mediocre film

Rating: 6/10 (16 July 2006)

This film was not even the best cowboy movie of the year (THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA), nor was it the best gay-themed film of the year (MYSTERIOUS SKIN), so I was very surprised to find out that it got the nod for representing both categories at the Academy Awards in its nominee for Best Picture. It begins slow, goes in the middle slow, and outs slow, and we see a decent story unfold occasionally, but most of the time the men talk about their passion and it taking hold, etc. It is a generally safe movie, not especially creative or exciting, and it has some strong things to say, but all of these have been said and better. A few things that stuck with me: the effect their relationship had on their other family members was heartbreaking to watch, and the way that the two men split apart. Their love did not come across very well, and while the film has a lot to do about sex, it isn't all that sexy.
A well done film. An occasionally heartbreaking film. But a flat and disjointed film. Yes, it was pretty to watch, etc., but it didn't do it for me.