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Shelter by Jonah Markowitz
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Canada
DVD detailsActor: Brad Rowe, Mat Bushell, Ross Thomas, Tina Holmes, Trevor Wright Director: Jonah Markowitz Brand: WELLSPRING/GENIUS DVD: Region Code 1 Audio: English (Original Language) Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC, Widescreen Picture Format: 1.66:1 Running Time: 89 minutes DVD Release Date: 2008-05-27 Audience Rating: R (Restricted) Studio: Genius Products (TVN)
DVD Reviews of ShelterDVD Review: Wonderful and touching Summary: 5 StarsI really enjoyed this film. The characters were developed and the pace of their relationship was just right. I enjoyed the way the family dynamics were portrayed and most importantly, I loved the resolution.
Three words to sum it up : Feel-good movie!
DVD Review: SIMPLICITY Summary: 5 StarsThis movie was just as simple and interestng. Completely different Queer as Folk behavior lol and no strong violence, language, sexual content or anything like that at all. just bromance, love, little comedy and compassion in every sense of the word. Must see
DVD Review: MattnCal Summary: 5 StarsBeautifully done and well acted
Unlike those sappy ones that are usually out there.
The scenery isnt bad and neither are the MEN.
Bought it the day after I saw it.
DVD Review: Good-hearted, moving and ultimately very entertaining Summary: 4 Stars"Shelter" has a lot going for it. An interesting and credible screenplay, an attractive and professional cast, some excellent surfing action footage and impressive outdoor settings. Most of all, it succeeds in establishing characters that the viewer comes to care about a great deal. The story goes well beyond some of the usual gay coming of age genre flicks. It avoids soft porn titillation and sexual fantasy in favor of presenting the developing affection between the two lead characters--Zach and Shaun. And it does not pretend that there are not other things going on in those characters' lives. In the case of Zach, a major load of family obligations and loyalty while facing of a bleak future.
The film also demonstrates--pretty accurately in California, at least--the transition from rejection to unconditional acceptance that gay and lesbian people are seeing these days. The unquestioning reassurance that best friend Gabe (Shaun's brother) gives to Zach is touching and, I think, not unrealistic for that generation. This is repeated later by Torrey, Zach's girlfriend. This kind of acceptance was unimaginable for most gay people 20 or even 15 years ago. It is extremely touching and gratifying to see it expressed now.
"Shelter" is a very good indie film that fully deserves it apparent success. There have been many gay genre films that have covered the same material but without the skill and sensitivity that is present in this film. "Shelter" sets a kind of standard that I hope will be regularly exceeded in the future as gay-themed stories receive the kind of mainstream production that they might deserve.
DVD Review: You ready? (Brad Rowe speaking to Trevor Wright, last line) Summary: 5 StarsShelter is a defining film for the gay community and stands shoulder to shoulder with Brokeback Mountain. For all the criticism about its imperfections on plot line and lack of sexual content, the movie depicts an ordinary situation for a young disenfranchised man with raw talents and suppressed aspirations. Movie critics were looking for gay stereotypes in such films, and the lack of it should be celebrated as a hallmark that the time of acceptance has come to mainstream markets.
Trevor Wright delivers a masterful performance as a rebellious, dissatisfied artist with a confused sexuality. He embodies the angst of someone having to put off his dreams and goals for the betterment of others. The camaraderie between him and Brad Rowe is easy and believable. The scenes of intimacy speaks to a couple who has found a connection beyond sexuality and physical needs. Through a simple smile, a look of trust, and a gentle caress, Trevor has conveyed what gay relationships (or any romantic relationships) are really about - connecting with that one individual that makes you feel like the top of the world every day.
By portraying intimacy rather than lust, this movie has successfully recast sexuality as an aspect rather than the entire identity of a person. That assertion in itself makes this a brave film by refusing to bend to perceived gay norms. It is no wonder that this movie had consistent connected with people old and young, gay and straight, rich and poor - the truth is powerful. Look no further than the hundreds of positive Youtube reviews for confirmation.
I hope that Trevor Wright and Brad Rowe will get more work - they have truly done gay and lesbians a service by doing this film and should be rewarded somehow.
Description of ShelterForced to give up his dreams of art school, Zach spends his days working a dead end job and helping his needy sister care for her son. In his free time he surfs, draws and hangs out with his best friend, Gabe, who lives on the wealthy side of town. When Gabe's older brother, Shaun, returns home, he is drawn to Zach's selflessness and talent. Zach falls in love with Shaun while struggling to reconcile his own desires with the needs of his family. The feature-film debut from art director Jonah Markowitz (Quincea?era) pivots on the tension between responsibility to family and responsibility to self. Recent high-school graduate Zach (Trevor Wright) has one summer to reconcile the competing halves of his life. The aspiring Picasso lives in blue-collar San Pedro with his irresponsible sister, Jeanne (Tina Holmes, Half Nelson), her five-year-old son, Cody (Jackson Wurth), and their rarely-seen father. Zach gave up his art school dreams to toil in a diner and help look after his much-loved nephew. With his best friend, Gabe (Ross Thomas), away at college, Zach draws, surfs, and skateboards by his lonesome. When Gabe's novelist brother, Shaun (Brad Rowe, Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss), returns to his Orange County home to recover from a broken heart, he and Zach alternate between riding the waves and encouraging each other to pursue their aspirations. Shaun is gay, while Zach appears to be straight, but a casual kiss between the two soon leads to a secret relationship. Before the former returns to Los Angeles, the latter has to decide who he is--gay, straight, artist, cook, uncle, or father--and what he's going to do about it. Except for the location shooting, this low-budget indie plays like an extended episode of The O.C. what with all the "bro"s and "dude"s and love scenes tame enough for network TV. Nonetheless, Markowitz's heart is in the right place, and Shelter may provide some real-life Zachs with the courage they need to follow their passions. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
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