Go-Go Reject (2010)

Simply A Masterpiece

good back-story, and good acting

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

...because they have it so bad in life...especially in the gay community. I'd really have to file this movie under "give me an effing break!" Yes, it's "cute" and uplifting in a way, since the writer-director who also stars as the lead (surprise! Betcha never saw THAT coming!) has a very up-beat demeanor throughout. And there are some funny performances thrown in (i.e. "Anne Ziety" from Go-Go Boy Interrupted) to keep us mildly engaged. But the whole fact that the main character's "dream" is to be a go-go dancer (note: not on Broadway, the local Ballet or any other legitimate venue, but as a go-go dancer in some gay club) just seems to be an exercise in self-indulgence and lowered expectations...as if you are only truly valued in the gay world if you can be on stage and objectified for your body. And given there are two scenes where Daniel gratuitously shows his bare butt, apparently life really is imitating art here. So, for all the twinks out there coming down from their ecstasy tabs and looking for something to do in that twilight period after the clubs close but before you have to get dressed for work, this might just be the film for you. Otherwise, you can do better.

This film was done brilliantly, it was not over bearing with the comedy. It had subtle kick-backs(beyond Jennifer Beals obvious) to other dance films, with making them obvious-and placed in at just the right moments. The actors delivered these references without pushing them, so if you got it-it was hilarious, if not, then not.This is a total two thumbs up, one of the best LBGT films I've ever seen; it kept me smiling and wanting more.The characters were so funny and well timed, that I found myself researching all of the actors. And speaking of the actors-going hand in hand with editing and directing by Michael J. Saul-the pacing was basically seem-less. Usually there is not enough time put into a scenes to develop it, to give an emotional transition from scenes, there's no set up-WELL HERE THERE WAS. When the pacing changed, it wasn't abrupt, instead it fit in with the feel of the film, and kept pushing you to see more. And the slight moments are over-the-top comedy was just enough; as we all get lost in our imagination from time to time. Wanting to be that star that we've all seen in the films we watch, this made it happen.

Gay short I saw at the Provincetown film festival. Nerdy gay guy Daniel (producer writer and actor Heath Daniels) watches hunky guys dancing at a gay bar. He LOVES dancing (and is quite good at it) but he's not hunky or hot enough to get a job at the bar. He meets hunky Cesar (drop dead gorgeous Korken Alexander) who agrees to help him pump up and dance in the bar. Daniel is encouraged by his best friend Matthew (Matthew Bridges).It's quick-moving, friendly and just begging to be liked--but that's the problem. It tries so hard to make you like it that it gets annoying. The acting occasionally becomes too frantic and the story rambles all over the place. Still, I find it hard to hate this film. It was obviously a labor of love for Daniels and all the acting is great. So it isn't good but it's totally inoffensive and just begs to be liked. I give it a 5.

Go Go Reject is a 20-minute gem of a short gay film. Producer/writer/star Heath Daniels is Daniel, an adorable would-be go-go boy rejected by club owner after club owner for being "too skinny" and "too white." A 21st Century gay male Doris Day/Jennifer Beals, Daniel vows to make his Flashdance dream come true. On the way, he meets his own Rock Hudson (smoldering Korken Alexander), all the while aided and abetted by true-blue best friend Matthew (nerdishly handsome Matthew Bridges). Michael Estime, Iva Turner, and Drew Droege shine in supporting roles, with plenty of scantily clothed hotties to provide eye candy on the way. Daniels has such boy-next- door charm, charisma, and pluck that you not only want him to succeed, you will totally buy it if and when he does. Michael J. Saul gets thumbs up for directing this entirely winning short that goes by so lickety split, you'll wish there were another twenty minutes to go at its final fadeout.