Spoiler Alert (II) (2022) User Reviews

Thoughtful and heartfelt

[steveinadelaide · 8/10 · 15 February 2023]

There is nothing innovative about the narrative arc of Spoiler Alert, and we are told right at the very beginning how the story is going to end. But the feeling of authenticity conveyed by the leads is what makes this movie worth watching.

The story is about the 13-year relationship between Michael (Jim Parsons) and Kit (Ben Aldridge) as they navigate life together. The movie starts with Michael lying on a hospital bed next to Kit as he approaches his death from cancer. We then go back in time from Michael and Kit's first meeting and follow them over the years as they move from one stage of their relationship to another. As the story progresses, we are shown how the couple's love for each other changes over time. This is explored through various plot points, such as getting to know each other, their everyday lives, Michael's struggle with depression and Kit's battle with cancer. Each situation shows how the couple must adapt their relationship despite life's challenges.

The movie also explores communication, trust, loyalty, and commitment. The couple's conversations are often humorous and realistic, which helps to make the film feel more authentic. We also get a glimpse into the struggles of being in a long-term relationship and how difficult it can be to stay connected when life throws curveballs at you.

The performances by Jim Parsons and Ben Aldridge are outstanding as they bring their characters to life with great emotion and depth. They manage to capture the complexities of relationships in an honest way that is easy for us to relate to.

Spoiler Alert (2022) is a thoughtful and heartfelt movie that explores how relationships can change over time despite life's challenges. It has an authentic feel that will resonate with viewers who have experienced similar situations in their own lives. With solid performances, this movie will leave a lasting impression. And take some tissues - you will need them.

Very good on many levels

[suego-49293 · 7/10 · 7 February 2023]

I really enjoyed this movie. I am not gay, I am a straight woman so I can't say how well it portrays the gay lifestyle as others here have done but I can say it was done in a way that wasn't over the top or flamboyant the way most shows portraying gay men do.

My biggest surprise was Jim Parson's acting. I knew he was great on TBBT, but honestly didn't know if he had the acting chops to pull this part off. But oh yes he did, and then some. Everyone in this movie was top notch.

So why only 7 stars? I guess it's mostly because it wasn't the passionate romance tear-jerker I was led to believe it would be. Did they really have that great a love? I believe for any relationship to work you have to have the complete triad of love, trust and respect. Here, we had cheating (so you have lost trust and respect right there) and they drifted apart and broke up (so a lack of true devotional love). I felt the only reason they got back together was because Kit was dying. Would they have otherwise? It felt like most likely not.

So it lost much of the emotion punch that would come from truly losing the love of his life. It was a sad and emotional, but for me maybe not for the reasons that they tried to portray in this movie. I felt in the end that Michael lost his best friend more than he did someone he loved passionately at that point. Still very emotional but not overly heart-wrenching in that lost the love of my life way I think they were trying to go for.

But it was a good movie, the acting was top-notch, there was great chemistry between Parsons and Aldridge and I felt the pacing was very good. Well worth the watch!

Heartfelt comedy

[klwalthour · 8/10 · 3 December 2022]

Perhaps I'm biased because the two leads, Parsons and Aldridge, did a QA at my theater but I enjoyed this film a lot. It was a heartfelt romance movie that was very humorous too, with comedy sprinkled even amidst the horribly sad parts. Ben Aldridge gave a spectacular performance throughout, displaying his range impeccably. That this was inspired by a book-and the actors mention drawing immensely from the original source material and relics of Kit Cowan-made this story all the more compelling. I laughed, cried, all of it, at this movie. It wasn't exceptional, nothing stood out in monumental ways, but as far as good holiday romance movies go, this is up there.

Wow, what an unexpectedly moving movie

[vuxdinh · 9/10 · 4 February 2023]

I gotta admit that I only watched the movie because it got a good review and I was totally under the impression that it was a comedy. At first, probably the first third of the movie was walking very close to the land of gay-cliché but somehow every moment when it got close to be like that, it didn't. Then, it turned into such a touching drama that I didn't see coming despite the opening scene. The crying scene at the doctor office was one of most heartbreaking scenes I have been in a while because it was so quiet and so real. It was very well-made and well-acted movie that gave a full spectrum of emotions from the beginning to the end. At the end, I was in the verge of crying but I didn't. Instead, I feel deeply moved and I thought it was even better than crying.

Ben Aldridge and Jim Parsons made one hell of an adorable and believable couple. Ben Aldridge in particularly was terrific in his role. He acted with such a confidence and sensibility that was so engaging. Jim Parsons was as reliable as ever as an actor. Also, Sally Field AKA the best mom in movies since Forrest Gump was sweet as a pie and brought such a warm tough to the movie that I enjoyed immensely. Well-done for whoever casted them for their roles.

