Customer Reviews

Socket

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

Tired of AIDS, coming of age, that first relationship, and campy fabulousness being the only subjects of queer cinema? Ready for a gay film where the sexual orientation of the characters is treated in a matter-of-fact manner and secondary to the actual storytelling? Do you like good ole fashioned sci-fi/horror genre entertainment? Then Socket is a movie you'll want to check out.

I managed to catch this at the LA G&L film festival last year, and I have to say it was a breath of fresh year. I'm gay, but I'm also a true blue geek who loves good sci-fi and horror movies. And let's face it, it's not like anyone is trampling over themselves to make movies for gay geeks. So to discover Socket, with it's quirky premise, solid writing, and great performances, that just also happened to have some super steamy sex scenes thrown in, was truly a nice surprise. I'm glad to see that the film secured a distributor so that more people will be able to see it - and I hope that it's a big success so that more movies like it will get made in the future.

I enjoyed this movie. Even though it's not the best movie of any of the genres it crosses, it certainly is not "the worst gay movie ever", as touted in the hyperbolic reviews which trash it. SOCKET has a unique premise and carries it out well. Without over-analyzing the physics or having a degree in engineering, I was able to sit back and enjoy a fun ride with likable characters and a light presentation. I was a little disappointed because, I don't know why, I expected more gore. I guess when I learned of the concept of the movie, I thought it sounded very David Cronenberg... so I imagined there'd be more gore. One of the positive aspects of the movie is that it is a movie with gay characters that isn't about being gay. I think it has cross-over appeal for a hetero audience not afraid of seeing men naked as much as we see Sharon Stone naked in her "thrillers". Also, the nudity isn't as gratuitous as other reviwews here would have you believe. This isn't one of those movies that's all about sex & naked gays with a loose story hung around it. Here, the story and characters come first. I think the problem other reviewers had with this movie was a preconcieved notion of what they were going to see. I was disappointed with the lack of gore when I was expecting buckets, but I realize it wasn't the movie makers' fault I expected that without knowing the movie well before seeing it. I guess the movie is at least unique in the fact that its premise has a lot of possibilities- I think it is worth a look with an open mind and few preconcieved notions.

*Note: There are minor spoilers in this review.* --- SOCKET is a good SF horror film. The disappointing thing is, it could have been a great one. --- This movie's creative concept is that some people who are struck by lightning are then able to become quasi-sexually stimulated by electricity. These few meet together in a small, secret group and give themselves electrical highs. --- SOCKET then becomes the horror cliché story of a Strange Thing (blood, brain parts, salt, lifeforce, etc.) That Becomes An Addiction and ends with another cliché, The Horror Still Lives! --- (The Strange Addiction theme can be done with greatness: watch Roger Corman's X - THE MAN WITH THE X-RAY EYES.) --- This is a well-done movie even with a low-budget that had to be filmed in 9 days. Many of the actors are excellent; one reason I bought this DVD was for Matthew Montgomery, who I've followed since his appearance in a fan-made STAR TREK web episode. --- The main reason I bought it is I *really* love SF&F&H and if it's gay-related that's a *big* plus. --- Beyond its standard plot, there are several serious problems that make enjoying SOCKET difficult. First, the movie's transfer to DVD seems to have been done at a low audio level. Once the film began I had to turn my TV's volume to nearly twice it's normal level to make it audible. (After the end credits, I was blasted by loud music when the disc returned to the menu.) --- Next, of great importance in all speculative film/fiction is to have a consistent universe *within* its story. SOCKET fails this in two ways. There is the often presence of TVs with static-filled screens. I had thought the electrically-charged character's body interfered with electronics, but this was contradicted by his using a cell phone and computer without problems. In the commentary, you learn the director *forgot* to film the explanation for the TVs, but even if this had been used, it's still not consistent in the movie. --- (The commentary is badly-made; some people on it can barely be heard and at one point there is an unexplained silence for 3 minutes.) --- Another internal universe concept in SOCKET is obsessive-compulsive neatness developes in these lightning-struck individuals. This is explained as "Energy is order." Scientifically that's wrong; energy is imbalance and chaos. (Re: E=MC2 & entropy & opening-credits' lightning.) This then contradicts many events, resulting in my often being "taken-out of the movie". --- Finally, one of the *worst* distractions was during the characters' "power-ups". I am 96% sure the sound used during these was of the original STAR TREK's "Enterprise" increasing its warp speed! --- It was very pleasarable to watch a movie where the central characters were gay men and this wasn't vital to the story; the same with the occasional nudity. However I was disturbed by what I felt was a rape of one man by the other, without any follow-up to this. --- I feel the reason I've been so critical in this review goes back to my original comment: SOCKET is a good SF horror film that could have been a great one. I suggest SOCKET as a should-see, and for gay SF&F&H fans, a must-buy. Just know you might be disappointed at times.
Socket

