I liked most of this film and loved parts of it. Enough to forgive its weaknesses.
The Troubled Youth (Van) is depicted as a leader of his peer group in the small lake community and I felt it was a very positive thing to have him befriend the gay guy. At first, we were not sure of his intentions. Is Van bisexual? We see him with his girl friend. The scene where Van sleeps over at Gay Doug's house is particularly ripe with suspense and sexual tension. I was on the edge of my seat.
Later when Doug is totally embarrassed over Van finding his porn and laughing at it I thought the movie excelled in Van's sensitive treatment and acceptance of the gay character. Van is tough, Van is cool, Van probably cares about his image. To depict him caring A LOT about Doug, really as the centerpiece and emotional climax of the film, is a breakthrough in gay-friendly cinema. My hat's off to you. Keep it up.
The Troubled Youth (Van) is depicted as a leader of his peer group in the small lake community and I felt it was a very positive thing to have him befriend the gay guy. At first, we were not sure of his intentions. Is Van bisexual? We see him with his girl friend. The scene where Van sleeps over at Gay Doug's house is particularly ripe with suspense and sexual tension. I was on the edge of my seat.
Later when Doug is totally embarrassed over Van finding his porn and laughing at it I thought the movie excelled in Van's sensitive treatment and acceptance of the gay character. Van is tough, Van is cool, Van probably cares about his image. To depict him caring A LOT about Doug, really as the centerpiece and emotional climax of the film, is a breakthrough in gay-friendly cinema. My hat's off to you. Keep it up.