I want to say I'm a bit sad that some people will watch at this movie and think "oh it is a tragic gay movie" and focus on the gay part. We can all recognize it is a movie about a gay couple and that is an important part of the story. However, ultimately, the movie is about love, loss and most importantly acceptance not just about their sexual orientations but also the unexpected moments in life. C'est la vie.

Fantastic look at a genuine homosexual relationship!

[nicolasroop · 9/10 · 13 December 2022]

Most LGBTQ movies you see are riddled with stereotypes, sex and falsehoods. This is one that doesn't fall into those things, but shows you a genuine adult homosexual relationship and how it truly is. The good times and the hard times, this film doesn't pull it's emotional punches. Bring tissues, you will need them for the final act that, while sad, isn't meant to be spirit breaking. Instead, I felt it was uplifting. While it does get off to a rocky start by just throwing us into this story, it quickly grows on you after the initial start. I don't particularly care for Jim Parsons but I felt he was perfect for the role and the chemistry he eventually attains with the other lead is palpable and felt. Highly recommended, as it's one of the most true to life depictions of a gay relationship.

4.5 heartbreaks out of 5.

Jim Parsons and Ben Aldridge shine in touching and heartfelt 'Spoiler Alert'

[FilmFanatic2023 · 7/10 · 10 December 2022]

"Spoiler Alert" tells the story of Michael (played by Jim Parsons), a shy and guarded pop-culture junkie who is hesitant to explore the gay bar scene in Manhattan. However, on a rare night out with a colleague from TV Guide, he meets Kit (played by Ben Aldridge), the man who ends up being the love of his life. Kit has the confidence and coolness that Michael wishes he had, and the two begin a relationship.

Throughout the film, the chemistry between Parsons and Aldridge is electric, and their witty banter is a highlight. The film does a good job of showing the lovable sides of both characters, and you can see why they would fall so deeply in love. However, the film also covers the struggles of long-term relationships, including ordinary spats and more serious health issues.

While the film follows the typical tragic ending for LGBTQ+ movies, it is still a sweet and touching dramedy that will resonate with audiences. Director Michael Showalter incorporates some surreal elements into the film, but they don't quite work as well as the realistic and true-to-life details. Overall, "Spoiler Alert" is a well-acted and heartfelt film that is worth watching.

Amazing, epic, brilliant.

[GreatestArtform · 10/10 · 12 December 2022]

Finally a big budget film that doesn't mock or create more stereotypes within the queer community. This is a heartfelt touching film. Finally they get the idea write a script, and then don't focus on who the characters are gender or sex wise just cast great actors. This is a smart realistic portray of a couple. Who both happen to be male. It is great for the community and it's a step forward. But in general far beyond that this is purely beautiful work of art. It's sad that it took this long comment to understand one that a couple can be male or female and have love and compassion for each other but two on a business end of it this is a huge area of Finance why a company wouldn't have done this earlier I don't know. Now there are thousands of independent future films and short films which are just the same as this. But it's nice to have a bigger budget film finally put this to screen and into theaters. It needs that support for the fact that it's just a beautiful film. And of course for the fact of helping the queer community and not looking down at them.

SPOILER ALERT

[RobTheWatcher · 6/10 · 9 February 2023]

Spoiler Alert was an overall heartfelt and emotional romance/drama that was enjoyable. It was unique because like the name suggests, you knew what was going to happen and essentially watched it all unfold. The actors did a really good job showing their relationship growing and the downfall with his sickness. There were some gaps in the story that were a little confusing and off putting such as Kit's side fling but I guess it also shows that the story between them was never truly perfect. Regardless, it really captured emotions and was overall entertaining throughout. Definitely recommend the watch.

Ben Aldridge's Standout Work Anchors a Quirky Mortality Love Story

[EUyeshima · 9/10 · 11 December 2022]

Just when you think this 2022 dramedy will succumb to predictable tropes that harken back to "Love Story" and "Brian's Song", director Michael Showalter does something quite unexpected whether it's the persistent use of a 1980's-era sitcom or the meet-cute set-up that felt like it came from the same spandex-heavy era. The title is a cheeky reference to the inevitable conclusion of this love story, but it's the quirky way he and co-writers David Marshall Grant and Dan Savage handle the otherwise somber material. Based on Michael Ausiello's real-life relationship with photographer Kit Cowan, it follows their fourteen years together in episodic fashion but forsakes heavy scene chewing for more subtle character development. Not all of the scenes work, but the performances resonate. As Michael, Jim Parsons doesn't shed years of playing Sheldon but moves quite effectively into emotionally complex territory even if his Shirley MacLaine moment came across a bit forced. No stranger to this genre, Sally Field plays Kit's mother with touching grace and strength, and her triathlete aspirations reminded me how she could run to Texas and back but not Shelby in "Steel Magnolias". However, the film's real standout is Ben Aldridge as Kit. His magnetic presence lends a natural charm to the comedy scenes, and he brings genuine pathos to the most devastating moments. This is definitely an actor to watch in the future.

