EATING OUT is a good looking film. It's young stars are hunky, sexy guys who look great on camera and turn in credible performances. The gal pals are a gay man's fantasia, however - as one character says "a reality show without the camera crew". The film manages to neatly hide it's low budget roots. After a few establishing shots of Tuscon, we forget the rest of the film is basically house-bound. The centerpiece of EATING OUT (the title has nothing to do with finding a good restaurant) is a phone sex scene that manages to be quite sexy despite it's extended length. The film's biggest disappointment (and disservice) is it's idiotic dialogue. Characters speak in a "Clueless" slang that is both annoying and unreal. The fatuous dialogue turns the likable cast superficial. It might be cute to occasionally say 'parfait' for 'perfect' and 'Fabio' for 'fabulous' but when every line contains something like this, it gets annoying. There are also a lot of 'jokes' and 'one liners' (a truly appalling one about being HIV positive) that don't contribute much. If this is Oscar Wilde, he's slumming. Turn off the volume and just watch EATING OUT - then it'll be nearly parfait - maybe even downright Fabio.
89 Reviews
Not that bad!
wyldboy7221 June 2005
I saw this movie even after reading all the horrible reviews. Expecting the worst, this movie really isn't that bad! It's a funny, light, fluff comedy. Everyone seems to have hooked-up with everyone in this tale of boy-wants-girl-who-wants boy-who-wants-boy. It's reminiscent of the teen comedies of the past decade, but with a gay twist. There are a lot of unspoken elements to the plot that add to the Ralston's of the gay world - such as the flamboyant "straight" boy who's girlfriend doesn't catch on. Caelb's oversexed ex-girlfriend is hysterical and under-used.
The much-hyped phone sex scene is very well done and will make most audience members (gay or straight, male or female) squirm their seat - and likely the reason this movie isn't rated. If you are going for the full-frontal male nude scene of Ryan Carnes and Scott Lansford, don't blink or you'll miss it! If you are looking for a fun way to spend 90 minutes, check out Eating Out. And stay for the hidden scene after the credits!
The much-hyped phone sex scene is very well done and will make most audience members (gay or straight, male or female) squirm their seat - and likely the reason this movie isn't rated. If you are going for the full-frontal male nude scene of Ryan Carnes and Scott Lansford, don't blink or you'll miss it! If you are looking for a fun way to spend 90 minutes, check out Eating Out. And stay for the hidden scene after the credits!
Phoning it in ...
majikstl6 June 2005
Warning: Spoilers
EATING OUT utilizes what I call the "Gay Gambit" or "Rock's Role." It is the utterly ludicrous plot contrivance in which a straight man thinks he can win the favors of a woman by pretending to be homosexual. Why is anybody's guess. The sexist notion behind the gimmick is that straight women don't feel threatened by gay men, i.e., gay men are harmless "girlfriends;" which, if you think of it, is insulting to straight men, straight women and gay men. It is a nonsensical premise that doesn't even work in Rock Hudson movies or episodes of "Three's Company," though it might work if the woman happens to be Liza Minnelli.
It doesn't work in EATING OUT either; especially as far as creating a funny movie. At the urging of his gay roommate, Kyle (Jim Verraros), a straight college boy, Caleb (Scott Lunsford), pretends to be gay so that he will attract Gwen (Emily Stiles), who instead tries to fix him up with her roommate, Marc (Ryan Carnes), who Kyle secretly pines for. It takes no great imagination to see that after the usual misunderstandings, this game of round robin will find everyone properly paired up. The plot is pre-packaged and should be little more than a fill-in-the-blanks exercise.
However, writer/director Q. Allan Brocka tosses a few curves that wickedly take the plot in a new direction and almost saves the film as a whole. Indeed, where most sex farces like this usually stumble when they try to get serious about their plot complications, EATING OUT only works when it treats its characters as human beings and not chattering, foul-mouthed joke dispensers. Along with a lot of unnecessary vulgarities, Brocka packs each line of dialogue with lame pop culture references that don't even make much sense ("Don't Heche me into pulling a Mariah!" Huh?) Brocka's oh-so gay screenplay tries desperately to be witty, though there is nothing less conducive to wit then desperation. The film's smirky title sets the tone for the script.
But the film takes a subversively erotic twist. Though Caleb steadfastly tries to avoid the sexual advances of Marc, the plot finds him being seduced by his faux boyfriend while at the same time having phone sex with Gwen. Plopped down in the middle of all these amateurish clichés, Brocka gives us a surprisingly bold and erotic bisexual love scene that finds a straight guy suddenly experiencing homoerotic feelings he didn't know existed. The experience leaves all three people a bit bewildered, especially Caleb who starts to question his sexuality. But just as it looks like the film will get serious -- in a good way -- and deal honestly and humorously with the emotional and personal complexities of sexuality, Brocka switches back to the tired sex farce plot and his feeble attempts at humor. The film cops out: Caleb is quickly rushed back into a heterosexual encounter, letting everyone off the hook with a predictable happy ending. A film that seems to want to challenge sexual stereotypes opts instead to play it very safe.
Of the cast, Lunsford, who looks like a young Tim Daly, and Carnes, who could be Brad Pitt's younger brother (or at least his first cousin), come off best, because they are playing gay with a minimum of stereotypical theatrics. They have a chemistry, but the performances make promises that the filmmaker isn't willing to follow through on. The rest of the cast overacts or relies on tired stereotypes, especially Stiles who is attractive enough, but spends most of the film looking and behaving like a drunken drag queen. And even though Verraros is arguably the cutest actor in the cast, male or female, his character is inexplicably portrayed as an unattractive loser.
