The 10 Year Plan (2014) User Reviews

A cute romantic comedy

[amheba · 6/10 · 8 April 2020]

The 10 year plan is full of clichés both of the gay world and of Hollywood romantic comedies. Is absolutely predictable and shows nothing new. But it's nicely shot and gives a some good laughs. I had a nice time watching it.

Enjoyable & Simple Gay Rom-Com

[taylorbazley · 7/10 · 26 January 2020]

I found the predictability of the plot enjoyable and the actors fun to watch.

Of particular note, the protagonist's portrayal as an obsessive compulsive romantic felt authentic (even though hyperbolicly acted) as a type of person seeking love something I could connect with. The movie didn't try to change that part of the main character even while it showed pit falls that the anxious style of attachment commonly develops.

The main characters being super cute helps a lot for the enjoyment of this movie and all in all, I found it to be a completely enjoyable "alone on a Friday night with a bottle of red wine" sort of movie.

If it doesn't work out...........................

[bkoganbing · 5/10 · 17 March 2017]

The 10 Year Plan has some of the plot premise of the great MGM musical It's Always Fair Weather. That was the one where the 3 army buddies agree to meet at a Manhattan bar in 10 years to see if their plans for the future have worked out. In this film two roommates make a bargain that in 10 years time if the romantic Jack Turner hasn't found the man of his romantic dreams he and roommate Michael Adam Hamilton will take their roommate status to a different level.

With the marriage decision a film like The 10 Year Plan could be made with the ultimate goal of romance the ultimate commitment of marriage for a same sex couple. These two roommates have differing views however. Jack Turner is an incurable romantic waiting for that perfect Mr. Right to wine, dine, and romance him into a happily ever after ending. Michael Adam Hamilton believes in Mr. Right Now, he's got a lot of wild hedonistic oats to sow.

I think you can see where this is going. One unexpected bonus was the fact that Hamilton is a cop, completely out and with a partner Moronai Kanekoa who is also quite hetero and completely comfortable with it. Imagine that, things are indeed changing despite whatever roadblocks the religious right throws our way. I found that aspect of the film more interesting than the main plot.

Nothing terribly special about the film itself. But the making of it is terribly profound.

It's so romantic

[Gordon-11 · 14 July 2018]

This film tells the story of two best friends who makes a pact of being together if they remain single in ten years' time.

This film is so romantic! Even though the ending is quite known right from the start, the journey to the ending is a beautiful, touching and funny. I am very touched by the ending, even though I have been expecting it. I truly enjoyed the film.

Long term gay buds finally tie the knot?

[ohlabtechguy · 6/10 · 3 February 2021]

Totally contrived and implausible plot, but it ended on a charming positive note. Not much chance that someone young and hot and addicted to the LA Grindr scene is suddenly going to shake that loose to form a stable, monogamous marriage. Negative portrayal of gay men being hyper promiscuous, mean spirited and detached with their hookups. But at least they weren't smoking or doing hard drugs. The two central characters became likable enough to root for them, but there was no basis given that would warrant any shred of faith that their re-imagined relationship would last more than a few months.

Constantly Ridiculous but Fun Nonetheless

[salramirezjr · 6/10 · 26 June 2021]

Our two main protagonists have great chemistry - believable unlike many of the character choices and plot developments. A fun and romantic movie, even if complete fiction.

The ten year plan review

[maddiebuggie · 7/10 · 17 June 2020]

This was a pretty funny and silly and cute lgbt movie to watch. There was too much making out I'm this movie for my liking. The romance was average at best. The plot, storyline were pretty good except for all the making out that was done. The character and character development was really good and well done. I liked how one of the main guys were a cop. The chemistry the two main guys in the story had was really great. When they finally got together it was so great Becuse the whole story I wanted another more then for them to start dating. The movie had some diverse in the movie which is always nice to see. The movie is one I recommend for people who are 18+ at least Becuse of all the making out then done in this movie.

Ridiculous eye candy.

[Lenoir-2 · 4/10 · 11 April 2017]

Bad acting, cheesy clichés, stilted dialogue, beautiful male eye candy. It's a pretty mediocre film, but I watched it to the end because it was nice just watching hot guys mooning over each other. Of course, they had the chemistry of, well, two C-grade actors that had just met, but whatchya gonna do?

