Customer Reviews

Boys Life

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Our heroes portrayed by Josh Weinstein (POOL DAYS), Raoul O'Connell (FREIND OF DOROTHY) and Matt Nolan (THE DISCO YEARS) embark on the journey called Coming Out. Hearts are broken, family members are upset and close friends provide a shoulder to cry on (Anne Zupa, you are just wonderful!) Films like this provide such a nice diversion from a stressful life for me! Anyway, these quality films have been given a nice release from Image DVD. The quality is much better than the VHS versions, but that hardly matters. Each film is presented full frame only. An interactive menu and scene selections are the only extras offered. No trailers (oddly the trailer for this film is offered on the BOYS LIFE 2 DVD) Buy this for the low Amazon price and show Image Entertainment that we support such films on DVD. Who knows, maybe they'll give us more gay films like the equally entertaining BOYS IN LOVE series.

Heartwarming, funny at times, but honestly true even in todays so called liberal thinking society. The last story being the one that shows times haven't really changed from the 60's and 70's people are still cruel and narrow minded. All in all the ninety minutes of the film passed by quickly. the acting wasn't oscar caliber but it was well done. The movie shows that gays are human beings with feelings, and those feelings get hurt, we find it awkward to ask for that first date, in fact we are just like every one else.

BOYS LIFE: THREE STORIES OF LOVE, LUST, AND LIBERATION

(USA - 1995)

Aspect ratio: 1.37:1
Theatrical soundtrack: Mono

Compilation of short gay films on the theme of 'coming out'. Though directed by three different people, these three episodes share the same budgetary limitations and basic point-and-shoot style, all of which serves to roughen their edges a little.

Brian Sloan's POOL DAYS (USA - 1993) follows the exploits of a young pool attendant who tries to suppress the feelings generated by the semi-clad beefcake which surrounds him in his otherwise dull job, before finally coming to terms with his sexuality with the help of a regular visitor to the pool (gorgeous, naturally) who takes a shine to him. It's a likable, sexy film, but it seems to end abruptly, leaving a couple of unresolved situations in its wake.

Raoul O'Connell directs A FRIEND OF DOROTHY (USA - 1994) and casts himself as a nerdy college freshman who's seeking Mr. Right, whilst secretly pining for his apparently straight roommate. Sadly, O'Connell affects a range of tics and mannerisms which translate as geeky rather than appealing, though his film is competently constructed.

And finally, Robert Lee King's THE DISCO YEARS (USA - 1991) depicts the trials of a seriously cute high school student who longs to be accepted by his homophobic peers until their cruelty eventually forces him to confront his true sexual identity.

Many of the situations depicted in all three films have a ring of truth about them, and each story offers its own heartfelt commentary on the lives of young gay men in America, despite the penny-pinching production values.

Followed by BOYS LIFE 2 (1998).

These short films are great. Another collection of shorts in comparison is "Boys in Love". However, "Boys' Life" is much better for many reasons. First, the acting is much better. The actors actually have ranges of emotion and seem more relaxed and real than those in "Boys in Love". Second, the stories are more interesting. They're not very deep or too "artsy fartsy". They're simple stories that many people will enjoy. Third, cuter guys.

I was fully entertained by "Boys' Life" and I can't wait until I get "Boys' Life 2".

"A collection of well-known short films with gay themes, including "Pool Days," "A Friend of Dorothy," and "The Disco Years.""Boys Life" consists of three shorts about coming out. In the first, "Pool Days," a teenager who works as a lifeguard finds himself attracted to and frightened of a beautiful man paying extra attention to him. In the second, "A Friend of Dorothy," a college freshman passionately falls in love with his straight roommate, and "The Disco Years" explores how peer pressure can lead someone to homophobic behavior -- even if he may be gay himself.The video includes three short films: "Pool Days" (Dir. Brian Sloan) "A Friend of Dorothy" (Dir. Raoul O'Connel) "The Disco Years" (Dir. Robert Lee King)" 90 minutes - From Bigstar

We enjoyed the short films a lot. They are unusually high quality creations and we hope there will be many more of this kind. Although they don't forget the serious aspects of the process of coming out of younger men, the stort films are created with a message of humor and optimisnm which makes the viewer feel refreshed after viewing. This is the kind of films I wished I could have seen as a teenager.

This is such a great short film series. I have had numerous showings for friends and all have either rented it, purchased it or borrowed it from me (cheapo's). Raoul is the hottest babe. This is a must see, as is Boys Life 2. The only ones that seem bothered by it were people who like their entertainment real glossy and mainstream. Got it? Get it!

It's quite an accomplishment that three stories filmed by three very different filmmakers could be simultaneously so insightful about gay & bi-sexual relationships, and their struggles!



"Pool Days" is about the awkwardness of adolescence, and the mutual attraction between an older man and a younger one. A story about experiece and vulnerability!



"A Friend Of Dorothy" portrays a common dilemma many gay and bi-sexual people experience at some point in their life: the intense attraction towards someone whom is heterosexual. Sensitively examined, this story truly left me feeling moved!



"The Disco Years" shows another version of a no-win situation: getting involved with someone who is not only confused about their sexual orientation, but is also terrified of being exposed as anything other than straight! A very empowering story for those of us who have experienced betrayal at the hands of a sexually confused and frightened person!



While these three stories will appeal to anyone who has an iota of empathy towards others, they will psychologically empower those who consider themselves gay, bi-sexual or searching! Each story is uplifting in its own unique way.

Wow, very good! Much Better than 2. I watched these films out of order but was pleasantly surprised by the vast differences. The films were longer and much more fulfilling. I enjoyed watching this movie from start to finish. Great job! I must recommend this one for the home collection.

These little movies, which seem much more dated, content-wise and technically, than 1995, are like really good junk food -- you will enjoy every minute, but they will not stay with you. Each one begins and builds like classic gay porn movies, except of course these little films are tastefully erotic, and tell stories of both requited and unrequited love, and of the trials and tribulations of growing up gay. The performances are uniformly unintentionally hilarious, particularly the mother in the final "Disco Years" movie.