newer phenomenon.

Of the 112 people who rated this movie, 23 gave it a '10' and then the ratings gradually ramp down from there until you get to 41 people who gave it a '1' rating. Are we really supposed to believe that 41 people saw this gay themed movie in its very limited distribution and hated it so much that they ran home and logged into IMDb to rate it as low as possible? In addition, none of these 41 people hated it enough to bother to write a single negative review.

It seems to me that if just one anti-gay group told its members to go home, register for IMDb, and trash the film it could be very effective in warping the IMDb ratings for a small film like this..... a church with a large Latino membership in Akron who objected to being portrayed as gay accepting comes to mind..... just sayin'.

So the point of all these words is to suggest that it would be wise to think twice before avoiding a gay themed film just because it seems to have a abysmally low rating on IMDb.

Good movie, but....

[reggeduser · 8/10 · 8 April 2017]

The movie has a captivating plot (with an amazing coincidence that is a characteristic of usual Korean dramas). But I couldn't help but feel a backdrop of sermonizing, self-delusion, and undeveloped morality.

It's pretty clear that we are supposed to sympathize with the mother, and later admire her for her forgiveness. But whom is she forgiving, and for what? She is angry at everyone but herself about the tragedy that occurred when by rights she was the person most responsible for it. She was the caretaker of the children that day and I fully expected her to have an epiphany that she was blaming everyone else because she was unable to forgive herself or acknowledge her ultimate blame. But that never came - we were left with her being some sort of hero of forgiveness when the people she forgave never deserved blame in the first place. Forgiveness is an act of condescension, a putting of oneself into a position of judgement. We are supposed to admire her act of self-aggrandizement. The movie ends without any resolution of her guilt and the message that sometimes we just need to forget. A bit of insight by the people involved would have raised the jejune level of human psychology displayed.

Ohio melodrama

[Suradit · 8/10 · 4 June 2017]

Great movie primarily because of the actors, especially the two who play the central characters.

The plot is a bit contrived though entirely plausible. I don't think it's necessary to look for any deep meaning in the behavior of those involved. Obviously a tragedy occurred and it was bound to have a profound effect on all involved and it was something that would not have been fully explored between parents and the very young boys at the time.

Likewise it would have been a painful jolt to all involved when it suddenly resurfaced again as the two young men fell for each other at school. Forgiveness and rational thinking are easy to expect in theory, but far more difficult to deal with in reality. One thought that never seemed to have arisen was whether blame should have been shared between both mothers ... Christopher's mother who was driving the car that struck Benny's brother and Benny's mother who apparently allowed the child to run out in front of the car.

We never know how long the relationship between Benny and Christopher lasted. The shared tragedy might have been overcome by love and forgiveness, but it would always be a burden that would weigh on them both.

It was a well done bit of drama and romance, but it was not anything from which profound meaning could be extracted.

the best

[jm10701 · 30 March 2017]

If you saw every gay movie made since 1950, you'd never see one as good as Akron. It's not only the best gay movie made so far, it's one of the best movies period. You have to look at the very best ever--movies like Gone with the Wind and The Godfather--to find any that are better than Akron.

Benny and Christopher meet as college freshmen. They get very close very fast. They're both extremely comfortable being gay, loved and fully supported by their friends and families, and they freely demonstrate their affection everywhere they go. It's marvelous to see.

There is no homophobia anywhere in this movie, thank God. No bullies, no bashing, no parental disapproval, no coming-out angst. No hiding. No HIV. None of the other "curses" that most gay dramas wallow in. Critics may say Akron is unrealistic, but it's no less real than the negative crap we've already seen plenty of in gay movies.

Akron shows a beautifully healthy and positive side of the gay experience that has been completely neglected in movies until now. There ARE families like this--lots of them--we just haven't seen them on screen before. There also is no melodrama in Akron, which is even more remarkable. Nobody overacts or over-reacts. Nobody ever does anything that doesn't feel completely genuine and true and natural and normal.

There IS drama, but it's not centered on being gay. It turns out that the two families' paths had crossed in a terrible tragedy many years earlier, and when they discover that connection everything blows apart. The last half of the movie shows how each person in the two families (not just the lovers) deals with the newly-awakened pain.

Small, unpretentious movies like this, about human beings relating to each other, don't win awards or sell tickets any more, but they're the only movies worth seeing. If you love blockbusters, you'll hate Akron; but if you love movies, you'll love this one. It's as nearly perfect in every way as a movie can be.

