16 reviews
This is a low budget movie that is every bit second class as it can be, but it has a first class twist to the plot. It surprised me and changed my mind a little on this movie. Here's the set-up - rich bitch hires homeless ex-army dude to snuff out her now dead half brother's boyfriend. Why, because half brother left large inheritance to boyfriend and she wants it back.
You'll know what happens early on in the movie - ex-army dude falls for dead half brothers boyfriend (the guy he's suppose to snuff out). So if you decide to catch this cheap flick and you want to see a lot of California scenery and two hot dudes in bed getting it on, start from the beginning.
But if you want to see the good part of this flick skip the first hour and watch the last 30 or so minutes. Believe me you'll know exactly whats going on and you'll see the plot twist and understand it too. I never heard of Jack Brockett, or Sean Paul Lockhart and which is which I don't know but one of them did some fairly decent acting - considering this grade B movie!!
You'll know what happens early on in the movie - ex-army dude falls for dead half brothers boyfriend (the guy he's suppose to snuff out). So if you decide to catch this cheap flick and you want to see a lot of California scenery and two hot dudes in bed getting it on, start from the beginning.
But if you want to see the good part of this flick skip the first hour and watch the last 30 or so minutes. Believe me you'll know exactly whats going on and you'll see the plot twist and understand it too. I never heard of Jack Brockett, or Sean Paul Lockhart and which is which I don't know but one of them did some fairly decent acting - considering this grade B movie!!
For a movie filmed with a relatively small purse, Mr. Lockhart's "Triple Crossed" was surprisingly good. These were the nice surprises, to my reckoning: First, unlike too many low-cost films I've seen before, the settings here were brightly lit. The scenes were not dull and fuzzy, but sharp and clear, even during night scenes with long shadows. Second, no mike boom slid into the picture frame, or any such A/V or technical blunders. So after a few minutes, I relaxed to enjoy the picture for what it was worth. If you are wanting "Oscar" material, then stay away. However, if you are looking for a suspense drama once in a while, to be amused and entertained, as I do, then you already know pretty much what to look for, and you may find this one is just as good as any other of that type--and better than many of them.
Third, the plot was realistic; intrigues such as those dealt with here have been used in film before, and things like that do happen even in real life. Yet there are enough twists to keep one guessing about the outcome. Who will be "triple-crossed"?
Fourth, the blocking was technically flawless, frankly. The camera seemed to catch the action meant to be caught, and the characters' positions did not clash with that. There were few, if any, fancy angles or such, nor were any needed for this film. Quite enough was going on in the story that such devices would have been lost here. Too bad though that the view of the valley had not been more panoramic. During the hiking scene, on the ridge, I wanted the camera to swing 180 degrees around to take in that gorgeous landscape of the valley!
Fifth, the script was standard for this genre: no words of wisdom or memorable phrases. But therefore it also wasn't overwrought, too expository, or "preachy" (thank God!). Overall, I was entertained, and that was the whole point of watching it.
Third, the plot was realistic; intrigues such as those dealt with here have been used in film before, and things like that do happen even in real life. Yet there are enough twists to keep one guessing about the outcome. Who will be "triple-crossed"?
Fourth, the blocking was technically flawless, frankly. The camera seemed to catch the action meant to be caught, and the characters' positions did not clash with that. There were few, if any, fancy angles or such, nor were any needed for this film. Quite enough was going on in the story that such devices would have been lost here. Too bad though that the view of the valley had not been more panoramic. During the hiking scene, on the ridge, I wanted the camera to swing 180 degrees around to take in that gorgeous landscape of the valley!
Fifth, the script was standard for this genre: no words of wisdom or memorable phrases. But therefore it also wasn't overwrought, too expository, or "preachy" (thank God!). Overall, I was entertained, and that was the whole point of watching it.
Can I just start by saying, when is Jack Brockett gonna do some more stuff? That man is brutally hot, and he carried the movie with strong acting throughout.
As for the rest of the cast, they really try, and while the end product is more uncomfortable and awkward than anything, everyone has their moments. I went in with very, very low expectations, and I think that helped. I enjoyed the film despite the cheese and clumsy execution. Its heart is in the right place. I liked some of the concepts and ideas, but I feel like much of it was wasted on rushed scenes and an attempt to force in a twist. There was some potential in the story, even with the illogical elements, but the creators didn't seem to have the tools necessary to make it work. Not a budget issue, just an experience issue, I'm guessing. Like I said, they tried.
My biggest frustration is that this sort of theme is really rare in gay films, so you have to accept the lower quality stuff or go without entirely. I can't think of a single other gay thriller off the top of my head that doesn't just lead to misery. Typically you can have "uplifting/hopeful but cheesy and clunky" or "beautiful and high quality but bleak and tragic," and it gets old. Here's hoping things are truly changing in the genre.
