Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Think of it as the "anti-QAF" ... smart and funny, May 10, 2007
Think of "29th & Gay" (2005) as kind of the "anti-Queer As Folk" ... something that the average gay man (one is who is not model perfect and spend each waking moment obsessed with "hooking up") can relate to.
James Sanchez is a quiet, somewhat shy gay man, turning 29 years of age and disappointed in his life. His lifelong dream of being a successful actor seems to be a pipe dream at this point, he's caught in a dead-end job at a theme park, but, most of all, he is tired of being single and having to deal with the phonies and game playing he finds in the gay singles scene. His two best friends are Roxy, a straight woman who is becoming an ardent feminist, and Brendan, who drags him out to gay clubs where he is soon alone after Brendan quickly finds a "boyfriend du jour." He has an embarassing crush on a hunky (and likely straight) coffee house barista (played by Mike Doyle, a regular in "Law & Order: SVU"), turning into a tongue-tied, bumbling klutz whenever he is around. And, although he loves his parents and is happy that they accept his homosexuality, his mother has turned into a kind of "PFLAG Mom on Steroids", giving him birthday gifts like a leather sling! As he approaches the age of 30 (which is old age in "gay years"), he wants to make some changes, to stop merely reacting to what life deals him, get his career on track, and find a life partner.
A sweet, charming, witty and realistic romantic comedy, by first-time screenwriter James Vasquez (based on his own life, and who also plays the lead character) and directed by actress Carrie Preston, which is not without its faults. (I could have done without the cutesy "street sign" introductions to each scene, the frantic rewind flashbacks, and the MTV-style quick-cut film editing.) But its familiar yet original approach, and the obvious efforts that went into the film from all involved, more than make up for any minor problems.
DVD has deleted scenes, outtakes, trailers and a scene with two of the actors having their palms read by one of the extras. Five stars out of five.
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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good clean fun for the gay at heart!, March 20, 2007
For those that want to watch a gay-themed film with their parents or straight friends and family, this movie is hard to beat. "29th and Gay", shot and produced on the proverbial shoestring budget, delivers a good solid story with some stand-out acting without anyone getting (fully) naked. There is a hilarious scene between the star and "Meet the Parents'" Kali Rocha, playing an HIV testing nurse, that consistently brought the house down on the festival circuit. And for anyone who watches "Lost" on ABC, seeing the diabolical leader of "The Others", actor Michael Emerson, dressed in a gorilla suit is a hoot. The supporting cast, made up of up-and-comers such as Nicole Marcks ("American Dreams" and the hit LA comedy show "Totally Looped") and local San Diego actors David McBean and Annie Hinton really deliver. First-time director Carrie Preston (star of TLA's "Straight-Jacket") delivers a heartfelt and unique look at gay life in the 2000s.
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14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
For the Gay Everyman, March 29, 2007
"29th and Gay"
For the Gay Everyman
Amos Lassen and Cinema Pride
James Sanchez is a gay everyman and the star of the wonderful new comedy, "29th and Gay" (TLA Releasing). The movie tells the story of James, who is soon to be 30 and is not physically well built, is missing some hair and has no other half. He has no regular job but has taken a gig as a tour guide until something breaks in the acting business (yes, he is an actor). He muses over his failed plans to be famous, over the fortune he never made and why he only has $27 in the bank and if his car with 250,000 miles will keep running. But more tan that he asks him the question we have all asked--"Is this all there is?" I think this is what makes the film so much fun--its realism. The plot is nothing new, we have all been there (and if you haven't been there, you will). I have the feeling that the movie is autobiographical. The writer and star, James Vasquez, shares the same first name with his main character and they both have Hispanic last names.
James is very lucky to have two supportive and loving friends. There is Roxy (Nicole Marks), a straight female and Brandon (David McBean), who is the epitome of gayness. Both of his friends try to get James to go out more, James's parents also are very supportive (if not overly supportive--especially his mother (Annie Hinton)--she buys him a sling for a birthday gift).
James is always on a quest for a break into acting and for Mr. Right. Via the internet he finds Michael and has a perfect date with him but pines for Andy (Mike Doyle) who is a server at a coffee house. When around Andy, James loses control and becomes sloppy and ill at ease. He feels he can never win someone as perfect as Andy and prepares to make peace with a Mr. Average rather than a Mr. Perfect.
The movie is filed with warmth and humor with something for everyone. The gay audiences will love some of the inside jokes while straight audiences can enjoy the movie for its humor and lightheartedness. The movie concentrates on the struggle of a gay man as he learns about himself and realizes his own worth. To say anymore about the plot would ruin it for those of you who will see and enjoy it. Let me say that as James finds his place in the world, he realizes that life is little more than a journey and it is not a destination. James's life seems to have stalled at age 29 and is awaiting a signal as to what to do next. Up until now his journey on the road of life has not been very eventful. He is still looking for that perfect life he thought he would already have and he realizes that one never knows what is right for him until it is there in front of him.
"29th and Gay" is a small movie with a lot to say and it is said wonderfully with wit and humor. It is such a special movie because it is about all of us and the journey we all make. Watch James Vasquez. E has made quite a mark with his first film and I have the feeling that we will be hearing more and more about him and do see this film. It is a real treat.
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