Waste of time

Don't Believe the Hype

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Claude (Alison Folland) and Ellen (Tara Subkoff) are best friends in New York. Claude is struggling with her sexuality. Luke is a gay musician who moves into Claude's building. Jesse (Wilson Cruz) is a local gay teen. Ellen spends time with volatile boyfriend Mark (Cole Hauser). His friend Gus (Shawn Hatosy) keeps hitting on Claude. Luke gets into an argument with Mark and then Luke is later found murdered. Claude falls for indie musician Lucy (Leisha Hailey). Mark pushes Ellen into drugs as her friendship with Claude cracks under the pressure.It's a coming-of-age drama with a bit of bite. Folland's performance is naturalistic. Hauser and Subkoff show their acting skills. The filmmaking is raw for newcomer Sichel sisters. It is amateurish at times but the story and the actors are compelling enough to maintain focus. This deals with many edgy subject matters but it keeps it within Claude's struggle for love. That makes this a more touching exercise than other tougher contemporary indies.

I'm Jo-Jo from New York (Ernie is my husband and I can't erase his name from the heading!) I really loved this movie - I watch it all the time. The acting and dialogue were very natural. Having been a teenage girl myself - yes it sucks quite a lot but there are fun bits too and the film really did bring that across. I think its high time there was a sequel - are you listening Sichel sisters?! I care too much about these characters not to want to find out what happens to them. For example, I would like to see how Claude's relationship with Lucy develops, does she join Lucy's band or form one of her own, and how and when she comes out to her mother. Also, I'd like to see Social Services check into Ellen's living situation - where the hell are her parents?! Its a shame that any sequel will obviously not be able to include Luke - Pat Briggs seems to be a very talented guy and I'm surprised I haven't seen him in anything else. I love Patti Smith too! Does anyone agree with me?

The setting is Hell's Kitchen, the time the 90s, the lead characters, some confused, angst-ridden teens.There's not much plot here, nor much character development. Just a brief walk on the wild side of big city life.Focusing on a sensually ambivalent girl and her off and on lovers and acquaintances, there are very good performances and atmospheric details to savor. Competently directed, with a rich rock track, these short vignettes explore a feminine teen scene rarely depicted in films. Make no mistake, though, this journey is definitely not for everyone, and only those who have the energy, stamina and interest in examining tough urban life from a young feminine perspective, will be rewarded.

I think this movie was vastly under-rated. It's told in a fable like way that keeps it in fantasy land but you also know it's real and this sort of thing could happen. Alison Folland is spot on and Wilson Cruz....well, Wilson will always give the same melodramatic performance in every film but here it fits in well. Love this film.