Overall, you could find this movie entertaining if you go in with the understanding that it's akin to a student film where the director had to cast their friends. For me, a gorgeous, brooding man making out with another reasonably attractive dude with that theme of protectiveness/betrayal hanging over them was enough for me. I knew what I was getting into. If you do, too, then give this a shot. Otherwise, look elsewhere.
As for the rest of the cast, they really try, and while the end product is more uncomfortable and awkward than anything, everyone has their moments. I went in with very, very low expectations, and I think that helped. I enjoyed the film despite the cheese and clumsy execution. Its heart is in the right place. I liked some of the concepts and ideas, but I feel like much of it was wasted on rushed scenes and an attempt to force in a twist. There was some potential in the story, even with the illogical elements, but the creators didn't seem to have the tools necessary to make it work. Not a budget issue, just an experience issue, I'm guessing. Like I said, they tried.
My biggest frustration is that this sort of theme is really rare in gay films, so you have to accept the lower quality stuff or go without entirely. I can't think of a single other gay thriller off the top of my head that doesn't just lead to misery. Typically you can have "uplifting/hopeful but cheesy and clunky" or "beautiful and high quality but bleak and tragic," and it gets old. Here's hoping things are truly changing in the genre.
Overall, you could find this movie entertaining if you go in with the understanding that it's akin to a student film where the director had to cast their friends. For me, a gorgeous, brooding man making out with another reasonably attractive dude with that theme of protectiveness/betrayal hanging over them was enough for me. I knew what I was getting into. If you do, too, then give this a shot. Otherwise, look elsewhere.
- xrabid_yaoi_fangirlx
- Apr 30, 2018
- Permalink
This movie is terrible. There are very few gay themed movies that I would recommend less then this one. Acting is awful, and many lines seem to be terribly improvised. The only saving grace is that there are a few nude scenes with very sexy men. Nothing you cant get by just watching a porn as the actors are gay porn stars. The worst character in the film is the woman. And the plot is so far fetched that nothing can be believed. I also don't understand why a guy who is supposed to be rich is driving around in a 1989 VW Jetta. Notice also that the main characters pathfinder has Honda badges all over it, weird.
Save your time. Don't watch this movie!
Save your time. Don't watch this movie!
- christopher-rogers83
- Jan 7, 2014
- Permalink
This movie is no different from thousands of other low budget movies made in America. The scripts are poorly written as usual and the direction always looks like the same (toss up between a few) people taking turns directing them.
I won't try to explain the plot because that's the part of reviews that I hate to read or hear about when I check out other reviews. Besides, someone from the film's production has already written a synopsis that anyone interested can read.
It's a universal fact that most low budget movies, whether gay or straight are usually bad. The cast are usually all unknown first time actors or porn actor(s) in this film, continuously trying to make it in the mainstream movie business.
Sean Paul Lockhart is the director as well as one of the stars of this film. He is a well known gay porn actor that has made a fortune performing in, producing and directing gay Adult films. He has also used a few different "stage" names for reasons that is best explained by people that have followed his (porn) career.
If you're a fan of cheesy low budget films, Sean Paul Lockhart (aka) Brent Corrigan and a few scenes of male nudity; you'll love this film.
I appreciated the beauty of the male nudity but I did not enjoy the poor dialogue, the story and the generic direction.
I won't try to explain the plot because that's the part of reviews that I hate to read or hear about when I check out other reviews. Besides, someone from the film's production has already written a synopsis that anyone interested can read.
It's a universal fact that most low budget movies, whether gay or straight are usually bad. The cast are usually all unknown first time actors or porn actor(s) in this film, continuously trying to make it in the mainstream movie business.
Sean Paul Lockhart is the director as well as one of the stars of this film. He is a well known gay porn actor that has made a fortune performing in, producing and directing gay Adult films. He has also used a few different "stage" names for reasons that is best explained by people that have followed his (porn) career.
If you're a fan of cheesy low budget films, Sean Paul Lockhart (aka) Brent Corrigan and a few scenes of male nudity; you'll love this film.
I appreciated the beauty of the male nudity but I did not enjoy the poor dialogue, the story and the generic direction.
Well, what can I say, I enjoyed this flick and I think the previous negative reviews were quite harsh on it.
Okay, I see all its flaws and they are many, mainly (a) the female character which is totally absurd both as a role and the terrible way it was acted, and (b) the laughable ending. B-acting and B-writing all the way on those two items.