EATING OUT is a bizarre film. It is clearly a "gay" film, but turns homophobic. It fails miserable as a comedy, but has beautifully sincere moments of serious eroticism. It boldly attempts to explore adult themes, but falls back on childish antics. It turns gay when it should be serious and goes straight when it promises to be gay. EATING OUT sells out.
It doesn't work in EATING OUT either; especially as far as creating a funny movie. At the urging of his gay roommate, Kyle (Jim Verraros), a straight college boy, Caleb (Scott Lunsford), pretends to be gay so that he will attract Gwen (Emily Stiles), who instead tries to fix him up with her roommate, Marc (Ryan Carnes), who Kyle secretly pines for. It takes no great imagination to see that after the usual misunderstandings, this game of round robin will find everyone properly paired up. The plot is pre-packaged and should be little more than a fill-in-the-blanks exercise.
However, writer/director Q. Allan Brocka tosses a few curves that wickedly take the plot in a new direction and almost saves the film as a whole. Indeed, where most sex farces like this usually stumble when they try to get serious about their plot complications, EATING OUT only works when it treats its characters as human beings and not chattering, foul-mouthed joke dispensers. Along with a lot of unnecessary vulgarities, Brocka packs each line of dialogue with lame pop culture references that don't even make much sense ("Don't Heche me into pulling a Mariah!" Huh?) Brocka's oh-so gay screenplay tries desperately to be witty, though there is nothing less conducive to wit then desperation. The film's smirky title sets the tone for the script.
But the film takes a subversively erotic twist. Though Caleb steadfastly tries to avoid the sexual advances of Marc, the plot finds him being seduced by his faux boyfriend while at the same time having phone sex with Gwen. Plopped down in the middle of all these amateurish clichés, Brocka gives us a surprisingly bold and erotic bisexual love scene that finds a straight guy suddenly experiencing homoerotic feelings he didn't know existed. The experience leaves all three people a bit bewildered, especially Caleb who starts to question his sexuality. But just as it looks like the film will get serious -- in a good way -- and deal honestly and humorously with the emotional and personal complexities of sexuality, Brocka switches back to the tired sex farce plot and his feeble attempts at humor. The film cops out: Caleb is quickly rushed back into a heterosexual encounter, letting everyone off the hook with a predictable happy ending. A film that seems to want to challenge sexual stereotypes opts instead to play it very safe.
Of the cast, Lunsford, who looks like a young Tim Daly, and Carnes, who could be Brad Pitt's younger brother (or at least his first cousin), come off best, because they are playing gay with a minimum of stereotypical theatrics. They have a chemistry, but the performances make promises that the filmmaker isn't willing to follow through on. The rest of the cast overacts or relies on tired stereotypes, especially Stiles who is attractive enough, but spends most of the film looking and behaving like a drunken drag queen. And even though Verraros is arguably the cutest actor in the cast, male or female, his character is inexplicably portrayed as an unattractive loser.
EATING OUT is a bizarre film. It is clearly a "gay" film, but turns homophobic. It fails miserable as a comedy, but has beautifully sincere moments of serious eroticism. It boldly attempts to explore adult themes, but falls back on childish antics. It turns gay when it should be serious and goes straight when it promises to be gay. EATING OUT sells out.
Entertaining comedy
Gordon-1110 October 2010
This film is about a man who pretends to be gay and has a date with a gay guy, in order to get the girl he wants.
"Eating Out" is a low budget comedy, but it has all the right ingredients to be an entertaining film. I like the story as it is a refreshing change from all the standard romantic comedy. It has adult themes and at times stretches on for a bit too long, but these scenes do not feel out of place. There is a lot of positivity and social support for the main characters too, which is uplifting and empowering.
"Eating Out" is fun, lighthearted and makes people happy. That's all that matters for a comedy.
"Eating Out" is a low budget comedy, but it has all the right ingredients to be an entertaining film. I like the story as it is a refreshing change from all the standard romantic comedy. It has adult themes and at times stretches on for a bit too long, but these scenes do not feel out of place. There is a lot of positivity and social support for the main characters too, which is uplifting and empowering.
"Eating Out" is fun, lighthearted and makes people happy. That's all that matters for a comedy.
By far one of the best gay comedies I have ever seen
avericnc15 August 2004
This movie was so great. I have to admit that I chose the movie because I had seen Ryan Carnes elsewhere and though he was a hottie. I was so surprised by this movie! The wit and humor in the writing is top notch, beyond most gay films that exist. So many times I found myself completely laughing outloud and doubling over. The "kinky" sex scene is a very hot moment in the movie, but is skillfully written as comical at the same time. Never have I gone from arousal to hysterical laughter so quickly. The dinner scene is by far the climax of the movie, and a great example of the witty dialogue. The thing that made me feel the best, is that the ending left me feeling settled and I was happy with everything. Other great gay movies of my choice include things like Mambo Italiano, which is a top pick of mine, but the ending leaves a lot to be desired for me. This movie entertains from the moment the projector starts to the moment house lights come back on....
Hot guys, but I wouldn't want to be their friends....
heszyfilm27 December 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Warning: Spoilers
Two parts of the movie really irked me:
1) When Gwen is trying to seduce Caleb, she says something about him trying "normal" sex first. For someone whose best friend is gay, that seems like a pretty homophobic thing to say, as if gay sex is not "normal," but straight sex is. 2) After the horrible things Gwen has to say about Kyle at the end, Caleb (who earlier professed how much he cares for Kyle) doesn't even bat an eye and still wants to be with Gwen.
Gwen is a bad person, the acting is bad, the story weak; it's only good for admiring Ryan Carnes' and Scott Lunsford's hot bods. Just rent it and watch with the sound off.
