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Zecji Nasip (Croatian) Sandbag Dam

This indie film is a really powerful look at how a community can suffocate you and the hidden corners young people have to find just to be themselves in so many European towns, even with all the progress we've seen lately. The whole story plays out while the town is bracing for a massive, raging flood, and you just can't shake the feeling that some kind of intense reckoning or unavoidable doom is headed their way. To be honest, I didn't go in with super high expectations, but the way it’s put together makes it a seriously compelling watch. Plus, it’s not every day you get to see an LGBT-themed movie coming out of Croatia! The story follows Marko, a popular 18-year-old kid who seems to have it all—he’s got a girlfriend, he’s a competitive arm wrestler, and he’s well-liked at school. When he isn't in class, he’s usually hanging out with his brother, who has a disability, or helping his mom out in her greenhouse. Everything gets flipped upside down when a guy named Slaven ...

The Men Next Door

I had no idea what to expect from this film but boy, was I surprised or what. Falling in the rom-com genre (which usually is done in a very bad way) among gay films, this film was pleasantly refreshing. A novel concept, dialogues where you could not stop laughing and chemistry between the actors which was exquisite.

Doug is celebrating his 40th birthday when 3 of his closest friends come up with excuses to not attend his birthday party. Enter his next door neighbor Colton, whom DOug mistakes to be a stripper (planned by his brother). When confusion is cleared, the 2 men are instantly attracted and spend the night together. We also find out that Doug has also recently started seeing an older 50 yr old gentleman Jacob, whom he likes very much. So where is the complication? Doug is for a shock when he finds that Jacob is Colton's father. The comedy of errors begin and soon enough the truth is out to everyone. Unable to decide who does he want to chose, DOug suggests they all continue to see each other. Father and son try to woo DOug in their own possible way but it gets worse. When things go out of hand, the father-son duo decide to stop seeing Doug, so as to not spoil their relationship. Ultimately with the help of his brother, Doug figures out which one of the 2 men make him content and not just happy.

The basic idea behind the film is amazing. I never thought of it and the way it has been played out on the screen is also worth mentioning. DIrector Rob Williams has done a fantastic job extracting out very natural performances from all 3 actors but Doug deserves special mention. He not only has the boy next door charm but is sexy in a different way. His 3 friends also add an interesting dimension to people around him. They were all very funny. The girl was a little OTT but I am ready to forgive. Keeping the comic theme going, the film maker very subtly raises issues about age and cross generational dating specific to the gay community. It was also very heartening to see Doug's straight brother being always there for Doug and when he needs help.

Enjoy this movie. ENough eye candy, good story and acting. What else do you want? (7.5/10)

Comments

GC from France said…
A movie featuring Benjamin Lutz will never disappoint you ! I had a very good time watching this one tonight.I agree the girl seemed pretty messed up in her head but whatever, one of the best comedies I've seen in weeks. Thanks for your reviews.
Golu said…
and thank you for your comments. It feels nice
ILHiker said…
This was the next one on my rewatch spree. I agree with the review, but for me for whatever reason is a drama moreso than a comedy. I'm not entirely sure why. I find it well-written, well-structure, and well-paced. I liked the phone conversations wit the twin brother a lot.I've liked all of Rob Williams' movies that I've seen, with the exception of Pornography: A Thriller. I couldn't quite follow what was going on. I may try it again one of these days and it will make sense to me--that happens sometimes.
Golu said…
I think a lot of that depends on your mood at the time you are watching a film and it reflects on whether you end up liking it or not. Given that there is so much new material, why rewatch :p

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