But, those two points aside, the rest of the film was pretty decent in most aspects; production, direction, script, photography, it was all decent enough to watch easily, and sometimes it was really good -- minus the horrible sound management. So, I think Lockhart deserves some credit here, because telling a story decently is not a small achievement on such a low budget and little directing experience. I was not bored, not even for a minute. On the contrary, I was quite taken and amused on several moments, thanks to the warm romantic story and great chemistry of the couple. Their beauty didn't hurt either.
Lockhart's acting was no surprise, he was his usual playful, spicy, sexy-cute, delicious self. His acting is okay, but not as controlled as it should be if he aims to a proper mainstream career. He has some serious studying to do on this craft before he gets to be as good as it takes for this purpose. He has potential and soul and charisma, and he certainly has something special about him that makes him very memorable and likable. But his acting needs work in order to get rid of his occasional shallow amateurish mannerisms -- which he obviously adopted during his glorious (but alas, poorly directed) pornstar days.
But the other guy... Man, now THAT was a surprise. Because, in my humble opinion, Jack Brockett CAN ACT. He totally can act, and the way he went through this role was great. Seriously, the guy has huge potential, mind my words and remember his name. And he is very beautiful. Super hot body/movement (the boy can move) and a very expressive face, with stunning rare eyes; very intense and handsome face indeed.
Anyway, that was an overall amusing film, and quite sweet and touching at moments, much better than e.g. "Judas Kiss" to my poor taste. I'm referring to Judas for comparison, because those two films are the only ones out of the numerous gay films I've seen which are supposed to be "gay themed" but they are actually not about gays AT ALL. Both films could have straight lead characters of any gender and still tell the exact same stories. Both films are not about homosexuality. They take the sexual status of the characters as a guilt-free/comment-free matter of fact, and they just tell a story about those persons. Congratulations to both film-makers, for really starting a new era on cinema: An era where random stories will include random gender/relationship combinations, just like e.g. nowadays people of all races and colors are randomly included into mainstream storytelling -- something unthinkable, say, 60 years ago. The goal is that in the near future no one will pay attention to any film protagonist's sexual orientation (unless the story particularly focuses on it). This is already happening with support characters in many mainstream movies. Well, it's about time it happens with the leads as well, and films like "Triple Crossed" make a definite step towards that direction. Such a healthy way to picture gays --without any misery, self-pity, bad endings, damnation--, such a relief.
(FYI, I'm a straight woman.)
Okay, I see all its flaws and they are many, mainly (a) the female character which is totally absurd both as a role and the terrible way it was acted, and (b) the laughable ending. B-acting and B-writing all the way on those two items.
But, those two points aside, the rest of the film was pretty decent in most aspects; production, direction, script, photography, it was all decent enough to watch easily, and sometimes it was really good -- minus the horrible sound management. So, I think Lockhart deserves some credit here, because telling a story decently is not a small achievement on such a low budget and little directing experience. I was not bored, not even for a minute. On the contrary, I was quite taken and amused on several moments, thanks to the warm romantic story and great chemistry of the couple. Their beauty didn't hurt either.
Lockhart's acting was no surprise, he was his usual playful, spicy, sexy-cute, delicious self. His acting is okay, but not as controlled as it should be if he aims to a proper mainstream career. He has some serious studying to do on this craft before he gets to be as good as it takes for this purpose. He has potential and soul and charisma, and he certainly has something special about him that makes him very memorable and likable. But his acting needs work in order to get rid of his occasional shallow amateurish mannerisms -- which he obviously adopted during his glorious (but alas, poorly directed) pornstar days.
But the other guy... Man, now THAT was a surprise. Because, in my humble opinion, Jack Brockett CAN ACT. He totally can act, and the way he went through this role was great. Seriously, the guy has huge potential, mind my words and remember his name. And he is very beautiful. Super hot body/movement (the boy can move) and a very expressive face, with stunning rare eyes; very intense and handsome face indeed.
Anyway, that was an overall amusing film, and quite sweet and touching at moments, much better than e.g. "Judas Kiss" to my poor taste. I'm referring to Judas for comparison, because those two films are the only ones out of the numerous gay films I've seen which are supposed to be "gay themed" but they are actually not about gays AT ALL. Both films could have straight lead characters of any gender and still tell the exact same stories. Both films are not about homosexuality. They take the sexual status of the characters as a guilt-free/comment-free matter of fact, and they just tell a story about those persons. Congratulations to both film-makers, for really starting a new era on cinema: An era where random stories will include random gender/relationship combinations, just like e.g. nowadays people of all races and colors are randomly included into mainstream storytelling -- something unthinkable, say, 60 years ago. The goal is that in the near future no one will pay attention to any film protagonist's sexual orientation (unless the story particularly focuses on it). This is already happening with support characters in many mainstream movies. Well, it's about time it happens with the leads as well, and films like "Triple Crossed" make a definite step towards that direction. Such a healthy way to picture gays --without any misery, self-pity, bad endings, damnation--, such a relief.