Two parts of the movie really irked me:
1) When Gwen is trying to seduce Caleb, she says something about him trying "normal" sex first. For someone whose best friend is gay, that seems like a pretty homophobic thing to say, as if gay sex is not "normal," but straight sex is. 2) After the horrible things Gwen has to say about Kyle at the end, Caleb (who earlier professed how much he cares for Kyle) doesn't even bat an eye and still wants to be with Gwen.
Gwen is a bad person, the acting is bad, the story weak; it's only good for admiring Ryan Carnes' and Scott Lunsford's hot bods. Just rent it and watch with the sound off.
'And everybody happy'
gila_film2 November 2005
Eating Out is a gay-themed romantic comedy, so the situation is about a man loving another man. But actually, it tells more than that.
Caleb (Scott Lunsford) is a straight man whose lives with his gay friend, Kyle (Jim Verraros)in a pure friend relation. Marc (Ryan Carnes) is a hunky gay lives with his best friend Gwen (Emily Brooke Hands). Caleb have a major crush with Gwen, but since Gwen only fond with gay guy, so Kyle set Caleb as a newly gay and it emerges a sudden attraction for both Gwen and Marc. So it begin a game with hearts and sexual orientation.
On paper, Eating Out looks a delight fun, well it is actually, but this movie really like a shoddy entertainment than a solid one. The plot's line and all the characters are so unbelievable that's so hard to be plausible. For example, it could be easy to Caleb to act straight but he never does. Some characters also suffers form lack of decent personality. Gwen for instance. I can't believe that Calev could fall for her, while in the real life that is almost impossible to love with a sassy girl like Gwen. She is so horrid and scream a lot that annoying much. Gwen is one of the horrid female characters that appears in this little movie, while all the male actors are eye candy.
Despite the plot and characters that are made in therapy, Eating Out is rather a fine entertainer because we could laugh occasionally. It has a happy ending and happy tone that guarantee that everybody's happy.
Caleb (Scott Lunsford) is a straight man whose lives with his gay friend, Kyle (Jim Verraros)in a pure friend relation. Marc (Ryan Carnes) is a hunky gay lives with his best friend Gwen (Emily Brooke Hands). Caleb have a major crush with Gwen, but since Gwen only fond with gay guy, so Kyle set Caleb as a newly gay and it emerges a sudden attraction for both Gwen and Marc. So it begin a game with hearts and sexual orientation.
On paper, Eating Out looks a delight fun, well it is actually, but this movie really like a shoddy entertainment than a solid one. The plot's line and all the characters are so unbelievable that's so hard to be plausible. For example, it could be easy to Caleb to act straight but he never does. Some characters also suffers form lack of decent personality. Gwen for instance. I can't believe that Calev could fall for her, while in the real life that is almost impossible to love with a sassy girl like Gwen. She is so horrid and scream a lot that annoying much. Gwen is one of the horrid female characters that appears in this little movie, while all the male actors are eye candy.
Despite the plot and characters that are made in therapy, Eating Out is rather a fine entertainer because we could laugh occasionally. It has a happy ending and happy tone that guarantee that everybody's happy.
Awful movie
austswim7 May 2005
I just got in from watching this movie with a friend of mine. Though, he laughed at maybe 3 jokes this movie tried to force feed us I'd have to say we were more amused and embarrassed by this movie if we had to explain why others heard us laugh. The dialog was wretched. It was Buffy-like speak and at the beginning it was way over done. I had to turn to my friend and ask him if we as gay men were expected to talk like this all the time. The acting was over the top by almost all the actors save for Caleb which was so understated that it made his passive character seem like a doormat. I think the only character that was remotely interesting was Tiffany (the dildo-wielding gal) since we could understand why she had to be over the top. There's nothing to expect from her as a character.
The two lead guys are hot to watch but not much to write home about when it comes to their acting abilities. The blonde gal with the freaky hair at the end was excruciating. If I were her roommate I would have moved out a long time ago and changed Social Security numbers. The worst was that whole dinner scene with the parents. Talk about the need for acting classes and while we're at - directing classes or a whole new 4 year degree at another film school.
As far as the nude scene by the two guys, while it was gratuitous I say why the hell not? Women are subjected to this 50 times more than men are in mainstream movies. It's time the USA caught up with the rest of the world when it comes to the nude male form in film. I keep thinking Jack Valenti sitting in his personal screening room sweating bullets at the mere thought of a man's penis flashed in his face. It is what is and while it didn't add anything to this film or speak highly of the director's creative acumen it at least is a step in the right direction for the male form in cinema.
The two lead guys are hot to watch but not much to write home about when it comes to their acting abilities. The blonde gal with the freaky hair at the end was excruciating. If I were her roommate I would have moved out a long time ago and changed Social Security numbers. The worst was that whole dinner scene with the parents. Talk about the need for acting classes and while we're at - directing classes or a whole new 4 year degree at another film school.
As far as the nude scene by the two guys, while it was gratuitous I say why the hell not? Women are subjected to this 50 times more than men are in mainstream movies. It's time the USA caught up with the rest of the world when it comes to the nude male form in film. I keep thinking Jack Valenti sitting in his personal screening room sweating bullets at the mere thought of a man's penis flashed in his face. It is what is and while it didn't add anything to this film or speak highly of the director's creative acumen it at least is a step in the right direction for the male form in cinema.
Funny Comedy of Errors
wells30313 June 2004
I just saw this movie on the last day of the 2004 Newfest in NYC. It won my highest ratings of the festival. Structurally it is based on all the classical lovers comedies of Shakespeare or Wilde. The dialogue is funny. The film is well cast and well acted. The audience was laughing more than at any other of the ten or so screenings I sat through during the festival.
