Customer Reviews

Make the Yuletide Gay

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

The college dorm's resident "out and proud" gay couple, Olaf ("Gunn") and Nathan, are going home to spend Christmas with their respective families, and those families couldn't be more different. Whereas "trust fund baby" Nathan's parents are rather cold, status-seeking yuppies, Olaf's parents are a couple of former hippies who start decorating their home for the holidays months before. When Nathan's parents stand him up to go on a holiday cruise, he decides to surprise Olaf by joining him at his parents, only to find out that his parents have no clue that he is gay. Nathan immediately tries to "butch it up" a bit, but is disappointed and hurt that Olaf is unable - more like unwilling - to introduce him as his boyfriend.

A sweet and engaging, though somewhat corny, story about honesty, self-acceptance and - ultimately - the meaning of love. Newcomer Keith Jordan does a first-rate job as the emotionally conflicted Olaf, and is surrounded by an excellent cast of veteran character actors, including Derek Long ("3-Day Weekend" and several other gay films) as Olaf's stoner dad, actress/voiceover artist Kelly Keaton as his jolly mother, Hallee Hirsh (who played Dr. Greene's daughter on "ER") as Olaf's supposed girlfriend Abby, Alison Arngrin (best know as Nellie Olsen on "Little House on the Prairie") as Abby's mom, Gates McFadden (Dr. Beverly Crusher on "Star Trek: TNG") as Nathan's mom, and Adamo Ruggiero (Marco for five seasons on "Degrassi: The Next Generation") as Nathan. The direction and technical aspects seem flawless, and there are even a half dozen or so original songs on the soundtrack. DVD isn't rated, but would likely be PG; definitely a film you could (and should) share with your parents and younger siblings. Popular at several gay film festivals, and in a limited theatrical run, this just might become a timeless gay holiday classic. Watch out for the mistletoe over the doorway, and I give "Yuletide" a full five stars out of five.

At last a gay film which is well written and acted, unpredictable and a true feel-good film which stands above the rest of the mostly crappy American gay films that have been released this year. There should be more films like this. A true rarity.

Sometimes sweetness and innocence are enough. A movie doesn't have to be the best, the most technically assured, when the characters that inhabit it are filled with genuine goodness. Among the dreck of most gay cinema, it's an unexpected surprise to find a movie that rests on the laurels of simple affection and succeeds.

The premise is simple enough: Olaf is a college senior. While he's freely out on campus, things are different at the Gunnunderson (yes, Gunnunderson) household. Olaf goes home to visit his wacky parents, and is shocked when his boyfriend, Nathan, having been ditched by his cold-hearted parents, shows up on the doorstep. Olaf isn't out, of course, so he introduces Nathan as his "roommate." The film follows Olaf as he struggles to tell his parents who he truly is, and Nathan, who isn't at all comfortable being shoved back in the closet.

I've read some reviews criticizing the film's over-the-top characters and sometimes awkward dialogue. But you know what? "Make the Yuletide Gay" has such a joyous spirit that none of those things matter. Cynicism isn't wanted here. Olaf and Nathan (played charmingly by Keith Jordan and Adamo Ruggiero) have true, genuine affection for one another. Olaf's parents, while not necessarily realistic, are filled with love and, knowing that Nathan has been dumped by his parents, take him and treat him like one of their own. And the most miraculous part of the film? It's practically devoid of negative gay stereotypes. No drugs. No random sex (save for one hilariously interrupted intimate moment). And when the drama comes, it isn't born of archetypes, but of two characters, deeply in love, who can't bear to watch each other suffer.

This is a sweet movie, a hidden gem.

I love this movie. You have quite a cast of characters, from the two young men to the stoner father, the giggly, hilariously clueless mother, the next door Cougar (played by Alison Arngrim aka Nellie Oleson!) Alison's appearance is worth the price of this movie alone. Whenever I feel down, I watch this movie to brighten up my day. Pure, fun entertainment with some corny gay humor & puns thrown in for good measure. It's a nice change from the formulaic Christmas movies (which I love BTW). This one is somewhat formulaic but the gay theme makes it different and delightfully quirky. Make some hot cocoa and snuggle up with your honey & enjoy this feel-good holiday film!

Ok, not the best movie I've ever seen. A little corny, a little over the top acting, script that is a little banal. That being said, it's a very sweet story, and the characters are very likeable and endearing. By the end of the movie I found that I cared about the people in the story and wanted everything to work out well for them. The ending was satisfying, and I finished the movie feeling glad that I'd watched it.