Grown up gay story that sort of works

[t-dooley-69-386916 · 6/10 · 11 May 2017]

Benny is a gay child of Mexican parents and has just started at the University of Akron as a freshman. He gets roped into playing a game of American Football with his 'besty' girlfriend and after he meets, the rather dashing, Christopher. They like each other straightaway and just go for it.

The fly in the lovebirds ointment is that deep in the past of their respective mothers there was a tragic incident that will now become a barrier to them being able to stay together.

Now that is the synopsis and there are some things that I really liked. There is no homophobia or overly dramatic 'coming out' scene which marks this as 'progressive gay cinema' apparently. I just thought it was dealing with other issues – and it really is – their sexuality is just happenstance to the plot.

The issues that the two boys face would just as equally be a problem had they been a boy and a girl. The issue with the film itself is how it is all worked out. You will love or loathe this one. This is not a sexathon either and the bedroom scenes I am being a bit generous with my marking but that is because they all do a more than above average job and I quite liked the whole thing.

Relax...

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 7/10 · 18 July 2021]

...this is not about young men trying to cope with their gayness. It is not about should they come out or not. It is not about their families accepting them or rejecting them. I think most of us have grown tired of those themes in "gay films".

Instead, this is about 2 gay college students who face an unusual crisis in their relationship. They both have supportive parent(s).

The one problem with the film is that it takes a lot of "suspending disbelief" to get started here. When the young men were boys, there was a tragic accident where one boy's mother ran over and killed the brother of the other boy. Now, unknowingly, the two boys have grown into young men and have -- by sheer coincidence -- fallen in love. It's a pretty big coincidence to contemplate, but if you can get beyond that, it's a film with an interesting story, good acting, and good dialog.

The two young men are played well by Matthew Frias and Edmund Donovan. Quite polished performances from relative newcomers. The two mothers are equally well acted by Andréa Burns and Isabel Machado.

This is drama, not at all about sexploitation.

Excellent acting, script, direction, and emotional impact

[johnfox-56042 · 10/10 · 3 March 2017]

As of this writing, I have 2,371 movies in my library. And while having and having watched repeatedly many of the 2,371 movies in my library, I am not a professional movie reviewer. But I believe that I do have an informed opinion about what is good and what is not good in movies overall.

The number of low and lowest ratings that some gave "Akron" (2015) surprised me, in part because I have given "Akron" a "10". So when I was recently visiting relations in Akron, Ohio, I asked several of my Latino relations about the allegations that a heavily Latino local church may have organized a number of the church's congregants to write IMDb for the purpose of slamming Akron (2015) because Matthew Frias was Latino and had competently played a gay young man in a very favorable light, within a story line that was very favorable to a gay love affair.

One of my relations turned out to be one of the church congregants who participated in this fraud, and then happily detailed just how this fraud on IMDb was orchestrated within the church itself. This relation stated that apparently none of the congregants had actually watched "Akron" or Matthew Frias, or if they had, they had only done so for a few minutes.

The moral of this is very simple, as far as I can see. Be very careful when using the ratings assigned to movies that some might find politically charged. And be very, very careful when religious groups target movies like "Akron" (2015) for whatever reason.

"Akron" (2015) deserves a "10" rating for all of the right cinematic reasons.

Good Story Well Played

[mandagrammy · 7/10 · 18 May 2019]

3 1/2 Stars. Although a simple story, it is told quite well and is unique in the way it handles a gay couple. The fact that the couple consists of two boys is not of any great importance to the actual story itself. It would be the exact same story if it were a boy and girl or two girls. That's a refreshing change from the usual. The plot does have a couple of holes, but not enough to detract from the overall enjoyment of the film. The young actors do a credible job of seeming a good match. The parents seem quite realistic in their attitudes and actions based on the plot. I give this a thumbs up.

Heart tugging and Emotional Family Movie

[julierom · 10/10 · 18 May 2017]

The more you watch this movie, the better it gets. It packs an emotional wallop. Even though the depiction of the two young gay men being totally free and expressing their love outwardly is very unrealistic because Akron is a very homophobic city.

The acting by all is outstanding. Matthew Frias projects the dominant role in the relationship. He makes the first move and takes charge. He's displays the Latino temperament when he's riled, especially in a scene where he blows up at his boyfriend. Edmund Donovan seems to be the sensitive one who grounds Benny when things are tense. His projection of love for Benny is something everyone dreams about. He seems to good to be true and Donovan's acting is touching because you feel his pain as the pawn who is caught in the middle. The scene where he rips into his mother is riveting, yet heartbreaking.