Synopsis: a straight man, Caleb, who is striking out with girls takes a tip from his gay roommate to pretend he is gay in order to score better with women. Trouble starts when he is 'outed' to a party of people and then becomes the object of a feral sex hunt by both gay men an fag hag women who want to 'turn him around.' Ridiculous situation after another ensue culminating with an emotional and hilarious 'outing' at a dinner party to his parents. Just as the ruse seems to overwhelm him, there is a resolution and happy ending for all (sound familiar?) I hope this one makes it to wider release.
I agree with the 50% of viewers that gave it a 9 or 10.
Synopsis: a straight man, Caleb, who is striking out with girls takes a tip from his gay roommate to pretend he is gay in order to score better with women. Trouble starts when he is 'outed' to a party of people and then becomes the object of a feral sex hunt by both gay men an fag hag women who want to 'turn him around.' Ridiculous situation after another ensue culminating with an emotional and hilarious 'outing' at a dinner party to his parents. Just as the ruse seems to overwhelm him, there is a resolution and happy ending for all (sound familiar?) I hope this one makes it to wider release.
I agree with the 50% of viewers that gave it a 9 or 10.
Extremes meet
imdb-jeroen12 January 2006
What a weird movie! With a script that has numerous weak spots, and some scene's that just don't work, it also has brilliant scenes, and some very great and daring acting. The looks of the film are cheap: it shows that it was shot in only ten days (on video I suppose) with not a great sum of money to be spent on production and post-production. But then some actors seem first rate: to me especially Scott Lunsford and Emily Brooke Hands stand out in the absolutely genius phone-sex-scene. Scott lunsford looked very recognizable to me as the soft yet sturdy straight guy, who get's to be mistaken for gay, and he shows a beautiful range of feelings. I think we will hear more from most of the actors in this movie, to my opinion they deserve it.
Pathetically Amateurish
jaxla20 April 2005
Yes, the two leads are cute and they do some (awkward, almost chuckle producing) frontal nudity, but beware this stinker. Nothing is as tasteless as a soufflé that doesn't rise, and this gay rom-com has all the tasty buoyancy of a hockey puck. Forget the cheap sets, poor cinematography and weak soundtrack; a gay indie with a bunch of newcomers is entitled to take short cuts. But the script! So much lame drivel masquerading as dialogue, with an occasional "hip" quip -- about Meat Loaf or Anne Heche -- that stands out like a sixth finger on a hand it's so clumsy.
The actors, no matter how cute, are at sea with this poor a script. Scott Lunsford is a total cypher in the impossible role of a deeply passive straight guy who pretends to be gay so he can romance a screechy straight woman. She's Emily Hands, and you haven't seen this raspy a performance since Elizabeth Berkley in Showgirls. Ryan Carnes is way cute as a gay stud, but has little presence. He and Lunsford share the silliest, most embarrassing nude scene in recent history. After some (poorly shot and choreographed) oral sex, the director actually shoots them pulling up their pants so we can see their weenies! A new low of sorts. And yes that Jim guy from American Idol is the gay geek. His character is the closest to a real person, but he's no actor.
This is the worst gay comedy I've seen since All Over the Guy. If you flipped for the West Hollywood drivel, run out and rent this. Otherwise, stick with Trick or Passing Glances, real movies about real gay people.
I only go on so long because I am AMAZED at all the good reviews this film has received. Does the director have hundreds of dear friends, or have gay people lost their common sense and good taste?
The actors, no matter how cute, are at sea with this poor a script. Scott Lunsford is a total cypher in the impossible role of a deeply passive straight guy who pretends to be gay so he can romance a screechy straight woman. She's Emily Hands, and you haven't seen this raspy a performance since Elizabeth Berkley in Showgirls. Ryan Carnes is way cute as a gay stud, but has little presence. He and Lunsford share the silliest, most embarrassing nude scene in recent history. After some (poorly shot and choreographed) oral sex, the director actually shoots them pulling up their pants so we can see their weenies! A new low of sorts. And yes that Jim guy from American Idol is the gay geek. His character is the closest to a real person, but he's no actor.
This is the worst gay comedy I've seen since All Over the Guy. If you flipped for the West Hollywood drivel, run out and rent this. Otherwise, stick with Trick or Passing Glances, real movies about real gay people.
I only go on so long because I am AMAZED at all the good reviews this film has received. Does the director have hundreds of dear friends, or have gay people lost their common sense and good taste?
Posing
gradyharp28 July 2005
This little film plays more like a French farce than a Hollywood film and if watched with that in mind it is sure to entertain. So many writers have mined this vein of boy playing girl playing boy in the web of catching the designated lover that it must be one of the more durable lines for comedy success through the years. Adding the contemporary slant of gay proposing straight posing as gay so that straight can get girl and gay can get lover works...but you have to stay with this one to catch all the double entendres that make it fun.
