Customer Reviews

Mulligans

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

"Mulligans" is, for the most part, another one of those problematic, independent, gay-themed films that no major studio would touch. Overall, it's not a bad movie... in fact, when it's good, it's really good. You just have to get through the plodding first half to get to the good stuff.

Let's knock out first what doesn't work here. First off, Charlie David (Chase) and Derek Baynham (Tyler) are WAY too old for their parts. They're supposed to be college kids on summer break, but they both look about 28 years old (which, in fact, they were when this film was made.) This wouldn't be quite so bothersome if not for the fact that Tyler's parents, Nathan (Dan Payne) and Stacey (Thea Gill) look only about ten years older than him (which, in fact, they were when this film was made.)

Next: the big, dumb, loud party scene. `Nuff said.

The biggest problem I had with "Mulligans" was that writer/producer/actor David clearly had it in mind that his character, Chase, was supposed to be the focal point of the story. Considering the DVD box features his handsome mug 20 times larger than the family in the background, I'm easily led to believe that this was intended to be something of a vanity project. Unfortunately, it probably became clear to him halfway through filming that Chase is only the catalyst here, and that the real story - the interesting one - involves the family going through a less-than-orthodox breakdown.

Frankly, I didn't care about the character of Chase at all. David's one-note acting didn't help the cause. Neither did the fact that Chase is a painter... something that was done far more realistically and thoughtfully in "Shelter". Here, it's just a cliché device to show how sensitive Chase is. (Forget the fact that he embarks on an affair with his best friend's still-quite-married dad while mom is away visiting grandma.) Chase would have made for a great "bad guy" here; instead, David chooses to make him come across as something of a nice-boy and a victim. It's a weak choice that nearly unhinges the film.

It all looks like it's going to go into the drink when something miraculous happens: the second half of the film. Nathan is discovered and forced to come out, and suddenly the film takes on a third dimension.

A lot of the credit for this amazing upturn is directly attributable to Dan Payne's subtle, aching performance. He's given the impossible task of making us believe that a former high-school football player turned Porsche-driving stud-businessman-golfer could be hiding in the closet for years, and succeeds beautifully. Yeh, it's unlikely this could happen, but with Payne helming the ship through its most unbelievable passages, it strikes us all as very real.

I have to say that I didn't care for Thea Gill's performance as doting-wife-and-mom Stacey throughout the first half of the film. She tries too hard to come across as a suburban phony, making for a lot of very forced moments. But, once again, once Nathan's character is exposed, Gill drops the phony routine and shows us who Stacey really is: a bitter but realistic woman who is as tired of living a lie as Nathan is. The scene where she confronts her husband with the truth is so well done it's nearly a part of another film. What could have plunged into a pool of soap ends up being the crowning scene in the film, one that brims with emotion and a refreshing sense of honesty. Bravo.

Update 8/9/11: Perhaps someone noticed my review... the updated DVD box now features Dan Payne along side Charlie David (and in equal proportions.)

We saw Mulligans at the film festival here in Rochester and were so impressed with the relevance of the story. So many people are coming out later in life - after marriage, children and career and are trying to find a way to navigate the world as a new person.

The acting is wonderful, it's a story that needs to be told and it's beautiful. The music was really great too, would love to get a soundtrack.

Definitely recommend Mulligans - a 'gay film' for everyone. An important film for straight people to see.

"Mulligans" an austere, tight look at gay relationships, will never be among those ground-breaking gay films, but after viewing it, the film has some merit. Granted, the acting is almost as bad as the premise, but for gay dads who find themselves coming out...well, there are plenty of them to take some notice. Written by Charlie David, the younger attraction, it shows a fair amount of promise but not much perspective. In the hands of a more seasoned writer, "Mulligans" could have had more promise.


The film is worth a look. But again, viewed from the father's point of view...the one who carries the weight of family and all the love and baggage that accompanies him... I give credit to actor Dan Payne, who plays the dad. He gives a plausible, thoughtful performance. "Mulligans" is a film that blends an awkward past with some semblance of hope for those trapped in marriages that cannot endure.