Listen, it's a cute fun time

[davispittman · 8/10 · 3 March 2018]

Ok, I'll start out by saying that no, this movie is not genius and it's not great. Movies like this aren't exactly meant to be genius though, I knew what I was getting myself into with this one. To me, this was simply a cute, fun feel good movie. I was alone and on Netflix one night, and thought it would be light and fluffy, and it was. I say all that because you have to know what you're in for. If you pick this movie apart and scrutinize it, you'll probably have a bad time. It's predictable and it is very cheesy. The reason I enjoyed it so much, is because I liked the actors and their characters. I thought they were likable and I liked seeing them together. I also liked the supporting members of the cast and the character they played. The writing is far from brilliant, but like I said, it's all fluff and idealistic. Can't say if others will like it as much as I did, but I really had fun with it.

10 Year Plan

[pscheck2 · 6/10 · 17 October 2023]

The whole premise of this movie, has several holes in it, that leaves a viewer, like myself, saying: "wait a minute!" In the first place why would Brody pick a date so far in the future? Even in one year, that's asking for a lot! I am gay and in a relationship 45 years and still going strong! From my considered experience with gay relationships and my questions about this one stem from this experience! To begin with, gay relationship when entered at a young age are facile! So, Myles, trying to find Mr. Righ, for a long term one is unrealistic! Also, we know little about the two. What background do they come from? I can guess: Myles, rich and cultured! Brody, working class! How did they meet? Was it a one night stand? Did they have sex? (or I am saving myself for Mr. Right?)(Ha!) The narrative leads us to believe they both fell in love with each other, but both can't express that love for fear the other will reject it! (MHO). The puzzling thing about Myles is he is carrying the torch for Brody, and yet wants to leave him and the home to start over! However when the denouement takes place.,he almost pushes him away and only accept Brody if he promises to be trust and truthful! (After 12 yEARS, he doesn't know Brody that well?) Anyway, my final take on this relationship, they will have a short lived one, because after the bloom of sex, Myles, idea of love is distorted by his romantic idealism of love! (Maybe, they should get another napkin out and write: MYles, when you grow up, call me, I'll be waiting!"

Just awful

[pulpsprstr-162-307311 · 1/10 · 28 August 2016]

The writer/director/producer of this film has managed to show such a minute slice of life that it's amazing it can even be seen. Barely a person of color and certainly no one who isn't chiseled and manscaped within an inch of their life. Literally the only thing I could relate to in this film is the first time the Grindr sound appeared. I was like, oh, I know that sound.

I don't know if I have ever seen such a bland, whitewashed, recycled telling of a gay story. Boring, narrow-minded, and irresponsible. If you want to watch a gay-themed movie with real heart and not a WeHo spray tan, check out Tangerine, The Weekend, or Beautiful Thing. But don't waste your time on this.

Crazy, Sexy and Romantic....

[Irishchatter · 8/10 · 13 September 2015]

I honestly felt this movie was uplifting. Brody and Myles were just adorable together right from the start. Yes I thought Brody was stupid for trying to get him to like him by sleeping with his suppose date Hunter! However, he went through the trouble in getting the right guy for Myles by pulling lots of guys out of Grindr. Although I think it's not the answer to finding a prince charming there but it works for some people!

I loved Diane, she was such a good friend to Myles like she was always there for him too. I say she would cheer anyone up with her craziness! Although she tends to go over the top but that's OK, she's just awesome!

I really think this should be in any cinemas near you because there's not any good movie as this screening in a typical cinema. It would really hit more awards, I feel it!

Well done to JC Calciano and Matthew Solari for making this movie happen!

what's in the future for these two?

[ksf-2 · 7/10 · 16 July 2023]

Written and directed by jc calciano. I had seen his other film "is it just me?" from 2010, and liked it! Here, myles and brody have been best friends forever. But they have an agreement that if they are still single at age 35, they will settle down together. And the deadline is coming fast. They have the usual ups and downs in their respective dating lives, but after a really big argument, brody and myles aren't even speaking. Can they ever iron things out? The usual gay banter and anatomy jokes. It's cute. And fun. Good interaction between the gay folks and the straight folks, which we don't always see. Good all around. Currently showing on tubi streaming.

Sex versus romance: the former seen as liberating, the latter seen as a trap

[moonspinner55 · 1/10 · 28 August 2016]

Two gay best friends--one a relationship-minded, domestic type who scares young men away with meals and candlelight, the other a promiscuous guy who screws 'em and leaves 'em--plan to be a couple if neither has found true love by the time they're 35...but since the sexually-available friend isn't interested in romance, there doesn't seem to be a basis for their pact, nor for this movie. Writer-director J.C. Calciano treads where every other filmmaker working in gay cinema has already gone. The actors have obviously been cast by how they look without their shirts on, because God forbid a gay man shouldn't be buff and tanned. Age 35 is seen as a cutoff point for gay sexuality--it's all downhill from there--but panic doesn't seem to be settling in, only a type of precious, eye-rolling self-consciousness that scuttles any hope of eroticism, comedic or otherwise. NO STARS from ****

Bland and cringeworthy, with a side order of sexism

[pervocrat · 1/10 · 4 July 2017]

I watched this on a friend's recommendation, expecting a fluffy romance dangling from an enjoyably contrived premise (hey, it worked for decades of MGM movies, right?), but no. This is, without doubt, one of the worst movies I've ever seen.