Classical music student Marc (a new 'Brad Pitt' like Ryan Carnes!) is a popular gay hunk who lives with Gwen (Emily Brooke Hands) who thinks she is the one responsible for making straight boys turn gay (!), so convinced is she that all the good men are gaily unavailable to her. Caleb (Scott Lunsford) is a straight guy who lives with jazz music student gay Kyle (Jim Verraros) in a purely roommate situation. Caleb, after an hilarious opening physical setup encounter with Tiffani (Rebekah Kochan), is convinced that gay men have an easier time of getting partnered than straight men. At a party Caleb meets Gwen who thinks Caleb is with Kyle, Caleb wants Gwen, and Kyle wants the apparently aloof Marc. Kyle convinces Caleb that if Caleb poses as gay he will gain entry into the Gwen/Marc abode and have access to Gwen while Kyle will have access to Marc. A spur of the moment telephone sex call (Gwen is attempting to turn on Caleb in front of Marc) results in Caleb and Marc 'hitting it off' much to the confusion of everyone. Add a dinner party for the four people involved which Caleb's ever-so-accepting family also attends and the whole situation explodes. How this whole schema plays out is the punch line of the film and all's well that end's well! The cast is young and inexperienced and in need of a heavier directorial hand, but they are unanimously lovable and the men are certainly eye candy. As written and directed by Q. Allan Brocka EATNG OUT sails along breezily and provides enough fun for all audiences. Grady Harp
Classical music student Marc (a new 'Brad Pitt' like Ryan Carnes!) is a popular gay hunk who lives with Gwen (Emily Brooke Hands) who thinks she is the one responsible for making straight boys turn gay (!), so convinced is she that all the good men are gaily unavailable to her. Caleb (Scott Lunsford) is a straight guy who lives with jazz music student gay Kyle (Jim Verraros) in a purely roommate situation. Caleb, after an hilarious opening physical setup encounter with Tiffani (Rebekah Kochan), is convinced that gay men have an easier time of getting partnered than straight men. At a party Caleb meets Gwen who thinks Caleb is with Kyle, Caleb wants Gwen, and Kyle wants the apparently aloof Marc. Kyle convinces Caleb that if Caleb poses as gay he will gain entry into the Gwen/Marc abode and have access to Gwen while Kyle will have access to Marc. A spur of the moment telephone sex call (Gwen is attempting to turn on Caleb in front of Marc) results in Caleb and Marc 'hitting it off' much to the confusion of everyone. Add a dinner party for the four people involved which Caleb's ever-so-accepting family also attends and the whole situation explodes. How this whole schema plays out is the punch line of the film and all's well that end's well! The cast is young and inexperienced and in need of a heavier directorial hand, but they are unanimously lovable and the men are certainly eye candy. As written and directed by Q. Allan Brocka EATNG OUT sails along breezily and provides enough fun for all audiences. Grady Harp
a good move forward for gay film
drflox9920429 October 2006
As I have spent time catching up on gay films lately --- I found "Eating Out" to be a fresh nice piece of fun gay film- gentle and easy. Fun to watch. I found it thoughtful and insightful to the realities that gay men face and approachable enough my straight friends enjoyed it - . Eating Out represents a sweet nice refreshing drink of water filmed in the hot Tucson sun. The writers use of contemporary gay slang, and situations makes you wonder what will be around the next corner. The characters represent folks you know in your every day life and the situations a cross between reality and Queer As Folk - are believable and yet funny-the cast is well mated and plays well off each other and is damned cute too!- when I compare it to other 2004/2005 releases I have found it more enjoyable than certain mainstream gay releases and certainly way less depressing.
Boring, stupid, unfunny and homophobic
preppy-322 May 2004
Hunky Caleb (Scott Lansford) is a laid-back guy who has the hots for aggressive girls. He falls for Gwen (Emily Stiles) a VERY aggressive girl who only goes for gay guys. Caleb's roommate Kyle (Jim Verraros) tells Gwen that Caleb is gay. Gwen is immediately attracted to him and pairs him up with her hunky gay roommate Marc (Ryan Carnes). Unfortunately Kyle is in love with Marc. Got all that? It all culminates in a supposedly "hilarious" dinner party.
Horrid movie. The plot is just old hat--a straight guy playing gay--how many times have we seen this? Also everybody acts like idiots. At any time in this movie Caleb could have just set Gwen and Marc straight--but he never does. Also the film has more than a few homophobic comments--at one point Gwen believes Caleb is a virgin and says, "Shouldn't you try NORMAL sex before gay?" That's not funny just blatantly offensive. The script is dreadful--the characters don't talk like any person I've ever met in my life. They use this slang which is supposed to be funny but it's just confusing and annoying.
Acting--Lansford underplays Caleb....but his character IS supposed to be passive so it works. He's also exceptionally handsome with a great body. Carnes is also very handsome with a great body. Too bad he can't act. And they both have a frontal nude scene (which was surprising). Verraros overacts dreadfully as Kyle--he comes across as whiny and stupid--very annoying. But Stiles is much worse--she overacts so much she makes Verraros look restrained! She screams every line and is basically attacking Caleb even when he's dating Marc! She also brutally tells Kyle off at the end and is wearing the most atrocious hair style I've ever seen. Caleb is attracted to HER???
I saw it at the Gay & Lesbian Film Festival in Boston. The audience did laugh occasionally--but mostly they sat there in dead silence. This is a truly horrendous gay film. It's too bad because the two leads ARE hot and have no trouble showing their bodies. But I can't recommend this at all. The worst film of 2004--it's THAT bad!
Some people have called this the first of a new wave of gay cinema. If this is an example of things to come we're all in trouble.
Horrid movie. The plot is just old hat--a straight guy playing gay--how many times have we seen this? Also everybody acts like idiots. At any time in this movie Caleb could have just set Gwen and Marc straight--but he never does. Also the film has more than a few homophobic comments--at one point Gwen believes Caleb is a virgin and says, "Shouldn't you try NORMAL sex before gay?" That's not funny just blatantly offensive. The script is dreadful--the characters don't talk like any person I've ever met in my life. They use this slang which is supposed to be funny but it's just confusing and annoying.
Acting--Lansford underplays Caleb....but his character IS supposed to be passive so it works. He's also exceptionally handsome with a great body. Carnes is also very handsome with a great body. Too bad he can't act. And they both have a frontal nude scene (which was surprising). Verraros overacts dreadfully as Kyle--he comes across as whiny and stupid--very annoying. But Stiles is much worse--she overacts so much she makes Verraros look restrained! She screams every line and is basically attacking Caleb even when he's dating Marc! She also brutally tells Kyle off at the end and is wearing the most atrocious hair style I've ever seen. Caleb is attracted to HER???
