Touches You

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

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

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

Though this movie takes place post-2001, it plays as if it takes place in the early 90s - the montage of the two men dating has repeated scenes of anti-gay (minor) violence, parents taking their kids away from seeing two men kiss, etc. As well, Steve's roommate talks about the gay scene as if it were still entirely defined by anonymous sex and bathhouses. While I suppose that the gay community is entitled to its outdated and belittling movies just like the straight community, this movie is not heartwarming or a good portrayal of the modern gay community. I was hoping for a happy-go-lucky and sweet movie, and just got annoyed and offended.

This is the first gay romantic comedy movie to truly be all three of those things. It is more truthfully romantic, more warm than Jeffrey, as touching as Torch Song Trilogy, as funny as the Carol Burnett show. Bravo to Craig Chester, who out-writes Paul Rudnick, out-acts Dan Futterman, and is cuter than either of them. Really. (Will this get me a date with him?) And how sweet to finally see Malcolm Gets in an out role, acting his heart out, and his butt off. Don't miss the gag reel. How many movies have a gag reel that is even funnier than the movie? Shortbus eat your heart out, whatever that director's name is. Now I'm just padding so they'll print this. What casting! What a treat to finally see Paul Sand again, not to mention Sally Kirkland and Julie Hagerty.

I hate to say it, but in this case, the old adage is true: No actor should write and direct himself and throw stones in a glasshouse with the last laugh...eh...whatever.What I'm trying to say is, that as funny as I can sense Craig being naturally at times, as little funny it is when he tries so hard to get his 'cute' lines across.Either Adam or Steve was miscast. Their attraction to each other didn't work, and that is essentially what the entire movie hinges upon. Craig Chester should have cast Steve as a lesser physically attractive man, someone with a big personality, to match Adam more evenly. OR cast Adam with a more attractive actor to match Steve. Craig/Adam's charms didn't compensate enough for the difference...OUCH, I know, but hey, I'm critical of myself too(its just this review is not, alas, about me).I love the idea of acting, producing, writing, directing oneself, but it rarely works (read: Ed Burns). So big kudos to Craig Chester for getting his film made, just a shame it was unwatchable.

along comes this DVD, which i picked up and bought on impulse. i'm not sure if the film was ever released in my city, and if it was, i wasn't aware. at any rate, i did want to see it after reading about it in "metro". i'm not going to blather on about the plot, storyline, etc., but i am going to throw in my 2 cents.1. yes, it's formulaic and predictable on the whole, but it makes the viewer comfortable by giving enough of the formula for it to be familiar -- that's a good thing.2. the movie is a comedy, so a certain amount of levity is expected. what's unexpected is that it is riddled with wit and off-the-wall situations. it also tackles some really serious stereotypes and spins them into things that are really just plain silly (again, the whole comfort thing seems to be the underlying theme). it touches on subjects like homophobia and presents it as something other than hateful, rather just plain stupid; that revealing a gay relationship to your loved ones will not necessarily mean that the sky will fall, etc. it presents these things, among others, without being preachy, patronizing, or totally unrealistic.3. how can one not want to watch this movie? though only supporting, one of the best actresses working is in it -- Ms. Parker Posey -- she should be enough of a reason to see it. also while Chris Kattan was okay in the movie, i wonder (in light of the recent pepsi commercials), if the movie would have been funnier had Jimmy Fallon played Chris's character...(the mind wanders)...and Malcolm Gets...*sigh/swoon*kudos to Craig Chester for writing and directing this very friendly and comfortable movie. it was over-the-top, yes, but that serves *not* to alienate the viewer: there are no icky affection scenes or situations (though some may disagree), and really the movie just gives you permission and license to take some things at face value. not everything needs to be dissected and that being gay (even with all its baggage and burdens) does not have to be serious all the time. it is definitely a gay movie in more ways than one. just watch it. =)