Writer/director J.C. Calciano tries hard to make a movie that looks good and capitalises on the eye candy potential of its two leads, but both Jack Turner (as hopeless romantic Myles) and Michael Adam Hamilton (as Grindr superuser Brody) deliver performances that are respectively horribly lacklustre and toe-curlingly bad. It doesn't help that they're both so bland, mannered, and manicured that it's hard to tell them apart after a while.

Performance issues aside, the writing is either weaker than wet tissue paper or just doesn't make sense. Myles' coworker Diane (Teri Reeves) is a caricature strung together from obnoxious sexual puns and jokes about booze and women's biological clocks, allowing the move to espouse some sexist attitudes that leave a misandric taste in the mouth, but even the wisp-thin plot isn't safe from Calciano's wavering logic.

The event supposed to bring Myles and Brody's relationship to the climactic point of realising they wanted each other all along is when Brody hooks up with Myles' new boyfriend "Hunter" (Adam Bucci) via Grindr, causing the jealousy and emotional baggage between them to flare into misunderstanding. Except... "Hunter" used a different name, and Brody left the minute he realised the guy was Myles' boyfriend, so there is literally no conflict here beyond Myles taking the fact he misjudged yet another relationship out on his friend, which is not really how the confrontation seems to go down.

The whole thing is just terrible, neither character has the emotional range or depth that would have made the story worthwhile, and the actual story mechanics don't work. Possibly the only redeeming quality this movie has is that it showcases Brody being happily out at work with a straight friend/partner (Moronai Kanekoa) who - excepting one predictable moment of discomfort in a gay bar - is wholly supportive and comfortable embroiling himself in Brody's relationship drama.

That is definitely evidence of social progress, but it's not enough to warrant watching this hot mess.

Just Watch It

[alechowe · 10/10 · 23 September 2017]

I stumbled upon this film after seeing MY SUMMER PRINCE, a formulaic Hallmark Channel movie that starred Jack Turner. Impressed by his work, I was surprised to find that his highest profile role aside from PRINCE was in this film -- it is indeed a sign of the times when Hallmark Channel casts an actor associated with gay cinema in one of its treacly, heterocentric romance dramas.

The surprises kept coming: While the British-born Turner is Anglo to his heels in the Hallmark feature, he is American to the core in this film. Blessed with infectious charm, singular speech patterns and genuine depth and connection in his approach to a role, he is able to ingest JC Calciano's idiosyncratic writing of Myles, whose use of English is Webster-ready, and make it wholly believable and compelling. Even his movement in the character speaks to Myles' ever-purposeful nature; just watch the slow, deliberate way he takes off and stowes his apron in a closet as he prepares for his latest, sure-to-be ill-fated dinner for two.

THE 10 YEAR PLAN does not inspire a viewer's confidence from outward appearances. The title itself, the weathered hook involving two friends who contract to be each other's back-up plan if both are single at midlife, and the semi-nude promo art all threaten a superficial excursion into the lowest bowels of gay cinema (if Myles saw the poster art, he would say, "The shirt stays on, non-negotiable"). But the film itself stretches happily beyond these perimeters. It begins with a mouth-watering main title sequence, wherein Christopher Farrell's jaunty score is a rhythmic, seductive appetizer for the dance to come, seamlessly merging with a gorgeously photographed montage of the culinary preparation for a first date (you have never seen a more artful capture of scotch being poured into a glass of ice). This sense of style permeates the film; it is beautifully considered and executed from start to finish.

There are regrettable gaps and misfires in the plotting, as has been pointed out with vitriol elsewhere on these pages, as well as standard flip and/or painfully reminiscent 'movie' dialogue, supporting characters that are either superficial (Diane), stereotypical (Richard) or gratuitous (Myles' neighbor), but Calciano is essentially immune to attack based solely on his central writing and casting of Myles and Brody. These men are honestly drawn. We have known them -- or been them -- two people doing their best to survive in a world where gay men are often led to live in extremes, finding themselves far from where they meant to go. It is inevitable, given the film's premise, that Myles and Brody will end up together, but their path to arrival is unpredictable. This is achieved largely through the live- wire chemistry between Turner and Michael Adam Hamilton. Both possessed of faces that speak myriad thoughts and emotions minus any need for dialogue, they are natural unto themselves, and as a unit even more so. At every stage of the characters' development, Turner and Hamilton are present and accounted for, endearing, electric and wholly committed to the relationship they're forging. Their final moment of truth, and, especially, Calciano's inspired coda-with-a-twist before the final fade, are flawlessly executed.