This film does not deserve the rating that it has gotten from IMDb. It deserves better and I wouldn't believe the negative ratings. Despite some of the implausibility of the plot, the performances and the direction overcome that detail.

Cute little movie, in spite of it's flaws

[csignorelli1 · 7/10 · 2 March 2023]

I don't know why, but something about this movie felt "off", even though it had all the right ingredients. It's a shame, because I went into it with high expectations and came away slightly disappointed.

For one, the whole thing seemed a bit melodramatic. I think this had less to do with the acting (which was okay) and more to do with the plot. You can't fix a thin plot by filling in all the holes with emotional fluff -- it gave the impression that the characters were overreacting and wallowing in their anger and sadness.

For another, the production value was somewhat amateurish in spots. Right after the accident, the sound cuts out in attempt to convey the gravity and trauma of the moment. But it just didn't work and felt out of place. In another scene, when Benny and Christopher meet for the first time after separating, the twangy theme song is loudly piped in before they've even finished making up, which detracted from the moment.

But it certainly wasn't all bad. It was refreshing to watch a "gay" movie where being gay wasn't the main focus. The boys' sexuality is a total non-issue -- no homophobia or self-loathing in sight! The leads are handsome and well-rounded, and spend a good bit of screen-time sans shirts -- although none of these scenes felt gratuitous. And it does have a (mostly) happy ending.

Overall, this was an enjoyable film. Although it tried a little too hard to be cutesy and dramatic, it was a decent attempt and I would watch it again.

6.5/10.

Mindless Fun and Games, Followed by Overblown Kvetching and Crying

[Lorenz1060 · 2/10 · 21 October 2017]

Despite the efforts of what seems to be a talented cast, the film just dissolves into one embarrassment after another. After 25 minutes of insanely naive optimism (which has some charming moments), an old domestic tragedy reawakens to ridiculously overblown proportions and turns the movie into an almost unwatchable squawk-fest courtesy of a egregiously awful screen play.

I doubted if I could make it through the entire 84 minutes and kept checking how much time was remaining during the endless, last half hour. And then – poof! – one speech of less than a minute and happiness reigns as if years of suppressed angst never happened.

This is what I have come to expect from American gay films. There really are so many more gay-oriented films out there geared to intelligent adults (most of which seem to come from Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, Spain, and France; even Hungary has at least one excellent gay film!). Explore! Don't fear subtitles!

FINALLY a gay movie that is not about sex, drugs, or tragic ending.

[Samx_ · 10/10 · 10 August 2018]

It's that sort of movies that you feel happy and refreshed after watching them. The actors played their roles pretty good especially Edmund Donovan his face expressions were perfect as well as his using of body language and the tone of his voice...I see a bright future for him in acting (hopefully). I just really liked the movie, it's a film displaying the life of two gay couple living a NORMAL life not like other movies where something tragic must happen eventually.

A Tale of Two Halves

[tonekabo · 7/10 · 31 May 2021]

I've seen Akron a few times now. To me, the treatment of the storyline from introduction to resolution is best described as dichotomous.

So, the first half - up to the hot tub scene during spring break - is a 9. The second, barely a 5.

Act I I love the openness of the two young men, loving, togetherness, the acceptance of their friends and Benny's parents. I particularly love the line by Benny's mom: "When did he become old enough to do the things he's not old enough to do?"

Then comes the devastating revelation. And the treatment of the story goes downhill in a hurry.

Act II The worst example of the above, among many others, is the argument between Benny and his dad. There are so many better challenges to be offered than: "For once, why can't I have what I want?"

The delay of confrontation between Benny and Christopher regarding the past occurs after they reach Ohio. That just squeezes the tension out of the plot. That should have happened in the bedroom right after the hot tub scene, and Benny should have driven back alone.

The rest of the story, the markup, the re-acceptance of the Cruz family after Christoper's mother's visit (the only high point in ActII), all becomes entirely illogical whether or not you agree with and like a "happy ending."

In conclusion, Akron could have been so very much better. It's a waste of a rather unique storyline that didn't get the writing prowess it deserved.

Terrible

[tommy5677 · 3/10 · 27 December 2021]

I'm still convinced beyond any reasonable doubt that some of the reviews on here are paid for. There isn't anyone possibly on the face of the entire planet who could think this was actually a good movie. The story itself had potential and got off to a good start but then everybody's emotional reaction to everything that transpired seemed unreasonable. I actually found myself rolling my eyes at the end of every scene.

