NickBOKC Reviews

Fellow Travelers (2023)

Love Endures

[9/10 · 16 February 2024]

I had an emotional breakdown at the end of this series. This story revealed the deep psychological trauma caused by conservative control. It also revealed how money is the great life saver, especially for abused minorities who need to escape. Tim and Hawk could have moved to France or Italy where same-sex relations had been legal since the previous century. Instead, they remained trapped by conservative oppression through the 1980s. All because Hawk wouldn't lie to his father. They could have opened a Bed and Breakfast in the south of France for gay couples, fellow travelers. Sadly, Hawk couldn't get past his trauma.

This series depicted life for many closeted gay men, like Hawk, forced to live a lie by a society unable to look in the mirror and see that all the world's evils are caused and enabled by them, not homosexuals: War, genocide, gendercide, greed, poverty, corruption, wife abuse and assault, child abuse and neglect, sex trafficking, etc. I only wish that someone during the McCarthy era would have said as much on television and radio. This series is a must watch. You will no doubt be captivated by Tim and Hawk's love story. These two men were soulmates. They were not blessed with a fairytale ending, but their truth was evident: Beyond measure, love endures.

In from the Side (2022)

A Valuable Lesson

[7/10 · 10 January 2024]

Lesson: The grass isn't greener on the other side. Never get romantically involved with someone who is already involved. It never ends well. Warren has an incredible looking man-cave, but the weakness he showed at the New Year's Eve party was a total turn off. That was all the proof Mark needed. Mark was better off on his own. And John is the type of guy that will hang onto Warren no matter what. We all know that type of guy. For them, it's not about love, it's about possession.

Henry is hot. Despite his drinking problem, I could see him and Mark together. I can't feel sorry for Richard. He opened the door to this by allowing an open relationship. And he was always traveling and didn't support Mark's rugby passion. Those two were an odd couple. I just wish the ending would've been Mark showing up at Henry's door with a rose. Anyway, the story kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. That is a miracle in the world of gay cinema. It's worth your time.

Sailor in the Wild (1983)

Near Masterpiece

[9/10 · 17 December 2023]

I remember seeing this movie back in the 90s. I was totally in love with Brian Thompson and Bill Henson. I even fantasized about a three-way marriage with them. The scene with Brian Thompson as the sailor with Bill Henson as the park ranger was incredible! The verbal exchange really helped to make this scene. Quiet guys or the guys who make fake pleasure sounds are a real turn off. The only scene I didn't care for was the pool scene with Rick Donovan. I've never been into large packages. If only he had laid on his tummy for Leo, it would have been a great scene since Rick did have a great man-cave. The card game with Buster was fantastic even though it was a little more rough for my taste. This movie is a must see adult classic. I would've given it a perfect score but I can't. Why? They pulled out, which should be a felony. It's completely unnatural. It's not a money shot, it's a waste. Injections only!

Rare Exports (2010)

Little Pietari the Hero!

[8/10 · 17 December 2023]

This gem of a movie is a must see! Do I dare consider it a Christmas classic? Yes! I have now added this unexpected pleasure to my yearly Christmas movie list. I was hesitant because of the subtitles but glad I gave it a chance. I watched a Finnish soap opera storyline, Elias and Lari, on YouTube many years ago, so I recognized the language immediately. I was very impressed with this unique storyline and was glad to see that Little Pietari became the hero of this story. The ending was totally unexpected! If you want to see a Christmas movie that isn't some boring rehash of an old storyline, this movie is for you!

Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)

This One is a Winner

[9/10 · 27 August 2023]

I wasn't expecting much going in but was blown away by the story and the chemistry between these two leads. This is now in the top 4 gay movies of all time for me with Latter Days, Shelter, and Save Me. Prince Henry is totally my type. In the museum, I would've played You and Me by Lifehouse for us to slow dance together. Ignore the haters of this film, they are people who love guns more than our nation's children and religion more than their fellow man. This movie is worth seeing and not just for young people. The older generation need to see same-sex love in this beautiful way. I hope for a sequel with them being married with children. This story must continue!

