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Plot: First-time director Tommy O'Haver garnered a lot of critical acclaim for this contribution to the "new queer cinema." But he seems more clued in as to its weight than the reviewers. O'Haver rightly ca...( read more read more... )lls Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss a Tommy O'Haver "trifle" in the credits and he's on the money in estimating what his film is worth. For sure, the movie has much going for it; it's wholeheartedly enjoyable and packed with the usual dynamic that saturates most gay-themed films: what does one do when that object of desire is heterosexual? In this case O'Haver at least gives his protagonist, Billy, played by Sean P. Hayes, another obsession besides the Brad Pitt-lookalike, prophetically named Gabriel, who is enigmatically acted by Brad Rowe. This is because Billy is a photographer, as addicted to finding the perfect picture as the perfect man. His world is formed by old movies: From Here to Eternity and Imitation of Life are his criteria and the flirty foreplay by which to gauge whether or not a love will have stamina and staying power. Of course, Billy is bound to be disappointed by gay-friendly Gabriel, who is struggling in his own way as much as Billy. Full of the usual mix of second-string players who inhabit the gay milieu (e.g., the best female friend who has man trouble of her own, and the older, secure pal who has secretly held Billy in his sights for some time), O'Haver's film breaks the mold by keeping to a dark note. It resembles a Pedro Almodovar spectacle initially with its saturated look and primary-color palette. But three-fourths through, Billy and his gang walk into the contemporary gay equivalent of a Gidget movie. The shift is surprising and even sometimes funny. Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss has a lot going for it, but it's still just a trifle, and not a milestone in the genre. --Paula Nechak

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Recent Reviews


  • 5.0 Stars
    MCT:
    July 20, 2008
    Good movie overall, nicely acted, well written and directed. Nice to find out that Sean Hayes can do more than camp.
  • 5.0 Stars
    MCT:
    June 1, 2008
    One of the best gay romances ever put on film. It's an every day guy looking for more than just the next best thing. Sean Hayes (pre-Will & Grace) is great...
  • 5.0 Stars
    MCT:
    February 29, 2008
    With hot and sexy "Brad Rowe"along with a few great looking skin scenes in this film as well from him and Sean Hayes (Pre Will And Grace t.v series).

    xoxoxox
    xoxoxox
  • 3.5 Stars
    MCT:
    August 5, 2007
    Sweet and gentle... the search for a romanticized romance with Sean Hayes being... well, sweet and gentle.
  • 2.0 Stars
    MCT:
    July 17, 2007
    If I could I might give this film 2.5 stars. I read one reviewer stating that this was not a "gay" film. I do not know how that statement could possibly be made. Not that it is in any way a problem, and yes the character does go through things that we can all relate to, but for crying out loud, Hayes starts the movie by saying, "Hi, I am a homosexual" and begins speaking to the trials and tribulations of being a homosexual in an overwhelmingly heterosexual world. So let us call it what it is...a movie about navigating the waters of gay life that even a heterosexual can relate to ok? This movie had some potential. Starving artist seeks love in all the wrong places. Finds possible love in a man who is unsure about his own sexuality. The notion of "being there" for someone when he comes out of the closet like a mentor (I have a friend who has stated that he wished he had someone to guide him when he came out). It also had some very brave scenes where one might see this film on stage rather than a screen. Where it falls short? The acting was terrible. So terrible that it overtook everything in the film. You never cared about any of the characters except Sean Hayes (because this is the only character who they built...and they didn't do the greatest job of that). His monologues about the self were done in such a monotone voice that I found myself drifting away as he spoke. It wasn't that they weren't interesting it was simply that he was stating them as if he were on downers rather than the dreamy, reminiscence that they were shooting for. Also, the constant interjection of 5+ minute drag queen love songs...they were fun to start, but they went on forever...kinda like I am doing now. I wanted to like this film. Really, I did, but I didn't. It had a chance to make something great out of itself, but did not get there. Rent it on a dare if you like, but I cannot say this film is one to recommend.
  • 4.0 Stars
    MCT:
    June 16, 2007
    Funny and sad. Heart break and rebrith. This movie was very well made and the actors did a wonderful job pulling you in. I really found myself on edge cheering on Billy. If your looking for a good gay movie theres one right here! :)
  • 4.0 Stars
    MCT:
    May 23, 2007
    wow.. sean hayes is amazing here... i absolutely love him.. and the storyline is REALLY really sweet. I love the fact that it was about a photographer and his polaroids.. i love how they used the polaroids to tell the story.. being a photographer and polaroid collector.. this is one of those movies ill remember forever. :) good to watch with just about anyone~ other than ur homophobic parents that is. :P
  • 5.0 Stars
    MCT:
    May 10, 2007
    I really didn't watch T.V that often.. so missed out on seeing the beginning of Will and Grace.. which is probably a good thing.. because the first time I saw Sean Hayes was this movie.. He is SOOOO much more than "just Jack".. Oh well.. charming movie.. not the most socially important gay movie of all time.. but charming..
  • 3.0 Stars
    MCT:
    February 9, 2007
    Great to see Sean Hayes "pre Will and Grace", and this is a fun movie, nothing too serious. It has a beaut story line, and is executed well enough to keep the interest. Great support roles, with some rather hunky ones in there too.
  • 4.5 Stars
    MCT:
    January 9, 2007
    Sweet, funny, relatable. It also has some really gorgeous dream sequences that recreate famous movie scenes. Surprisingly understated.
  • 3.5 Stars
    MCT:
    November 25, 2006
    Before Will & Grace, Sean Hayes was here. The question was how sharp are our instinct on the guys we like? Gay or not?

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Details


  • Rated: (R)
  • Directed by: Tommy O'Haver
  • Genres: Comedy
  • Released: July 24, 1998
  • DVD Released: December 22, 1998

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