As for the actor playing Benny, I don't really have anything to compare this to because I've never seen him in anything else. I will make it a point to do so in the future to see if he can actually act. He is handsome, swarthy, and very easy on the eyes. I thought overall the actor playing Christopher did a pretty good job as well. In general I think most of the problems were directly related to directing and writing. Is there really any possible way that any actor could have done anything good with the script?

In general I think this movie is terrible. Some of the acting is questionable, the writing/dialogue is some of the most ridiculous I have ever heard. Every emotional aspect of this movie was over dramatized making the characters look foolish. I could understand Benny's initial reaction to learning that A past event will rock his relationship to its core. But, because this event was nobody's fault there has to come a time where you just move past it and get over it. Life goes on. If this movie had illustrated the struggles of moving on instead of showcasing everybody's anger, unforgiveness, and a willingness to allow it to destroy everything dear to them, it could have worked.

Production values were good and the movie did not come across as some cheesy low budget piece of crap so many of these movies can't work around.

Get rid of the writer, Director, and some of the actors, and this could've been a good one. Unfortunately it wasn't.

special

[Kirpianuscus · 13 November 2021]

For many reasons, surprising. Because it is a courageous perspective about an universe easy to put in the drama cage. Because it is not a demonstration and sounds positive in beautiful way. Two students, their love, studies, families and acceptance. You expect impressive twists and huge accidents . Except the car accident of the beginning, Akron has the gift to reflect a side of normality. In fair, nuanced, calmed manner. Without desire to demonstrate something or to be a manifesto. And, sure, that makes it just special.

Touching

[warcub-48834 · 7/10 · 14 June 2020]

A slow-moving and sentimental story, but an uplifting and positive one. It's great to see the simple acceptance of two young, gay men in love and able to live openly and honestly. I hope reality lives up to it in Ohio.

Gay Romeo & Juiliet

[dibeyendu · 7/10 · 26 December 2018]

The good old theme of two lovers from feuding families is brought back again in Akron. The feuding families thing just might work in a crime family setting but it doesn't work very well in an American university town setting. There's not much dramatic tension and you know it will all be resolved in the lover's favor without any tragic deaths. The first part of the movie is boy meets boy and kisses the boy a lot. Then there's the bit when the two separate and there's some genuine tension built up here but it's only 20% 0f the movie. Then there's the reconciliation, which is drawn out a bit. But Akron makes for easy viewing. It's about nice, good looking people, who live in a post-gay environment where boys can kiss passionately in the middle of the street or in clubs and restaurants.

A must see touching story!

[zant-106-51493 · 9/10 · 15 July 2018]

A very touching story of two young college boys who find each other at a football game played in the mud. Unfortunately they share a dark past when both boys were 4 or 5. Benny the very cute Hispanic boy's older 6 year old brother is killed when he runs out after a soccer ball and is killed in front of a mini van. As one of the professional reviewers says Benny's Family is not stereotypical. His family is very supportive and loving. The tension of the past places stress on the boys relationship and families. The supporting cast is phenomenal the actors who play Benny's mother and father and Christopher's mother are very Noteworthy not to mention Benny's little sister and the small roll of Christopher' s best friend Played by Cailin Rose all make for a very good movie.

great story line... ending was a bit of a let down

[myonge-72119 · 7/10 · 18 July 2020]

The premise and story concept was great The acting was good But the ending left a lot to be desired. We are supposed to believe that Benny's Mother goers from hateful, angry, grieving, to totally accepting and hostess of the year... well at least to Christopher. But the last contact with his mother not so much. we are left wondering if there was some reconciliation there or not, and if there was why was she not invited to dinner as well. Another 5 or 10 minutes of movie could have resolved some of those questions and made it a more satisfying movie. For me the ending spoiled the rest of the movie for me. Otherwise it was great

Great movie!!

[jjsmithers-87943 · 10/10 · 19 August 2017]

What an amazing movie!! This is a must see and maybe even a must own for your collection!! I think the way that the story is told puts an emphasis on everything besides the sexuality of the main characters. A much needed change from most of the gay films that are out in the world today. The story itself also keeps people on edge and I know that when my family and I watched it there wasn't a dry eye in the house!!

Good looking leads, bad acting...