The Hunt (II) (2020)

Roles Could Have Been Easily Reversed

[8/10 · 10 July 2023]

I could definitely see this movie with the roles reversed. Conservative elites hunting down toxic liberal activists, e.g., the pronoun police and the silence is violence crowd. I hope that will be the sequel to this film. Wealthy elites tend to vote Repub because of the tax cuts. Remember President Bush wearing a tuxedo and telling the wealthy crowd, "Some people call you the elite, I call you my base." It's because that party exists solely to protect the wealthy and corporations. We need a sequel to this movie emphasizing that crucial point. I like to think of the survivor as an Independent woman who doesn't bother voting because she knows that CONgress is corrupt. That fact must be emphasized in the next movie. Until then, this movie is definitely worth a watch.

The Lake (2022– )

Wokewashed Lake Lunacy

[2/10 · 7 July 2023]

Worst stereotypical wokewashed show of the year, maybe even the decade. The toxic left reports reviews that go against their agenda, which proves there is an agenda, and this show is definitely part of that agenda. We must not be silenced. Hollywood loves their diversity pawns, and this show is the perfect example. The flamboyant gay main character has a biracial daughter? Not buying it and most people won't, either. This show is contrived. It was made simply to cater to the diversity crowd, nothing more, and absolutely nothing special to see here. Don't waste your time on a lost cause. Skip this lunacy and read a classic book.

Shared Rooms (2016)

Perfect Husband

[8/10 · 20 May 2023]

This movie is great compared to many gay-themed movies with typical tragic endings. Sid, played by Justin Xavier, is literally the perfect husband. His romance scenes were incredible for the obvious reasons. The rating on this movie is too low. Were there some shallow moments and some wooden acting? Sure, but this movie is much better than I expected it to be considering gay cinema is typically depressing. Brokeback Mountain is the best example. The gay nephew storyline is very realistic and added to the drama. You should definitely give this movie a chance. It won't win any awards but enough character development was present to push this movie above six stars.

Animal (I) (2014)

Better Than The Low Rating Suggests

[6/10 · 20 May 2023]

I watched this movie because I'm in love with Parker Young, but sadly his role time was limited. Who in their right mind goes into the forest without protection? None of these people thought to bring a shotgun or rifle? Bear spray isn't going to cut it. If just one person brought a .500 magnum revolver, the beast would have been blown to bits. I still enjoyed this movie despite a few plot holes. The secret love affair was a nice touch, and very realistic depending on the guy. I've seen that happen many times in my life. This movie doesn't deserve less than a five or a six star rating. It kept me entertained, although I would have chosen a different ending and made Parker Young the final hero.

American Horror Story: Requiem 1981/1987: Part 2 (2022) Season 11, Episode 10

The Faceless Killer

[7/10 · 7 January 2023]

I knew from the first episode that the faceless leather harness killer was the physical representation of AIDS. Unlike others, I really enjoyed this storytelling of an extremely sensitive subject. None of you own the pain of that horrific time in our community's history. And none of you hold the copyright on the narrative. There are too many of us with unique stories and perspectives. I thought the writers made a good effort with NYC. Did I want more from the ending? Absolutely. I wanted to know if Adam was an Elite Controller. We do know some survived that time because of the Delta 32 genetic mutation. I thought the actors did an excellent job, and the visuals were haunting. It's certainly not in the same category as Longtime Companion, but it was a good effort. There was nothing more horrifying than AIDS back in those days. It's only fitting that AHS NYC would give us a glimpse of that horror.

American Horror Story: Winter Kills (2021) Season 10, Episode 6

Mr. Prolific Forgot His Black Pill

[2/10 · 22 December 2022]

Apparently, Mr. Prolific forgot to take his black pill before writing this finale. The ending was a slap in the face to the viewers wanting justice for what Alma did to her own mother. Ursula needed her neck ripped apart, as well. I was glad that Henry got what was coming to him, but I was hoping for a better ending for TB Karen. I was hoping to see her turn her life around and become a success without having to kill people. She could have simply bribed someone working at the blood bank. All of them could have done that. There was no reason to kill or black pill untalented people. I was expecting so much more from this finale. What a waste.

Dexter: New Blood: Sins of the Father (2022) Season 1, Episode 10

Resurrect Dex!

[6/10 · 4 November 2022]

I'm somewhat disappointed with this tragic ending to a brilliant series. I finished watching all eight seasons of Dexter before watching New Blood. I was really hoping for a father and son, Batman and Robin VJL, Vigilante Justice League. They could have escaped together with new identities in Los Angeles. Furthermore, that so-called evidence was completely circumstantial. There's no way anyone would convict him since Kurt could have easily framed him. There was no need to take out coach/deputy Logan. This ending could provide us with Harrison taking the mantle from Dexter and Dexter being the guiding voice for Harrison like Harry was for him. I really don't want this series to end. Maybe this tragic, predictable ending could be a dream sequence? Anything is possible in TV land. Resurrect Dexter! Dexter Lives!