This movie is very reminiscent of "Meet the Parents" and "Guess Who." The story centers around Olaf "Gun" Gununderson. He's a gay college student who's out on campus, but not at home. When Christmas break lets out, Gun and his boyfriend Nathan (played by Degrassi's Adamo Ruggiero) say goodbye thinking they won't see each other for the break and thus keeping Gun's secret. However, hilarity ensues as Nathan has a change of plans and ends up on the Gununderson's doorway a few days before Christmas. This movie is not a deep, emotional, change the world type film, but it is very entertaining and funny with moments of pure honesty and emotion spread throughout. This film is definitely a feel good movie with the power to make you laugh and at the same time become emotionally invested. Ruggiero puts on a great performance that seems effotless and Keith Jordan (Gun) brings to light the frustrations and fear of coming out to one's family while at the same time portraying a very out and proud gay activist on campus. This film is definitely worth a watch and the characters will make you fall in love with them.

I would recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys the holidays, and a great coming out movie. The characters are gorgeous and the presentation was outstanding! I am so glad I bought this movie and got it before christmas. As soon as I watched it, brought a smile to my face and brightened my whole night. Watched it at least twice so far and plan to watch it again tomorrow.

This movies a pure joy to see two young man really fall in love and see it blossom throughout. Gay movies are finally having more meaning and its great to see, FINALLY.

Kind of fluffy at moments, and the characters mother is bubbly. But, I loved all of them. Thanks to the actors and producers, you brightened my holidays!!

This is a very cute little holiday movie. It' premise is simple (romantic comedy), but the characters make you smile all the way through. It's become a classic in my home.

I stumbled upon this movie quite by accident just browsing gay movies here on amazon thought it sounded like a cute premise for a movie. I decided to give it a shot and buy it. I'm so glad I did. This has quickly become one of my very favorite movies. It was one of the most engaging movies I've seen in along time. This is one of those very few movies that when it's over you don't want this movie to end because you are so invested in these characters. The story is beautiful and about love and really learning the meaning of love and loving yourself. I was quite surprised that there was no sex scene in this movie and that is part of what adds to this movies charm it focuses less on the sexual and more on the love story. Frankly there need to be more movies like this one my entire family is in love with it. I really hope this movie gets a sequel I really want to revisit these characters again and again wither they be more holiday movies or just more movies with these characters. I highly recommend this movie to everyone you wont be disapointed

"Making the Yuletide Gay" is a movie purchase that you will not be disappointed with. This movie is funny, heart warming, and a homerun from director Rob Williams. I walked away from this film with absolutely no suggestions on how it could have been better. From casting, the set, to the story line this film could not have been better made or written by any means. The characters are infectious and their delivery helps make the movie appealing and relatable to any audience. Keith Jordan, "Gunn", takes the lead role as a gay college student who has yet to come out to his family and friends back home but is openly gay and in a serious relationship at college. Adamo Ruggiero(Degrassi: The Next Generation), "Nathan", plays Jordan's roommate and boyfriend at college who is open and out about his sexuality and is unaware of Jordan's closeted life back home until he unexpectedly comes to spend the Christmas holiday with Jordan & his family. That fact ignites the plot and theme of the film in where we see the struggles and fears that Jordan faces in coming out to his family and friends & announcing that Ruggiero is not only his roommate but his boyfriend. Other unforgettable characters include Jordan's parents played by Kelly Keaton and Derek Long. Keaton plays the oblivious bubbly Mother who is so infatuated with her only son and the Christmas holiday. Her laugh and performance are worth the purchase of this film alone! I dare anyone not to fall in love and laugh along with her stellar performance. She deserves a Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Drama Award no questions asked! Derek Long plays the stoner father who is always too high to remember where his is going and why which will no doubtedly bring you laughter throughout the film as well. Although most of the actors in this film will not be recognized as mainstream players, you will see several supporting actor roles from mainstream television series like the Brady Bunch, E.R., and Star Trek. Whether you are gay, you have a family member or friend who is gay, or you are straight you will enjoy this holiday movie which explores the heartaches, difficulties, and fears of coming out as well as relationships through drama and humor. Making the Yuletide Gay is a must see film for every Christmas holiday season or anytime throughout the year!