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Reviews
Gone, But Not Forgotten (2003)
Why did I like this movie?
*Warning: Possible Spoilers*
I saw this DVD in the store and from the pictures on the cover it looked totally hot, so I bought it.
First the negatives (and there are quite a few.)
1. It was shot on video. I realize they did this to save money (with a low budget, one must) but the video quality automatically takes away from the "movie" feel of it for me, and makes it seem something like a porn (since those are all shot on video.)
2. The photographic direction is terrible. Often characters are out of frame, or facing the very edge of the frame, etc. I learned more about scene composition in my beginner film class than they demonstrated in this film.
3. The acting was ok - but not great. Some scenes were good while others were ridiculous.
4. The writing was like the acting. Some scenes were well done, while others were just absurd and irrational.
5. There was only one steamy scene.
Now the good points.
1. The plot, story, and characters were excellent. A good, if simplistic, mystery occurs.
2. (Here's the spoiler) It has a happy ending!
I'm not one to be easily reeled in and forgive all just because of a happy ending, but this film managed to have that effect on me. As I watched it, I suffered through the above mentioned bad points because of the strength of the plot. At the end it left me with such an overwhelming feeling of joy I just can't help but say that I really liked this movie, despite the shortcomings. It is very refreshing to see a gay film that's not a post-modern tale of alienation and detachment such as "Presque Rien" (Come Undone) and "Giorni" (Days) but more along the lines of "Beautiful Thing."
So, in summary, if you're looking for a well-made, artistic, "thinking" film, this ISN'T the one to see. If, however, you're looking for a fun little movie that leaves you feeling good, and not thinking "What the hell?" at the end, I definitely recommend this one.
Pet Shop Boys: Somewhere (1997)
Lots of fun
This concert video is very entertaining. Neil and Chris don't seem overly energetic, but the music is great. The first five songs are especially good live versions. The rest of the songs are basically what you'd hear on their albums (of course it's all on tape, but no one will find out) except for Rent which is played acoustically (by Neil on the guitar.) The "I Will Survive/It's a Sin" medley doesn't start off as strong as one might hope, but it ends up being good overall. The dancer/choreographer is rather bizarre and very gay and the films being projected on the sides of the stage are only cool when they interact with the show (which only happens at breaks.) This is a great movie for any PSB fan to own and the DVD picture and sound are, of course, excellent.