Another element that propels this film beyond traditional gay-themed fare is Calciano's ability to glean subtle insight from the parade of men moving in and out of his protagonists' lives. Witness Kodi's barely-masked self-hatred at his inability to embrace Myles' many kindnesses, intimating that he feels unworthy of someone caring about him to such an extent. Or a basic Nebraskan like Steven Adams losing his sense of self, becoming all things to all men in order to achieve the sexual click with whomever crosses his threshold. See the fear and vulnerability in the eyes of Myles or David, nervously "meeting a strange man in the middle of the night" for the first time. With the advent of the internet, the film emphasizes, one-night stands have become fifteen-minute handshakes. Following one of these, a man is candidly told that most likely there won't be a next time. He offers his departing guest a shower nonetheless, which the guest declines, citing that he "didn't break a sweat." The host holds his composure until he is alone, at which point Calciano's camera lingers on him as he exhales a quiet, soul-crushing sigh of disposability. Even through the lens of romantic comedy, these themes are achingly real, and, when totaled, go far in illustrating the myriad challenges gay men face in their search for connection in a culture that promotes the opposite. You can feel these characters' expectations -- and hopes -- being dashed inch by inch, and their numbness rising proportionately. Most pointedly, there's a reason it takes the leading men in this story a decade to find themselves and each other; there are too many items on the menu, and it becomes challenging -- and confusing -- to determine where strangers become bedmates, bedmates become friends, and friends become partners.

Ironically, viewing THE 10 YEAR PLAN on the heels of a Hallmark Channel movie makes one realize how far gay cinema has come toward the mainstream, warts and all. In effect, Calciano's film is cut from the same cloth -- the scoring (the soundtrack album is worth owning), the set-up, the stock characters, the inevitable conclusion, even the 90-minute running time are all reminiscent of the formula that allows Hallmark movies to hit the same target month after month, year after year. But with two men at the axis of that formula, it is quite a different proposition for an audience weary of the mousy heroines in the hetero counterparts.

Calciano has created a film to watch, and watch again. Gay people will identify with most, if not all, points of the spectrum. Straight people will learn a lot about gay people's lives. And, perhaps, gay cinema takes a memorable step forward.

Cute story and actors, but the acting made me cringe

[helene-62189 · 3/10 · 3 December 2016]

What a cute movie! I only watched through the end because it was a cute story line and I could totally relate having hung out in weho for years. That being said, although the actors are adorable and characters likable, the acting was no good. Every single person appeared to be reciting lines rather than acting, so much so, I almost turned it off halfway through. Not one actor was convincing. I'm not sure who these folks are or who did the casting, but it all seemed fake and forced. No real or convincing emotion, just seemed like they were reading lines. I can't justify giving this more than a 3 because of it. But if you don't mind bad acting, you'll like the movie. Just a bit of advice to the actors, put more emotion into it next time and make the audience believe you are the character, not just that you memorized your lines.

A sexy feel good movie for everyone

[zealousreader · 9/10 · 23 December 2016]

My spouse and I were on our usually frustrating hunt for something worthwhile to watch. As we scanned over film after film, The 10 Year Plan went by. The cover caught our eye first. I mean really, who could resist Jack Turner holding a rose while doing puppy dog eyes? As we watched a nerdy Myles turn into hot lawyer Myles we hoped that he would wise up about giving away too much too soon. A smart guy would have figured this out before ten years went by, right? Nonetheless, we chose to buy into it because we are suckers for a good romance. It''s really no different than watching an action movie, just a temporary suspension of reality for the chance to be transported elsewhere. We knew where we hoped it would end up but we were not really convinced it would happen until the last few lines. It reminded us of another favorite, The Big Eden. This will definitely go onto our list of go to movies.

This is a great movie for people who do not value their time and dignity.

[austinrhammond · 2/10 · 11 April 2018]

Where do I even begin? Can someone explain to me the continuity of the film. The main character has a flip-phone, fast-forward ten years later and he has an I-Pad, seems normal right? Then why does he have an old house phone AND only uses a wrist watch to check the time? These are small fish to fry.