[aylinatici · 6/10 · 1 September 2020]

I think I can say I enjoyed the movie as it wasn't really depressing like most of the gay movies and very nice looking main couple was definitely a plus but since the beginning of the movie, I just couldn't feel the spark between the couple? To me they had little to no chemistry, the dialogues were weird and seemed fake. They were having hardships and all but I just couldn't feel their sadness or how strong their love for each other is to overcome those hardships. Almost everyone's acting was bad too, especially Benny's mom.

Drama For Drama's Sake + Gay Guys

[meaninglessbark · 5/10 · 27 October 2017]

If you like made for Hallmark and Lifetime type dramas Akron would be a good pick. If you like more meaningful and well crafted films, skip it.

The actors are all pretty good though the moms skew towards TV melodrama characters. The rest of the film's construction is really pedestrian.

Even thought the film is bland and the story amateurish it was nice to see a film with gay characters that wasn't about them being gay and especially nice to see a non-caucasian gay male character (though he is, of course, very attractive).

Most Positive Gay message EVER!!!

[ohlabtechguy · 8/10 · 31 December 2018]

Have seen lots of gay themed movies and this is the FIRST one that showcases gayness in the most positive light possible. The two leading, gay characters are completely wholesome, young and attractive. They are serious college students with families who love and accept them as they are. You won't find any smoking scenes in this movie....no drinks, no illicit drugs. And you won't hear sleaze bags tossing around the F word as their most descriptive adjective. All you'll get are two athletic, academically oriented, "normal" behaving, gay college students who meet and fall for one another immediately. All the acting is spot on. Dialogue is exceedingly realistic and natural. Finally someone out there read my mind and presented a POSITIVE image of gay people.....and I'm not talking HIV.

Title: "Akron" - A Poignant Exploration of Love, Loss, and Redemption

[doyler79 · 6/10 · 21 February 2024]

Title: "Akron" - A Poignant Exploration of Love, Loss, and Redemption

In "Akron," co-directors Sasha King and Brian O'Donnell craft a heartfelt narrative that takes viewers on an emotional journey through the complexities of love, loss, guilt, and absolution. Set against the backdrop of Akron, Ohio, this romantic drama unfolds in what appears to be a gay utopia, presenting a compelling exploration of same-sex relationships within the framework of a tragic event.

The story centers around college freshman Benny, portrayed with authenticity by Matthew Frias, and his blossoming romance with star football player Christopher, played by the charismatic Edmund Donovan. The film skillfully captures the natural and passionate chemistry between the lead actors, even though Donovan's character occasionally borders on the 'too good to be true' archetype.

As Benny introduces Christopher to his parents, Lenora (Andréa Burns) and David (Joseph Melendez), and the story unfolds, "Akron" transcends the typical romantic drama. The standout performances come from Burns and Amy da Luz as the mothers of the protagonists, navigating the emotional aftermath of a tragedy that forces them to confront the past for the sake of their sons' future.

The narrative, though somewhat slow-paced for some audiences, weaves a tale of forgiveness and self-discovery. The film explores when forgiveness challenges the very essence of one's being, raising questions about blame and responsibility. Isabel Rose Machado's portrayal of Benny's younger sister, Becca, adds a poignant layer to the family dynamics.

The film adeptly employs flashbacks to portray the tragedy of the past, testing not only the love between the main characters but also the fundamental bonds of family. What sets "Akron" apart is its depiction of same-sex love as an integral part of everyday life, free from the typical 'gay issues' often portrayed in cinema.

Notably refreshing is the absence of homophobia, racism, and other societal prejudices, presenting a narrative that embraces same-sex relationships without the need for external conflict. However, the film does not shy away from the challenges posed by the characters' pasts, offering a nuanced perspective on acceptance and understanding.

In conclusion, "Akron" marks a promising debut for director Brian O'Donnell. Despite some narrative pitfalls, the film is well-executed and resonates with authenticity. As a poignant exploration of love and forgiveness, "Akron" stands out as a film that transcends stereotypes, delivering a sincere portrayal of same-sex relationships within the broader spectrum of human experience.

#Akron #matthewfrias.

Some of the worst acting ever

[mooveephantom · 5/10 · 22 July 2020]

I mean the storyline was intriguing, but all players just can't act. The particular sore spot is the actress that played Benny's mom, horrendous acting. All the other cast members simply could not keep the scenes together with their lack of experience and emotion to bring in the viewer.

It's also a problem that the script was weak with terrible dialogue. Direction was pretty non existent. The way the story wraps up was ridiculous and unconvincing. That's gay arthouse for you.

Oh well, 88 minutes wasted, but it's not the end of the world.