I saw it at the Gay & Lesbian Film Festival in Boston. The audience did laugh occasionally--but mostly they sat there in dead silence. This is a truly horrendous gay film. It's too bad because the two leads ARE hot and have no trouble showing their bodies. But I can't recommend this at all. The worst film of 2004--it's THAT bad!
Some people have called this the first of a new wave of gay cinema. If this is an example of things to come we're all in trouble.
Worst Piece of $%#* I Think I ever wasted 90 minutes on!
Hoohawnaynay23 January 2006
This film has to be one of the worst Gay Cinema train wrecks I've seen in some time. The dialogue is so raunchy it would make a truck driver blush. I won't describe the plot, there really isn't any. One unbelievable scene is where a straight guy lets a gay guy give him oral sex. The nudity was exploitive and it was obvious it was there for titillation and not the plot. I felt bad for the actors in this mess. The only chuckle I got out of this was in the beginning when some blonde actress in a fur trimed bikini top looked like she was doing an impression of Jennifer Coolidge. Even that was probably not intentional. AVOID THIS MOVIE LIKE THE PLAGUE, unless you are a masochist!
a piece of fluff, but not that bad
poltguy13 June 2005
Warning: Spoilers
**this may contain spoilers** I wonder if i saw the same movie some of the other reviews did. Granted, this is no Oscar caliber motion picture, it will win no awards. And when you think about it, every major character is dishonest and in some way lying to someone else. But really, taken for what it is: a piece of fluff, its enjoyable. I myself found the phone sex scene well done, and the full frontals were surprising. And the confusion of sexual orientations reminded me somewhat of some English farces I've seen on the stage.
The actors are all cute, some more built and defined, some twinks. The acting, well it is lacking sometimes. And there are plot holes large enough to drive a Mack Truck through.
But seriously, despite all this, I'll recommend the movie, just as a bit of fun. Not every movie has to be an in-depth character study. I saw this with another gay man and a straight woman, all of us with divergent tastes in movies, and we did all enjoy it. The worst movie ever made...nah, not even close.
So if you go see it, don't expect a cerebral thought provoking movie. Just go for the fun, the silliness and the cute guys, and you'll probably enjoy it as well.
The actors are all cute, some more built and defined, some twinks. The acting, well it is lacking sometimes. And there are plot holes large enough to drive a Mack Truck through.
But seriously, despite all this, I'll recommend the movie, just as a bit of fun. Not every movie has to be an in-depth character study. I saw this with another gay man and a straight woman, all of us with divergent tastes in movies, and we did all enjoy it. The worst movie ever made...nah, not even close.
So if you go see it, don't expect a cerebral thought provoking movie. Just go for the fun, the silliness and the cute guys, and you'll probably enjoy it as well.
bad sitcom
beverly-1911 July 2004
Saw this at OUTFEST and the director said he was inspired by John Hughes and the teen sex comedy genre. It seemed like he was inspired more by television sitcoms, though. The script and the dialogue suck but the actors are pretty good and they're able to make most of it palatable. Unfortunately, the basic premise is just really uninspired.
There is a phone sex scene which IS really well done, though, and it feels like the rest of the movie is just a sloppy construction designed to frame that scene. There's a really bad scene where four people play two pianos at a party - it just goes on and on forever in the most unrealistic way, and then you realize that the whole interminable scene was constructed to set up a punch line that is only mildly amusing.
The thing that keeps you interested in the movie is how cute the actors are... overall, a forced, boring movie where you get to see the exploitation of two cute/good actors' genitals for five seconds. 4 out of 10.
There is a phone sex scene which IS really well done, though, and it feels like the rest of the movie is just a sloppy construction designed to frame that scene. There's a really bad scene where four people play two pianos at a party - it just goes on and on forever in the most unrealistic way, and then you realize that the whole interminable scene was constructed to set up a punch line that is only mildly amusing.
The thing that keeps you interested in the movie is how cute the actors are... overall, a forced, boring movie where you get to see the exploitation of two cute/good actors' genitals for five seconds. 4 out of 10.
What a Fabulash Movie!!!!
cootiebaby831 January 2005
You just got to Love this movie & it's about time we get happy watching a Gay Film & not walking out of the theater feeling like a Fairy Victim! It's Fabulash Darling! Have Fun, Laugh Lots, Lust over it, enjoy for what it is, Yap with your Girl friends after, Lust some More, Yummy in My tummy! I think it's about time that we just make fabulash gay films celebrating life - cross genders/ Race, Humor, Laugh at ourselves a bit more, be politically incorrect, Maybe even take an ex-Lax & Just Enjoy - Laugh a lot of course.... I wish this movie soon will come out on DVD cause I would love to have my own personal copy & watch it again & again with my friends in our Theater! LOve BUg
Shoot the moon
mulexx6 November 2005
I will not write of the non existent talent in this piece of trash, nor that I think any person (gay straight or refined beyond that) who writes positively about this is either playing tongue in cheek or totally high. Rather, I only add my 2 cents to the comments that we need to be supportive and gentle to reviews of gay indie films because they are so "hard to get made." Well, if this is an example of the product put before filmmakers or distributors it's no wonder! There is no excuse for this movie - I honestly cannot believe that all the people on camera are as talentless as they come off - they just bet on our lowered standards so long as they throw us a few tight torso's and full frontals. The ancillary characters were like penance for the good stuff, but there was no good stuff.
So long as we praise this poop, we'll continue to get dribbles of it. If we aim higher we might just make a film that we can be truly proud of.
I only hope that Ang Lee, and Annie Proulx save us from ourselves.
