Okay, I have to admit, I've been a Chad Allen fan ever since I caught him live in an off Broadway play called TEMPORARY HELP. I thought he was not only handsome but an excellent actor as well. It's always good to see his work and commitment to a film, play or whatever he promotes. In this film, the last of the four part series, he once again plays gay detective Donald Strachey assigned to a case, or rather several cases at the same time. As the story unravels, you find yourself caught up with the plot and begin guessing who did what to whom. But along the way there are secrets unraveled and dark pasts revealed. It's quite a journey.
The gay theme is incidental and done with respect to the gay community by not making it the issue. And yet there are thoughts and statements that cover the subject in a delicate and touching way. Not preached at you but simply told. One of the tenderest scenes involve two young teen aged boys having a secret affair. When discovered by accident by our hero, he tells them such beautiful things and gives them purpose for caring about each other and to stand tall and believe in each other. I just cried when that scene happened. When I was young, how I would have relished that someone in my life to tell me the same things.
There are gay relationships abundant in this film. But the subject of the film is greed and land ownership, not being gay. I loved that about this film. You just accepted the relationships. Director, Ron Oliver, did a remarkable job in bringing it all together. You could tell it was he and Chad Allen's dedication to telling the story honestly that made it a real human experience. Oliver does brilliant work in this film.
Not to be forgotten are the superb supporting cast; Sebastian Spence as Strachey's lover and partner is a perfect foil for Allen. Being straight doesn't keep him from playing opposite gay actor Allen in any way. In fact you can see the chemistry between the two actors as they are working. Add the legend Margot Kidder as the other half of a lesbian couple who are centered in the story for not selling their farmhouse. Kidder is unpredictable as an actress. But she almost always gives a performance worth watching. In this film she does. As the other half of the partnership, Gabreille Rose is fantastic. Quality exudes from her throughout. She's also a beautiful woman. I hear she did a masterful job as Amanda Wingfield in Tennessee Williams' play THE GLASS MENAGERIE. Nelson Wong brings comedy and a freshness to his role as Starchey's helper. Some funny moments. Damon Runyan is another handsome hunk, playing the only nude scene in the picture, and brings an honest performance. Then Lori Ann Triolo, Barclay Hope, David Orth and Kerry James all are good in their roles.
I loved this movie and look forward to more of the same. And Chad Allen, if you read this, don't ever stop your crusade for gay rights. I can't tell you how much that means to those that need to stand up and claim their identity.
The gay theme is incidental and done with respect to the gay community by not making it the issue. And yet there are thoughts and statements that cover the subject in a delicate and touching way. Not preached at you but simply told. One of the tenderest scenes involve two young teen aged boys having a secret affair. When discovered by accident by our hero, he tells them such beautiful things and gives them purpose for caring about each other and to stand tall and believe in each other. I just cried when that scene happened. When I was young, how I would have relished that someone in my life to tell me the same things.
There are gay relationships abundant in this film. But the subject of the film is greed and land ownership, not being gay. I loved that about this film. You just accepted the relationships. Director, Ron Oliver, did a remarkable job in bringing it all together. You could tell it was he and Chad Allen's dedication to telling the story honestly that made it a real human experience. Oliver does brilliant work in this film.
Not to be forgotten are the superb supporting cast; Sebastian Spence as Strachey's lover and partner is a perfect foil for Allen. Being straight doesn't keep him from playing opposite gay actor Allen in any way. In fact you can see the chemistry between the two actors as they are working. Add the legend Margot Kidder as the other half of a lesbian couple who are centered in the story for not selling their farmhouse. Kidder is unpredictable as an actress. But she almost always gives a performance worth watching. In this film she does. As the other half of the partnership, Gabreille Rose is fantastic. Quality exudes from her throughout. She's also a beautiful woman. I hear she did a masterful job as Amanda Wingfield in Tennessee Williams' play THE GLASS MENAGERIE. Nelson Wong brings comedy and a freshness to his role as Starchey's helper. Some funny moments. Damon Runyan is another handsome hunk, playing the only nude scene in the picture, and brings an honest performance. Then Lori Ann Triolo, Barclay Hope, David Orth and Kerry James all are good in their roles.
I loved this movie and look forward to more of the same. And Chad Allen, if you read this, don't ever stop your crusade for gay rights. I can't tell you how much that means to those that need to stand up and claim their identity.