I Am Michael (2015)

Truly Dreadful Film

Perfect cast and a good story

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

Yeah, James Franco likes to do those small indi smart films. In this one he is Micheal, once an openly gay man he has a change of heart once he let's God into it.I feel like the film is working somewhat in reverse for me. In an average formula, Micheal would be a man of God who finds love with another man that changes his path. Not that the way this movie's formatted is wrong, but overall the film gives the feeling of non closure (and I think that was the point).James Franco played Micheal with excellence. He was a confused man who was unfortunately torn between a book that tells us what God wants and being himself, which will make him truly happy. Franco made you feel his torment, that you can see from the very start of the movie.Zachary Quinto was a great supporting actor, although I have to admit I feel like James Franco played a better gay man than Quinto. Maybe Franco is not Quinto's type, or maybe I was expected their passion to erupt off the screen like it does when Franco is kissing up on Seth Rogen( Maybe that's asking too much).All jokes aside, I am Micheal was an interesting look on those with spiritually in their hearts trying to balance it with what also feels right in their hearts and no matter weather you agree on disagree with how Micheal handles it, it's the type of thing you want to see and have an open discussion about.http://cinemagardens.com

Love, identity, sense of self, God, religion, sin, gay, ex-gay, authenticity, confusion: all of these things and more are brought to the screen in the movie "I Am Michael" chronicling the often painful and true story of gay activist turned ex-gay poster boy Michael Glatze. The story is nuanced and the performances by James Franco and Zachary Quinton are sincere. Regardless of what your agenda is on this flash point topic, it is a movie that can be enjoyed for its story and how the world can pull at us from all directions. The fact that we are not pulled apart is a triumph in of itself and thus is the story of Michael.

Not a Franco fan at all, but I did want to see this first feature effort from Justin Kelly. Kelly is also credited as co-screen writer. I admit, I am impressed with his direction and with the screenplay.All too often gay cinema and movies in general really, suffer from weak stories and crumbling screenplays. Terrible dialog and a habit of relying on sex type scenes to prop them up. This is not the case here at all.The subject is Michael Glatze, magazine editor and gay rights advocate who finds his epiphany in religion. He renounces his "lifestyle" and decides he is simply a straight guy with a "homosexual problem." No spoilers from me (even though I checked the box to be safe). Zach Quinto (Jon Groff's former lover) plays Glatze's boyfriend. Charlie Carver is the twink love interest (what else?). Emma Roberts does a fine turn as Glatze's wife. And then there's James Franco.Couldn't they find anyone else for this role? Seriously, he has played these mentally challenged types so many times I can't hardly stand to watch any more. There must be someone--some other actor--that Van Sant and/or Kelly could have turned to. He really is over used and becoming tiresome to watch.Oh yes, there's some skin. There's a 3-way between Franco, Quinto and Carver that the PR crew is hyping the hell out of. It's not all that steamy. When they start interviewing the actors repeatedly about a single sex scene, you know they are in trouble. About all you will see is some manicured man butt and who hasn't seen this about a thousand times already? Still, they are looking for wider distribution. If you get the chance, I suggest you see it. Even though it means enduring one of Franco's typical, retread jobs as an actor.

Audiences are first introduced to Michael Glatze (James Franco) as he chastises a young gay teenager and declares moral individuals choose heterosexuality and God. However, this was not always the case with Mr. Glatze. Rewind the story a decade and we find Michael living happily in San Francisco with his partner Bennett (Zachary Quinto) as he works as the Managing Editor of XY Magazine, a popular gay lifestyle publication. Glatze encouraged gay communities to identify with their sexuality, but after a medical scare revolving around his potential heart condition, Glatze begins his journey exploring Christianity and abandoning his former beliefs and lifestyle. Franco beautifully portrays an obviously confused individual questioning his own mortality and willing to risk everything he's built his life around. Quinto offers the supporting shoulder as he is forced to move forward into an uncertain future with the love of his life. Director Justin Kelly effectively leads audiences though the life of a confused individual who abandons one life for another while outsiders both ridicule and praise his challenging choice. -Jimmy Martin