So long as we praise this poop, we'll continue to get dribbles of it. If we aim higher we might just make a film that we can be truly proud of.
I only hope that Ang Lee, and Annie Proulx save us from ourselves.
Well worth seeing
chriseason9 June 2004
I must say I can't understand some of the other comments I've read about this film - even some describing it as "homophobic"? Now that's just bizarre! "Worst movie ever"?? I hardly think so. Clearly this person hasn't seen "Die Mommie Die".
OK, so the production is a little amateurish, a little studenty, but when you don't have a Hollywood budget what do you expect? The people who have left negative comments all seem to be taking it a bit too seriously - reading hidden meanings and over-analyzing the screenplay when you have to remember that this film is simply a piece of light-hearted entertainment - "a load of camp old nonsense" as Julian Clary might say.
I found this a thoroughly enjoyable film (and so did 99% of the audience at the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival judging from their reactions) and would happily see it again. I thought is was rather amusing and would gladly recommend it to anyone and everyone. Enjoy!
OK, so the production is a little amateurish, a little studenty, but when you don't have a Hollywood budget what do you expect? The people who have left negative comments all seem to be taking it a bit too seriously - reading hidden meanings and over-analyzing the screenplay when you have to remember that this film is simply a piece of light-hearted entertainment - "a load of camp old nonsense" as Julian Clary might say.
I found this a thoroughly enjoyable film (and so did 99% of the audience at the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival judging from their reactions) and would happily see it again. I thought is was rather amusing and would gladly recommend it to anyone and everyone. Enjoy!
Cute and Fun
JonB-23 October 2005
"Eating Out" is a fun little gay romantic comedy for all persuasions, with sympathetic characters from either side of the street, as it were, and an ending that's unexpected but makes total sense. There are also a couple of nice twists along the way; certain characters acting in unexpected ways but which, again, are completely self-consistent and logical.
However... the entire film is stolen in three scenes by Rebekah Kochan, who is destined to play Jennifer Coolidge's daughter or granddaughter some day -- and I mean that as the highest of compliments. From her first appearance in a "not what it seems" love scene to her last as a jilted and righteously PO'd ex, Ms. Kochan lights up the screen whenever she's on, and steals the film without even trying. Simply put, the camera loves her, and she's that rare combination -- a total sex bomb who can act. (Think Judy Holliday.) It takes a really, really intelligent actress to play a vapid character and make it sympathetic. You'll find yourself wishing that the filmmakers create a spin off all about Tiffani. (Perhaps the best testament to her talent -- as a gay man, I wasn't looking at the boys when she was on screen. I just kept thinking, "Future Diva has arrived...") So... for her performance alone, I can recommend "Eating Out," but as a story with its heart in the right place, but which still manages to have some very erotic moments, you can't go wrong. The male lead performances are also notable, particularly Scott Lunsford and Jim Verraros. When you'd actually want to invite the characters in a film over for dinner and a movie, it's a good sign. When two of the characters in this film do have dinner and a movie... well, you'll just have to watch, but it leads to a nicely complex emotional knot in the middle of a funny sex farce.
And, to the producers -- when is "Tiffani Does Dinner" coming out? You've got yourselves lightning in a bottle there. Don't let her go!
However... the entire film is stolen in three scenes by Rebekah Kochan, who is destined to play Jennifer Coolidge's daughter or granddaughter some day -- and I mean that as the highest of compliments. From her first appearance in a "not what it seems" love scene to her last as a jilted and righteously PO'd ex, Ms. Kochan lights up the screen whenever she's on, and steals the film without even trying. Simply put, the camera loves her, and she's that rare combination -- a total sex bomb who can act. (Think Judy Holliday.) It takes a really, really intelligent actress to play a vapid character and make it sympathetic. You'll find yourself wishing that the filmmakers create a spin off all about Tiffani. (Perhaps the best testament to her talent -- as a gay man, I wasn't looking at the boys when she was on screen. I just kept thinking, "Future Diva has arrived...") So... for her performance alone, I can recommend "Eating Out," but as a story with its heart in the right place, but which still manages to have some very erotic moments, you can't go wrong. The male lead performances are also notable, particularly Scott Lunsford and Jim Verraros. When you'd actually want to invite the characters in a film over for dinner and a movie, it's a good sign. When two of the characters in this film do have dinner and a movie... well, you'll just have to watch, but it leads to a nicely complex emotional knot in the middle of a funny sex farce.
And, to the producers -- when is "Tiffani Does Dinner" coming out? You've got yourselves lightning in a bottle there. Don't let her go!
Don't expect too much and you might be entertained.
paulclaassen27 June 2021
I don't know why I keep watching gay-themed movies when I hardly ever enjoy them - because they're mostly cheaply made with inexperienced actors, and corny or predictable.
'Eating Out' is a no brain cells required movie with a plot as simple as can be, which is maybe a good thing. It's sole purpose is to be sexy - or at least, trying to be. The film revolves around Caleb (Scott Lunsford) who gets dumped by his girlfriend, Tiffani. (By the way, all attempts to make Caleb appear straight, fails). Caleb then falls for Gwen (Emily Brooke Hands), but the only way to get close to her, is to pretend he is gay (!!!). Gwen believes him, and sets him up with her best (gay) friend, Marc (Ryan Carnes). Meantime Caleb's roommate, Kyle (Jim Verraros) - who is gay - is madly in love with Marc.
We once again have a gay-themed movie with a confused straight guy... oh, enough already, they're all so similar! The girls in the movie are overbearing and annoying - so much so that I wouldn't blame guys for turning gay!! The female actors over-acted to the point where it became cringe worthy. The male actors, thankfully, were much better and more believable. The dialogue had some funny moments, but were mostly forced and rather crude instead of actually funny.