This poignant movie starts out simple enough. The eldest son,Tyler, brings his best friend,Chase, along to spend summer vacation with his family. Chase and Tyler's father,Nathan, bond while the rest of the family is off to Tylers grandmother's house. First,there was slight sexual tension in the air,and it develops into an affair that both get carried away in. The results change the dynamic between the two best friends and between the family.

I love Charlie David. Ever since he appeared in Dante's Cove, I've been attracted to his sensuality. In this particular drama, The Mulligans, I have to agree, he plays his role well. You can actually feel him struggle with his sexuality and understand the embarrassment of his having come out to his long time friend. In the deleted scenes, you see where an African-American comes on to Charlie but he shuns getting involved with the individual sexually. I would have liked to see him expand on this relationship, but in a different movie with an entirely different theme however.

"Mulligans" can be rated in two ways. As a gay genre, indy film, it gets four stars for examining an important story, for having an unusally attractive cast and for above average production values. The setting of film, which appears to be the Pocono or Adirondack Mountains, is beautiful and provides a potentially effective backdrop for the drama/trauma built into the story line. The film's focus is on what happens to a closeted family man when he is forced to face his real sexual identity. The awakening occurs when his college-age son brings a handsome gay friend to spend the summer with the family, presenting an emotional dilemma that rarely gets an intelligent examination in film. So bravo for taking this on.

Another way to consider "Mulligans" is as you would any film--indy or otherwise. Doing it from this angle shows it wanting in several departments. Even with the professional and mostly very likable cast, there was a real lack of credible connection between the characters of the story. The emotional explosions that should come when the hookup by the father and the son's friend is discovered by the other members of the family, just don't happen. The wonderful Thea Gill, as the brittle and betrayed wife, is not allowed to vent and ultimately plays contrary to the character that she has been in the first half of the film.

The greatest lack of character connection is ironically between the two male characters who are presented as "strongly" drawn to each other. There is ultimately no resolution to their attraction. This is largely a problem of non-insightful direction and, at times, a lackluster script.

This was an ambitious film that was visually attractive, but that could have been so much better with a stronger director and better screenplay.

This was a fantastic film. Great story and great actors. I just wish that Charlie David didn't shave his chest :-). Thea Gill and Dan Payne (crazy handsome) play the patriarchs of the family and they are superb opposite each other. One other thing I really appreciated about this movie was the quality and cinematography, in spite of it being a low budget Indy film, it looked like any Big budget theatrically released film. Great job all around. I'm gonna find Dan Payne and kidnap him :-) SOOO HANDSOME!!!

Saw this movie with a friend and we were both moved to tears. Great film! Very emotional and the cast is pretty good as well. Highly recommended. You may recognize one of the leading actors from the Logo Channel on cable TV.

There is something disturbing about "Mulligans" movie.
Is it the acting of some actors? Well, Thea Gill is really annoying during first half of the film. Charlie David is not convincing as well, and maybe should stick to producing.
Are these unnecessary scenes? Like the one with house-party (leading to...nothing).
I am not sure. I am giving it 3 stars 'cause the movie touches quite important subject and this is outcoming.
Although, rather calm reaction of Nathan's wife is too prefect to happen in reality, it doesn't do harm to the plot.
In general, worth to see.

I highly recommand this DVD (and the novel as well as it's a real great complement to the movie, exploring more deeply each character, also written by Charlie David, I loved that book too)
This movie is extraordinary, funny and tender at the same time, with absolutely beautiful sceneries, music, wonderful acting, I don't have enough adjectives to qualify it. I had the chance to see it at a festival in Rochester last year (I came from France to see it and meet Charlie David) and it will stay one of my best memory ever.
Gay or hetero, you will love this touching story. And you'll see that everyone can have a 2nd chance.
The DVD has audio comments from director and cast, director and cast interview, deleted scenes
A must-have DVD

D-Chan