Friday, February 12, 2010

Friday Movie: Shelter

By Mister Curie

This week's movie is the AfterElton.com #2 and MoHo #6 movie, Shelter, also known as the gay surfer film, which provides lots of opportunities for eye-candy. From IMDb:
Forced to give up his dreams of art school, Zach spends his days working a dead-end job and helping his needy sister care for her son. In his free time he surfs, draws and hangs out with his best friend, Gabe, who lives on the wealthy side of town. When Gabe's older brother, Shaun, returns home, he is drawn to Zach's selflessness and talent. Zach falls in love with Shaun while struggling to reconcile his own desires with the needs of his family.
This film was much more than the sum of it's eye-candy. It is a very touching and poignant story. The film's portrayal of the homosexual relationship as uplifting and good (despite the sister's homophobia) and the none-too-subtle contrast with the realistically imperfect heterosexual exploits of the best friend and the sister, make this a movie that should improve understanding among heterosexuals. Perhaps I was just having an emotional day when I saw this, but this film resonated with me in lots of ways. I particularly related to the main character's struggle with accepting his homosexuality and with his desire to be everything his girlfriend wants and needs. This movie was well worth the wait for the DVD from Netflix. Two thumbs up!

2 comments:

  1. I love that movie. I wish my bf was Brad Row.

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  2. It might have been an emotional day for you, but that seems to be a common response to this movie. I remember being surprised at how much I enjoyed it after seeing it as my expectations were so low. Many other people I've talked to have felt the same way.

    The ending still gets me, even if it's a none-too-subtle commentary on relationship stability and parental responsibility.

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