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October 20, 2003

SLGFF 2003 - Latter Days

Wow. I thought I'd already seen the best movie of the festival earlier today, but it pales in comparison to Latter Days (IMDB, Sun 7pm). It's a roller coaster ride, and anyone who doesn't have tears at the end is a brick. I won't say whether they're tears of joy or sorrow, because you know it's going to be one way or the other practically from the beginning, and you wonder all through it. At some points, I was ready to be really mad because a lesser film would have ended abruptly, sometimes up, sometimes down, and I couldn't see how they could get themselves out of the corners they'd boxed themselves into in a believable way, but they did pull an ending out of it that worked well.

Christian is a pretty boy waiter, who lives life rather like Brian on Queer As Folk: he can have anyone he wants, and usually does. When cute newbie Mormon missionary Aaron comes to town, and then moves in next door with three other missionaries, it's clear from the start he's attracted to Christian, and vica versa. When Christian tells his co-workers at the restaurant about them, they bet he can't get one of them. If there's one flaw in the movie, it's that bet: you just know that a. they'll fall in love and b. Aaron will be hurt when he finds out and think Christian doesn't really love him. As it turns out, it's handled better than most and it can be overlooked, but there it is. They also gloss over the aftermath of a fight between Christian and his roommate near the end, but again, it's a minor point.

This is the first film for Steve Sandvoss, who played Aaron. He was there, and while I went up and congratulated him on his excellent performance , I wish I'd asked him more about how he got to where he is. His performance is absolutely spot on, and his chemistry with Wes Ramsey (Christian) was great. It was all the more excellent considering it sounds like he's straight from the way he answered the question about how he prepared for the film.

This movie really gets at the heart of one of the key reasons why I have no use for most mainstream religions (intolerance). Apparently TLA Releasing is preparing it for a theatrical release, and I'm really glad it's going to be shown in Salt Lake City in the first phase of that release. It may save some people's lives, and hopefully open some eyes at the very least.

I can't recommend this film enough. It is an emotional movie, but this one I think I can watch periodically and I can't wait for the DVD. I just have to give it an 11... Posted by abatie at October 20, 2003 12:35 AM

Comments

Another cool postive review! I've not seen the movie but I've had the good fortune of discovering this film from TLA Releasing's website. So, I went scouring for reviews off the internet. Not many mind you, as the general release is only out next month.

Can't wait to get a chance to see this....... maybe 6 months later when I get DVD, as I doubt I'll get the chance catching the movie here across the miles.

Posted by: Sebastian at December 12, 2003 09:48 AM