Firestarter (2022)

Cat Pronouns?

[5/10 · 21 August 2022]

Sorry, this movie lost me at the cat violence scene followed by the cat pronouns. Hollywood just won't stop pandering to less than one percent of the population. It's highly disturbing. Other than that, this movie was mediocre at best. It can't compete with the original. Zach Efron is the only reason I give it five stars, but he just couldn't save the script. This should have been a made for TV movie on the SciFi channel.

Worst to First (2017–2019)

LOVE This Show

[9/10 · 16 July 2022]

I absolutely love this show and not just because I'm in love with Seb. I enjoy the cheesy banter between Mickey & Seb, plus their renos are amazing. They changed the format in Season 2, but I can live with it. The episode where Seb got his nose painted was beyond adorable. I watched both seasons on HULU and wish there were more! This show made me realize the beauty of Vancouver. With the way things are going in the United States, I may retire there. Highly recommend this show to every home renovation lover!

Serviced (2019)

Eye Opening

[7/10 · 21 June 2022]

This was an eye-opening documentary concerning different types of sex work primarily involving gay men. I truly believe that sex work is legitimate work, and sex work should be decriminalized. I'm not shocked that there's still a stigma around it, but with documentaries like this and word of mouth experiences, it should be more accepted in time. Paying for cuddling was a shock to me but not the disability sex work. I'm reminded of the movie, Mask, where his mom hired a woman to satisfy him for his first time. The need for pleasure is genetic. It's not the government's business if you choose to pay for it. On a final note, the silver daddy on the massage table is very attractive. I wish we could have seen the end of that session!

Curve (2015)

Could Have Been Better

[7/10 · 18 June 2022]

This was a decent movie considering its low budget. Not gonna lie, the wanderer was the man of my dreams until he turned into a total nut bag. I watched this movie with the hopes that there would be more action from the psycho lead, but instead it turned out to be a movie about a woman trapped in her SUV. The finish was decent considering we got to see the hot deputy in his tighty whities. It's worth a watch for these two studs alone, but you may want to fast forward through some of the boring trapped scenes.

Last Survivors (2021)

Mesmerized

[7/10 · 13 June 2022]

Don't pay attention to the low rating. This was a good movie, and not just because of Jakey's warm, sweet man cave. I was so mesmerized by it that I couldn't stop rewinding! The only reason for the low rating are all the straight men who thought it would be a different type of story about a father and son survival team. A lot of these men see themselves in the role of the deranged father. Beware of the preppers! This movie reveals what happens to these men when the loose screw finally falls out!

Outlander: Sticks and Stones (2022) Season 6, Episode 7

Lizzie

[9/10 · 1 June 2022]

Lizzie is my new hero! She snatched, pun intended, twin brothers! This is every sane person's ultimate fantasy. Well, triplet brothers might actually be hotter, but in any case, I hope she runs away with both of them to live happily ever after! Maybe all three of them could go through the stone gate to a more enlightened future? The best scenario would be a twin pregnancy with both men being the fathers!

Candy (2022)

Calgon Didn't Help Candy

[8/10 · 13 May 2022]

Absolutely shocking! I guess Candy's Calgon bath wasn't able to take her away, so she found comfort in the arms of married men. Is this a lesson for married women to stay far away from unrealistic romance novels? I don't blame Candy for wanting the cake, Pat, but also craving the icing, Alan. I'm surprised that she didn't try to convince Pat to engage in a threesome. They are both sexy men.

Poor Betty, she really was easily dismissed by the community, in life and in death. I don't know who to believe. Candy's account is definitely believable since she was already with another married man at the time. Was it Sherry's husband? Being a cheating nympho doesn't make you a cold-blooded killer. I think Betty tried to scare Candy and things escalated. Was Betty suffering from postpartum depression? Was Candy angry that Betty was pregnant again because she wanted Alan back? We will never know the entire truth.

Shining Vale (2022–2023)

A Must See

[8/10 · 22 April 2022]

Don't be deceived by negative reviews, this is definitely worth your time! I came close to passing on this brilliant series but glad I gave it a chance. The writing is perfect and love the hilarious quips between the family members. I would have given it a higher rating but wanted more. Eight episodes Isn't Enough, pun intended. The family dynamic is enough to make me go bat cray, too. You will be left wondering if Pat is really cray or possessed. The ending left room for a season 2 but not sure how it could be done.

