Save Me (2007)

A deft exploration of the controversial ex-gay movement, the story follows Mark (Chad Allen), a drug-addicted young man who overdoses and finds himself at the mercy of his disapproving family. Their solution to Mark's problems is to check him into a Christian run ministry overseen by Gayle (Judith Light), who believes she can help cure young men of their 'gay affliction' through spiritual guidance. At first, Mark resists the efforts of Gayle and her loving husband Ted (Stephen Lang), but soon finds solace and brotherhood with several of the members, including Scott (Robert Gant), who is battling family demons of his own. When Mark and Scott begin to find their friendship developing into an unexpected romance, both are forced to confront the new attitudes they're beginning to accept, and Gayle finds the values she holds as an absolute truth to be threatened.



I have mixed feelings about the story of the film probably because of the presence of religion but I was immensely affected by its lead charaters as the actors' fine portrayal of the roles made the film worth watching from beginning to end.

Clapham Junction (2007)

This is a provocative and powerful single drama about the mixed experiences of several gay men during 36 hours in South London, and the devastating consequences that unfold when their lives collide. From a civil partnership ceremony to a heated dinner party, five separate stories are woven into the fabric of modern day London from school and work, to bars and clubs, during one hot summer’s night in the capital.

CLAPHAM JUNCTION is a revelation that is so true that it hurts those that didn't accept it. The roles played by Paul Nicholls, David Leon, Luke Treadaway and Joseph Mawle are exceptionally moving. A MUST-SEE for everyone!

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On the Other Hand, Death (2008)

In this third instalment of the Donald Strachey mystery, Dorothy (Margot Kidder), an elderly guidance counsellor of a local high school who is open about her being a lesbian refuses to sell her home to a powerful developer. Soon she was suspended for advising one of the students to seek help from a “questioning youth hotline” and her house which she shares with the love of her life, Edith (Gabrielle Rose), was vandalized and the couple receives several homophobic threats. Is Dorothy’s sudden streak of bad lucks motivated by the real estate conglomerate or the anti-gay neighbourhood? As Donald (Chad Allen) investigates, three stories of great gay love surface: Dorothy’s undying love for Edith, Donald’s realization of how he loves Tim (Sebastian Spence), and the love of a young couple, Derek (Keegan Macintosh) & Joey (Kerry James), whose fathers are both homophobic. And there is a bit of sexual invitation when hunky Andrew (Damon Runyan), Tim’s ex-flame, in full nudity tries to seduce Donald who confirms that he is into monogamous (sexual) relationship only.

I’d say that ON THE OTHER HAND, DEATH is the best of the four instalments so far… it has a clever story plot that is fast-paced and full of twists & turns and fine acting from the lead characters.

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Ice Blues (2008)

The fourth installment of the Donald Strachey mystery and this time it's set in New York and the client is actually Tim (Sebastian Spence) who as everyone knows is the loving partner of Donald (Chad Allen) who receives an anonymous 3M donation to shelter kids at risk. An instant meeting between the representative of the donor and Tim at a parking lot was halted when a hit man starts firing at the two of them. The donor vanishes and was found dead inside Donald's rented card in their residence the next morning.

ICE BLUES has a plot so unrealistic but the director managed to divert one's attention to its fast phased actions making it pleasant and thrilling to watch. Allen is as usual the series' best asset. He has an easygoing acting style that makes his character appealing.

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