The premise of this movie is intriguing and the allegorical parallels to drug addiction are actually well portrayed. Unfortunately the very low production values seriously degrade this film. Let's face it, open heart surgery in a dimly lit room that looks like it's in a warehouse basement??! I could go on and on with examples of not only poor sets, but of cheesy lighting, poor sound, and horror elements that are about as scary as shelling peanuts. The transfer quality to the dvd is pretty awful, too; washed out colors, & erratic volume. Perhaps this movie was more enjoyable on the big screen?? Two stars for the eye candy and maybe a half star for the effort...

Very interesting premise for a film. The two main characters are very nice to look at, as far as I'm concerned. The film isn't Academy Award material by any means, but it is great for a bowl of popcorn and put your feet up on the coffee table and relax evening. The lighting could be a LOT better, but all in all, it's enjoyable.

I have to admit after reading the reviews I waited until this movie went on sale to purchase it. I wasn't expecting much. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find I really enjoyed this movie. The two leads, Bill and Craig (Matthew Montgomery from "Gone, But Not Forgotten") had great chemistry together and the plot was extremely original.

Now I have seen better production values on a Sci-Fi channel Saturday night movie, but for a low-budget, sci-fi and gay-themed film this movie is far better than say "Boa vs. Python" or "Megasnake."

Take a chance on this film, I think you'll like it.

The best part of this movie is actor Derek Long. He is way too good for this low budget film. He has a wonderfully expressive face and he has the talent to fully and authentically inhabit his character rather than rely on a few superficial acting class tricks. He is so good that I am going to look for him in other films. This guy can play anyone.
The film itself is about a small perverse group that gets its kicks from electrocuting itself. Doesn't sound like fun to me but then I don't care for sushi either. Once you get over the initial surprise of the premise, the film loses interest fairly quickly. Derek long, however, is interesting to watch throughout. So, you will probably buy this movie for its gay or odd theme. You will remember it for Long.

What a horrible, horrble movie! I've given it one star, but it really deserves none.

Throw in some REALLY bad science fiction elements; some questionable pyscho-babble; some horrible acting and writing; some gratuitous nudity and sex scenes, mix it all together and this movie is what you'd come up with.

It is shocking (pardon the pun) that some of the stupid elements of this film were even committed to film.

Spoiler: The electrical outlets in the arms of the participants has to be the most laughable thing I have seen in recent years... heck, this element of the film might have been passe in the 1950s, but today's audience certainly deserves better.

I sat through the entire movie looking at my watch praying it would end. All I can say is do NOT buy this film... The only electrifying thing about this film is that it was ever made. I cannot even suggest renting it unless you want to laugh your head off wondering why people would do such stupid things as the characters in this movie do.

I'd rather stick my finger in an electrical socket then watch or recommend this movie. Avoid it all costs as it really stinks!

Simply ghastly film with an interesting premise, a talented (and comely) Matthew Montgomery, and absolutely nothing else going for it. Obviously made on a limited budget, this sci-fi tale of a lightning strike survivor and his involvement with a group of electroshock fetishists (also survivors of lightning strikes)could still have been a success, had there been a decent script, a competent lead actor, and some semblence of direction. As it is, the film is a frustrating waste of time.

The plot was sort of obvious but it was good to see the two main characters were gay and in a loving relationship. I hate to admit it,
but the Male nudity (though not at all gratuituous) was the only
good thing about the movie.