I wanted to love it.

[filmguyci-22804 · 6/10 · 11 December 2022]

I liked the film but something didn't click for me.

The main problem, I think, is the casting. I just didn't believe the relationship. Ben Aldridge as Kit was extremely handsome, easygoing, charming, and maybe just too perfect. It was hard to believe his attraction to neurotic and insecure Michael played by Jim Parsons.

I was excited to see Sally Field, however, it's a relatively small role. As Kit's mother, her scenes are fine but she isn't given much to do which is a shame. In fact none of the other cast makes much of an impression and important information about the two men's history such as Kit's infidelity issues seemed glossed over.

With the exception of the film focusing on a gay couple, this is a sad film that fails to bring enough humor, insight, or anything new to the table to make it worthwhile.

First movie in my 49 years that I cried at

[kp1000001 · 10/10 · 10 December 2022]

I let the tears stream down nearly the whole second half. Was an amazing movie. It was funny, beautiful, sad, and relevant. I recently ended a 15 year relationship with my ex and even though my ending was not the same as Michael and Kit's. It really allowed me to grieve again and know that I will be ok. Sadly, it is only playing in just a few theaters in Atlanta, which is typical for a LGBTQIA+ movie. But it really isn't a queer movie. It really does show that love has ups and downs, and sometimes love itself really doesn't care who you are, it slaps you in the face anyway. The story could be anyone's story and that is where it's strength lies. It is a story of us, all of us, who have loved and lost for whatever reason.

Spoilers:

It was so relevant to me that in the scene where Michael and Kit are in the bed for the first time, Michael doesn't want his shirt removed. We have already seen Michael's early life and know that he was a big boy. When Michael stopped kit from removing his shirt, I immediately knew why before the character explained he was a FFK. I was a big boy and still am. Even though it was only a few lines of dialog and never came up again, I really connected with that moment.

I think there will be a lot of people who will relate to Michael's story, the real Michael. I'm glad such a beautiful, painful, and important story was told and shared.

Nice Try, But Could Have Been Better

[brentsbulletinboard · 6/10 · 14 December 2022]

When the outcome of a film is already known going in (in this case, so much so that it's more than apparent from its title, which is served up here with an all-too-obvious wink and a nod), the trick to making it compelling is to take a route to the destination that captivates and holds interest along the way. But, unfortunately, that's where this fact-based gay romance/comedy/drama comes up a little short. Director Michael Showalter's latest is a fairly formulaic tragic tearjerker that starts out rather conventionally and takes a little too long to get off the ground. Because viewers know what's coming, there's considerable nervous anticipation of what lies ahead, yet it's only when the narrative switches gears to that aspect of the story that the picture starts to get interesting. The film's concluding act successfully manages to earn the emotional response it seeks to evoke, but that's only one portion of an offering that takes its sweet time getting there. The emotional home stretch will indeed tug at the heart, but it's the sole sequence that brings out that response. The remainder of this offering is a mix of familiar turf with gay romantic tropes we've all seen before and humor that never really lives up to its potential (despite what the film's trailer would lead one to believe and some of which is more than a little forced). It's too bad that this release comes up somewhat wanting, especially given its truly touching portions and the fine performances of Sally Field, Bill Irwin and Jim Parsons in a role that finally establishes him as a TV star-turned-big screen actor who's worthy of the movie roles he lands. "Spoiler Alert" is by no means a bad film; it just could have been better at doing what it set out to do.

sad movie always make me cry

[cdcrb · 5/10 · 7 December 2022]

First of all, before i get into the movie i just want to say that anyone who is used to seeing jim parsons on "Big bang" will be surprised with his performance. He is really very good in this role. The film itself is another story. Two guys meet cute, fall in love, grow apart and are brought back together by the impending death of one of the guys. And its a christmas movie. Its mawkish at the very least and predictable all the way. Sally field in a throw away part as the mother is wasted. She does her best though. Ben aldridge, new to me, is very handsome and also very good. Its nice to see bill irwin for a change. The film does have its moments, though. One in particular is when they are walking together after very bad news and not speaking. They are both in shock. Depending on whether you have a heart or not, you might shed a tear or two. Your move.