(FYI, I'm a straight woman.)
- LaissezFaire_Aggeliki
- Feb 22, 2014
- Permalink
- nakamuratoki
- Nov 30, 2013
- Permalink
Quite frankly, I enjoyed this film. I've seen lots of gay oriented films, and most were a terminal bore.....written, directed and acted so poorly that I could barely get through them. Some viewers have had trouble with this one, but I think it has more to do with expectations than anything else. I went into it with low expectations, as a result, I was somewhat riveted at times. For a cheap film, it's well put together.....good story, some fine acting and directing.....kept me interested all the way through. In short, I liked it a lot. The two male leads are terrific, especially Jack Brockett, who plays Chris. He was always very believable, as the Gulf War vet. At times, early in the film, I said to myself, no he wouldn't do that, but by the end, the screenplay wrapped it all up nicely. I sure didn't see the ending coming, and that's saying a lot for a "B" movie. If all that weren't enough, the two leads certainly give us some fine eye candy along the way. I recommend the film, personally. ....and don't expect too much, people. It's really not bad at all.
- Johnboy1221
- May 12, 2015
- Permalink
- biogenius7
- Nov 3, 2013
- Permalink
Seems to me that Brent, oops Sean Paul Lockhart still trying his best way to go mainstream cinema beside porn industry. I've seen some of his film, like Judas Kiss, small part in The Big Gay Musical (2009) and Oscar Winning movie Milk (2008). I have to say this, with honest and respect, still and yet, he found his best acting and fair debut as his first directing.
But, with another honest and respect, this film just far from good. The worst part is terrible story. It's more likely some kind of gay fantasy story, that someone (assassin with military background) would kill you for money and God knows that you would falling in love with someone should be your victim.
Another worst part is the acting. Well, we shouldn't expect mush from mostly "amateur" actors. I'm lost count how many "oh God..." I said during the movie.
Overall, if you enjoy film with skins (sure, there are some explicit full frontal nudity here), beautiful male actor with great body shape, then, this film would be perfect.
But, with another honest and respect, this film just far from good. The worst part is terrible story. It's more likely some kind of gay fantasy story, that someone (assassin with military background) would kill you for money and God knows that you would falling in love with someone should be your victim.
Another worst part is the acting. Well, we shouldn't expect mush from mostly "amateur" actors. I'm lost count how many "oh God..." I said during the movie.
Overall, if you enjoy film with skins (sure, there are some explicit full frontal nudity here), beautiful male actor with great body shape, then, this film would be perfect.
While Sean Paul Lockhart is NOT the new Robert Redford, this film shows some directorial potential. It's unfortunatethe producers gave him the director's chair and insisted he play one of the leads, as his "acting" is mediocre at best. The other principal roles are adequately cast, and the script was well-written, although it's a low-budget production. The plot twist at the climax is one no one will see coming, which makes the film all the more enjoyable. Don't miss this!
- bruno_black-09569
- Sep 15, 2021
- Permalink
The best food the best Broadway not to mention the best of hairstyles, aren't the gay men of the world supposed to be the major producers of high quality high entertainment fun? and then you give us this? what is very disturbing is that the TLA releasing was producer of this show, then reading the reviews by the critics they all rave on it then i sit there nearly biting my nails. No this show was horrid! the camera work for one made me feel like something i would expect from "Blair Witch" the actors sad to say were not really model type attractive in my book. There were times that i had hopes that the actual deep core drama of these actors might shine through however in the light of the script it felt like nails across a chalkboard.
I don't know - i know i am not a good writer i don't feel like i would make a good reviewer but i know good acting i think. i watch a ton of movies and I listen to my gay friends who point out quality acting and great story lines, sadly many of they say: "if TLA supports it then its worth a watch". now i call them all liars. don't see the show. it was not a well produced, or well acted movie IMHO.
I don't know - i know i am not a good writer i don't feel like i would make a good reviewer but i know good acting i think. i watch a ton of movies and I listen to my gay friends who point out quality acting and great story lines, sadly many of they say: "if TLA supports it then its worth a watch". now i call them all liars. don't see the show. it was not a well produced, or well acted movie IMHO.
- jer-bear44
- Apr 12, 2014
- Permalink
- jefffeldman
- Apr 5, 2019
- Permalink
I didn't think it was all that bad. It was a triple cross for sure but who was crossing who? It was a light-hearted movie, despite it being about assassination and greed, there was some fun to it. As long as you know it's not meant to be overly serious it should help you to see it in a different light.
- danieljmcewen
- Mar 24, 2022
- Permalink