About twenty minutes in, I actually started to hate this movie, and only continued to watch it because I need to explore why I hated it and was baffled that my hatred grew among the passage of each poorly written scene. I hated that the actors had a weird disconnect between expressing emotion and saying their lines, like they could only do one at a time. It was cringe-worthy during the 'emotional scenes'. I am convinced they actually wrote the main character, Myles, to have all the qualities you would despise in a person then try to rake pity out of your soul for him. This plot is so weak and disjointed, I needed to schedule an appointment with my chiropractor after experiencing this.

How do I buy that in a normal gay friendship, a misunderstanding would lead to Myles moving to New York without even telling Brody? Myles needs a therapist and I know a great one. I know this movie isn't realistic, but could one facet be believable? Take your least favorite porn and cut out all of the sex scenes then you have 90% of this movie. I am not saying this movie sets gay men back socially ten years (pun-intended) but it definitely bathes in stereotype and portrays us as emotionally shallow and maybe, crazy?

I gave this film two stars. One because people probably used the revenue (?) from this movie to feed their families and that should be acknowledged; but also, a second star because it could serve as a commentary on modern gay dating behavior, literally a "do the opposite of this, be neither of these people" sort of allegory.

In my entire movie-watching life I have never felt so compelled to review of film, this is probably the first and only time I will ever do this.

Great production, though!

[NothingSacred_com · 3/10 · 16 August 2018]

Personally, I would have titled this 10 CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF A PLOT. The actors looks ogod, the lighting, camerawork, sets, eveything looks good. tahe sound is great. What's missing? A plot, and a decent script.

Romance at it's best

[rightmarc · 10/10 · 21 June 2019]

Great movie. The ten year plan is revealed very early in the movie, if the premise is to your liking, you are in for a wonderful time. The acting is neither poor nor stilted, the delivery neither forced nor faked. Quite to the contrary, the plot, and especially the acting, is excellent for this genre. The plot is well developed for a romance story. If you are hopelessly romantic, do whatever it takes to see this movie. You will feel every nuance, feel the body language, chuckle at the light humor, revel in the eye contact, and understand the mixed emotions and expressions of the characters. Wonderful portrayals by the actors. Myles possesses all the qualities I admire in a person. People like Myles thankfully exist. I lived with, and dearly loved, one such man until his passing. The acting was spot- on. Myles and Brody's interaction at the going-away party was excellent. Brody and Richards conversation at the bar, post party, was very well acted, humorous, perhaps not at all subtle, but still well done and enjoyable. Brody and Myle's loving embrace, and Brody's heartfelt chuckle after 'the kiss' was the highlight of the movie. It combined the release of all reservations, acceptance of love, and the final understanding of how wonderful life can be.

Cringe.

[meaninglessbark · 1/10 · 22 October 2017]

If you want something utterly mindless, full of gay stereotypes, and that's only funny because it's labeled a comedy then the 10 Year Plan is a good choice.

To be fair, the film is no worse than most TV sitcoms. But as far as gay comedy goes even a few episodes of Will & Grace are much better. (The two main characters in 10 Year Plan are essentially Jack and Will.)

That said, the one character (can't recall the name, don't care) who keeps chasing off boyfriends because he's so needy and pathetic is well portrayed in that. Just like his dates I wanted to leave the room whenever he was on screen.

Deserve to watch... Awesome story....

[sivajr-54462 · 9/10 · 29 January 2019]

I really enjoyed watching this movie, don't listen reviews, just go and watch... And enjoy yourselves....

Ridiculous

[jmontague82 · 1/10 · 12 February 2019]

I've never seen a movie that made me wish I was more straight

Didn't Work!

[mtsinara · 3/10 · 27 March 2023]

The movie just didn't work. Was it the directing, the acting, the dialogue or maybe the entire script? I don't really know, but something didn't work. The characters delivered lines as if being read directly from a page. It seemed that half of the time the dialogue was trying to either explain the plot or teach everyone the meanings of the plot.

All of the actors were attractive, but none of the characters being portrayed seemed like real people. Thus the characters created no feelings or empathy for me, including the 10-year dilemma. And the dilemma, after being mentioned at the beginning of the film, was barely touched upon and seemed to go by the wayside as the movie progressed.

The two lead characters, Myles and Brody, had no real chemistry between themselves throughout the film. So, at the end I was actually hoping that Myles would continue on and get to New York. But, sadly the movie had to have a happy ending between two characters who did not seem to belong together and definitely did not seem to be in love.

I just finished watching another film, Love or Whatever, from 2012 and although it was not an award winner film by far, at least the quirky characters seemed somewhat real and created some feelings for me for them. By the end, I was rooting for a happy ending and hoping the main protagonist would find love.