Couldn't stop crying

[yaldaallbb · 10/10 · 14 January 2023]

This is such a well made movie. Great acting, no awkward feeling at all. My heart broke when I found out it's from a true story. I cried so hard in the 2nd half of the movie I literally got a headache. The movie managed to make us fall in love with the main characters and have us attached in a very short amount of time - to the point that it was extremely painful to see kit go. The way Mike imagined his life to be a sitcom was genius and very well crafted. Overall a movie I would definitely recommend to others with joy and a warning because of how sad and real it feels. The raw portrayal of everything stood out to me specially.

A true love story

[jodieburma · 9/10 · 10 February 2023]

Finally a movie that shows the ups and downs of love. The genders don't matter to me at all, it was refreshing to see love between two people in such a raw and real way. The high of the initial meeting and first dates, the awkward family meeting, the normal relationship struggles, and the power of love through the darkest of times. Many of us never experience that full level of commitment in a relationship. I don't care what you think about same sex relationships, this is a very raw and heartfelt connection between two people who love each other through multiple struggles. I felt so many emotions while watching this movie. Very well done!

Makes me feel bad that I did not see Bros.

[subxerogravity · 7/10 · 4 January 2023]

I'm not really into Romance or Romantic comedies but form what I have seen of this movie, if that is your thing than this works.

I won't lie to you, there are no love scenes per say but the two male leads get hot and heavy at least twice and it was awkward for me cause this is not the type of porn I search for on the internet, but I have to admit the fact that this is a story about two men in love made it more interesting to see the relationship fan out. It's a typical love story given some flavor by the two male leads.

Impressed to see something other than Sheldon Cooper come from Jim Parsons.

Definitely Heartwarming. High scores all around.

Hidden gem about life and love in real world

[anne-m-hudson · 9/10 · 21 July 2023]

Given the jokey title,"Spoiler Alert," I expected very little from this movie, but it proved to be a pleasant surprise from start to finish, from the clever device of the flashbacks in sitcom frames to the excellent acting by a wonderful cast. Main characters Michael and Kit are very real young men, each with his own history and issues with coming out as gay. Jim Parsons does a beautiful, nuanced job portraying Michael, and there's the extra layer of Michael being portrayed by Jim Parsons, former star of a popular sitcom, telling about the pain of growing up in sitcom-staged scenes. The way that Kit's parents embraced him and his relationship with Michael was well done, thanks to the intelligent script and the performances of Sally Field and Bill Irwin.

This is a love story, heartfelt, funny, and affirming. Well-written and finely acted -- I recommend it.

Jim Parsons plays a homosexual man in this biographical movie.

[TxMike · 14 February 2023]

My wife and I watched this movie at home, streaming on NBC's Peacock service. It is based on real people and their story, covering approximately the years 2000 to 2015. We became Jim Parsons fans watching "Big Bang Theory", plus he is the same age as our son and grew up in the adjacent community NW of downtown Houston, so we feel several connections.

Parsons is really good in this role, of course he is a homosexual and has a husband so playing that role probably felt very natural for him. It has really good themes of family and making new relationships and dealing with loss. The only complaint we had was its length, it moves very slowly for the content.

As I always do, when the movie was over I asked my wife where she would place it among all the movies she has seen, top third, middle third, or lower third? Her vote is middle third. That seem about right.

Highly recommend - but very emotive!

[lauraburke · 7/10 · 21 April 2024]

This was a pleasant surprise. The acting was very good - portraying emotions so realistically. So often lately I seem to end up getting irked by films where reactions are totally not believable/realistic. Ben Aldridge in particular stood out in that respect.

I literally spent the second half of the movie crying. But like satisfyingly crying! A real good chick flick kind of crying.....but this story was true and so heartbreaking.

Two things that kinda let it down a bit for me. One - the love story wasnt all that great because the couple separated and only got back together because one of them was dying. So that kinda sucked. Two - and this really annoyed me, and no-one else has mentioned this in any review! - but I was disappointed to see that Ben Aldridge wore a bald cap for his bald scenes rather than shaving his head. Considering the role he was playing, would it have been so hard to shave his head to be authentic? Maybe there was a reason why he genuinely couldn't - perhaps another imminent role that required hair - but if not, and if purely down to vanity of the actor then that is NOT cool.

Lovely to see Sally Field!