The film's draw card is the hunky guys with their great bodies - especially well endowed Scott Lunsford who gives us a full frontal peek. This is the type of movie where you have to go in expecting very little, and might find it entertaining. I must admit it wasn't all that bad.
'Eating Out' is a no brain cells required movie with a plot as simple as can be, which is maybe a good thing. It's sole purpose is to be sexy - or at least, trying to be. The film revolves around Caleb (Scott Lunsford) who gets dumped by his girlfriend, Tiffani. (By the way, all attempts to make Caleb appear straight, fails). Caleb then falls for Gwen (Emily Brooke Hands), but the only way to get close to her, is to pretend he is gay (!!!). Gwen believes him, and sets him up with her best (gay) friend, Marc (Ryan Carnes). Meantime Caleb's roommate, Kyle (Jim Verraros) - who is gay - is madly in love with Marc.
We once again have a gay-themed movie with a confused straight guy... oh, enough already, they're all so similar! The girls in the movie are overbearing and annoying - so much so that I wouldn't blame guys for turning gay!! The female actors over-acted to the point where it became cringe worthy. The male actors, thankfully, were much better and more believable. The dialogue had some funny moments, but were mostly forced and rather crude instead of actually funny.
The film's draw card is the hunky guys with their great bodies - especially well endowed Scott Lunsford who gives us a full frontal peek. This is the type of movie where you have to go in expecting very little, and might find it entertaining. I must admit it wasn't all that bad.
Finally, a campy queer film that's not afraid to be funny
indigo_cin26 June 2004
Having seen numerous 'funny' or supposedly funny queer films over the years, I have begun to believe that the gay romantic comedy was doomed.
While films like TRICK and others of its nature are pretty, much like cotton candy at the state fair, it's pretty but eventually it makes you kind of sick.
Imagine my joy and complete surprise when I saw EATING OUT. Warned in advance that it was a queer take on the college sex comedy ala PORKY'S and ANIMAL HOUSE, I was concerned that it was going to be another one of those good faith efforts that falls far too flat, BUT NO!
The cast was brilliant, carrying off incredibly witty and sharp dialog that snapped harder than Rupaul. With characters that had big personalities to carry, it is impressive that no one delved into cartoonish behavior or stereotypes. And as for any haters that have trouble with some of the non-pc language, let me remind you that the bland and non-offensive is rarely funny (see Chris Rock, Richard Pryor, Bernie Mac, etc for examples)
I have not laughed harder or enjoyed a film more since the first PULP FICTION (in a completely different way) and I cannot wait to see what Q.Allan Brocka brings to the big screen next.
This is the perfect date movie, friend movie, or rent it at home and eat popcorn kind of movie. Completely entertaining and worth far more than the usual admission. Anecdote - at the screening I attended that sold out show received a standing ovation, 1400 fans can't be wrong!
While films like TRICK and others of its nature are pretty, much like cotton candy at the state fair, it's pretty but eventually it makes you kind of sick.
Imagine my joy and complete surprise when I saw EATING OUT. Warned in advance that it was a queer take on the college sex comedy ala PORKY'S and ANIMAL HOUSE, I was concerned that it was going to be another one of those good faith efforts that falls far too flat, BUT NO!
The cast was brilliant, carrying off incredibly witty and sharp dialog that snapped harder than Rupaul. With characters that had big personalities to carry, it is impressive that no one delved into cartoonish behavior or stereotypes. And as for any haters that have trouble with some of the non-pc language, let me remind you that the bland and non-offensive is rarely funny (see Chris Rock, Richard Pryor, Bernie Mac, etc for examples)
I have not laughed harder or enjoyed a film more since the first PULP FICTION (in a completely different way) and I cannot wait to see what Q.Allan Brocka brings to the big screen next.
This is the perfect date movie, friend movie, or rent it at home and eat popcorn kind of movie. Completely entertaining and worth far more than the usual admission. Anecdote - at the screening I attended that sold out show received a standing ovation, 1400 fans can't be wrong!
Goofs and Aussie DVD version
seanybobo18 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Watch the length of Caleb's sideburns in the scene with him and Kyle sitting on the bed.
Caleb's sideburns appear to alter from long and pointed, to short and square sideburns several times during this scene. To me, it indicates that extra footage needed to be re-shot at a later date.
The Australian DVD contains the male full frontal scene discussed on this website by others. It is brief but both actors are seen nude before they get dressed.
Good movie with some funny lines but the ending is uncomfortable and the male "hook up" at the end is silly.
Caleb's sideburns appear to alter from long and pointed, to short and square sideburns several times during this scene. To me, it indicates that extra footage needed to be re-shot at a later date.
The Australian DVD contains the male full frontal scene discussed on this website by others. It is brief but both actors are seen nude before they get dressed.
Good movie with some funny lines but the ending is uncomfortable and the male "hook up" at the end is silly.
Makes Trick look like Citizen Kane
a3amboy11 July 2004
Horrible writing, incompetent camera-work, terrible acting, non existent direction. But it's got full frontal male nudity, so what does anything else matter, right? When is gay themed cinema going to be held to the same standards of mainstream film? Why is everything else left to trickle down the drain as long as we have cute boys running around naked and stereotypes abounding by the dozens. This one had everything but a drag queen, and my guess is it was left on the cutting room floor, where the whole rest of this dreck should have gone. And the audience ate it up. Sometimes, I think we get what we deserve.
Memo to the lazy DP- try switching lenses every once in a while. Half the movie looked like it was shot with a surveillance-cam.
Memo to the lazy DP- try switching lenses every once in a while. Half the movie looked like it was shot with a surveillance-cam.
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