Judith Light is perfect in the role of the whacky grandmother, and the daughter has an amazing singing voice. As an added bonus, we get to see Greg Kinnear's warm, sweet man cave! He's aging very well. I binge-watched this series in two days, and I'm very picky about what I watch. Trust me, this is good. This is the perfect show to throw a viewing party with friends and cocktails.

Sliders: Summer of Love (1995) Season 1, Episode 4

Hippie Nation

[8/10 · 14 March 2022]

The group lands on a world with giant spider wasps and must quickly use the timer to escape. In the process, Quinn and the professor are separated from Rembrandt and Wade who land in a hippie commune. She quickly becomes their spiritual guru. Mr. Bennish makes another appearance as the stoner physicist on Earth Prime the FBI needs to help find the sliders. On the parallel world, he's a clean-cut young Republican promoting the war. Oliver North is the president, which doesn't surprise me in a nation full of conservatives. A gun-toting conservative old lady rents a room to Quinn and the professor only to snitch on them to the FBI.

Meanwhile, Rembrandt finds out his alternate is married to his childhood crush, but he supposedly died in the war, so Rembrandt takes his place during his wake. This is a valuable lesson to men everywhere. You may think you've found a great housewife, but in reality, she could be a house monster! There was even a reference by Quinn to the wishbone offense in football, which reminded me of my Oklahoma Sooners. Overall, this was a pretty good episode. I just hope the group can find much better worlds than the ones they've visited thus far. I would like to see them land on a world that lives by nudity and sexual fluidity or bisexuality. THAT would be a world to see.

Sliders: Prince of Wails (1995) Season 1, Episode 5

British States

[8/10 · 13 March 2022]

The group lands on a world where America lost the revolutionary war, which caused other revolutionary wars to never occur. The Brits control most of the world and are at war with France. Professor Arturo's alternate is the sheriff of San Francisco. He is a cross between the Sheriff of Nottingham and a conservative politician. He even referenced a contract with America, which was a popular concept during the 1990s. Law and order was always on the tongue of the Sheriff, even though in typical conservative fashion, he didn't practice what he preached. This was a pretty good episode. If I were Wade, I would have been tempted to stay and become royalty. I loved the ending, and I think you will, too!

Sliders: Last Days (1995) Season 1, Episode 3

The End is Nigh

[8/10 · 13 March 2022]

The group lands on a world whose inhabitants are running around in a frenzy. They soon discover that an asteroid is headed their way in two days. The problem? They slide in three days. Rembrandt finds solace in a church, Quinn and Wade get close in his alternate's basement, and Professor Arturo helps Mr. Bennish, a hippie physicist on this world, correctly build an atom bomb to destroy the asteroid. The end is absolutely terrifying. If only Einstein had done what he did on our world! This was a great episode and really makes you think about what could have been. The group dynamic is working well so far. I especially enjoy it when they all land on the plump professor during a slide.

Sliders: Fever (1995) Season 1, Episode 2

Germaphobe World

[10/10 · 13 March 2022]

The group lands on a world that is obsessed with cleanliness to avoid germs. There is a plague on this world known as the Q and no cure for it. The wealthy have no worries on this world, and everyone infected is of a lower caste. Quinn's alternate is patient zero, and the group must find him and a cure fast after Wade is infected. Quinn's alternate on this world looks eerily similar to the creepy cult leader David Koresh. The infected even stand in front of him to protect him from government agents.

Once the professor discovers that these people have never heard of aspirin or antibiotics, it's a race against time to create the medicine needed to cure the group and the people of this world. This was an excellent episode to follow the pilot. I have high hopes for this series. There's just something exciting about sliding to a different earth. You never know what you'll find.

Sliders: Pilot (1995) Season 1, Episode 1

The Slide Begins

[10/10 · 13 March 2022]

Excellent pilot episode! This group is an unusual pairing, but the diversity makes it work. This could easily be a 10 year show if done right. The group dynamic and the adventures these people experience will no doubt entertain us and provoke our imaginations. I never watched this back in the 1990s because I wasn't much of a TV person at the time, but thanks to my streaming service, I will watch the entire series from start to finish. I just hope this series ends in the amazing way that it began.