Highly recommend if you want an emotional and realistic film.

Finally a gay love story done right!!!

[evanjrbaker · 10/10 · 11 December 2022]

My boyfriend wanted to go see this and I was instantly hesitant because the trailer made it seem to be a Christmas movie and my first instinct was that it would be super corny (like that Billy Eichner movie that came out a month or two ago). I walked out of the theatre sobbing. This the best gay love story that has ever been in a film and one of the most realistic portrayals I've ever seen. There are funny moments, dark moments, heartwarming moments, tearjerking moments. I was never a big Jim Parsons fan before this (I absolutely hate The Big Bang theory) but this performance has converted me to a fan for life. I related to his character on so many levels, from the chronic anxiety, to being in a relationship with someone constantly under the fear they'll leave because your not cool or beautiful like they are, to losing my father at a young and and losing my mother to cancer recently. Even though we all saw the ending coming it left me absolutely devastated and emotionally destroyed in the best way. Don't let the marketing being so Christmas-y throw you off, I definitely wouldn't consider this a holiday film and it's well worth seeing in theaters!

Heartbreaking love story, beautifully told

[bk753 · 10/10 · 14 March 2023]

Love can be awkward, joyful, messy, wondrous, painful, rewarding, and heartbreaking... and Spoiler Alert deftly takes you through all phases of a love story that defines a couple navigating the road to forever. It is a beautifully crafted movie, offering an honest look (warts and all) at a once-in-a-lifetime love, which is destined for heartbreak. No other 2022 movie that I've seen captures the strength, intimacy, and fragility of love more than this movie, and I'm sad that it didn't receive more award recognition. Kudos to cast and crew, and to Michael Ausiello for bringing us a touching and compelling story that all people, regardless of gender or sexual preferences, can relate to.

unlovable

[MrDeWinter · 1/10 · 27 December 2022]

Jim Parsons blank face makes it very difficult to engage in his character. He is not a character actor. The love scenes are unconvincing. They say opposites attract but here you cant help but wonder what do they see in each other. Especially someone as gorgeous as Ben Aldridge, we dont get to understand what he sees in Jim Parson. Jim Parsons is strangly lit and covered in make up in order to hide the 12 year gap between him and Ben Aldridge. Also the relationship with his parents was never explained. One moment they appear to be conservative and the next moment we hear from his dad they are super liberal. Overall better than expected but could have been a much better movie with a better character development and without Jim Parsons.

Great.

[jfecher-46151 · 10/10 · 10 December 2022]

100% absolutely amazing. I loved the casting. This is a rare film that made me laugh, cry and feel true emotion all at the same time.

This film makes you think about your own life, your own love and remind you, that you never know how long you truly have.

The cast was all fabulous.

As a gay man, it felt so nice to see this type of film hit cinemas.

Hearing the entire theatre cry their eyes out in the last half hour must prove they did a job well done.

For sure one of my favorite films of the year.

Jim Parsons was a huge stand out. Very well casted and very well acted.

Please go see this movie.

Get the Tissues Ready

[mrjeffmoore · 10/10 · 8 February 2023]

First of all, anybody that rated this movie less than a 5 either dislikes gay people or has no heart whatsoever. Now on to the review:

I knew (due to the title of the memoir this is based on) that Kit was going to get a terminal illness and die in this movie. What I didn't know was how devastatingly beautiful the rest of the movie was going to be. I fell in love with the two leads and with Kit's parents. I felt the pain in that doctor's office. I think I started crying one hour in and didn't stop until well after the movie was finished. (Make sure you watch through the credits because you see the real Kit blowing bubbles just like he does in the movie).

The movie is also not entirely about the illness. It's about love, regardless of who it is that you love. This couple goes through ups and downs as much as any other couple, but by the end it shows what makes the greatest couples actually work. The dedication, love, patience, and acceptance it takes to really make a relationship work.

If you are looking to be moved and have a good cry, this is definitely for you!

Touching, heartbreaking, and hilarious. LOVED it.

[dkrissny · 10/10 · 4 December 2022]

The only other review on here so far was written by someone who clearly has something against Dan Savage and the subject matter. Don't trust it. This movie was wonderful.

It was told with a unique point of view and is one of the most realistic portrayals of a gay couple I've seen in film so far. My favorite thing about it was how well it straddled the line between comedy and tragedy; finding moments of levity in sadness and grounded moments in joy.

I went in to see a premier knowing nothing beforehand and I laughed and cried through the whole movie.

The whole cast gives it their all and the direction is fantastic. I really cant recommend it enough. Looking forward to seeing it again.