I like the attempt to blend mystery and porn; the mixed genre has a lot of potential. But you HAVE to cast a desirable lead. That dude who played Devon is a chinless, slumped, monotonous waste of space with really awful hair. There were extras in the film who had more magnetism and appeal than the lead. Another thing: People don't call out one another's name every time they greet them--especially lovers and family. All the adults were pretty dismal as well. Hollywood is crawling with good-looking, semi-decent actors, so there's really no excuse for bad casting. A lesson for all actors: Just because "exasperated" is the easiest emotion to play, don't fall back on it in every line reading.
16 Reviews
If you get the chance to Miss it... DO.
Havan_IronOak2 May 2011
I'm a film festival junkie. I've seen over 1500 gay films in my life and I keep a bottom 10 list. This film made that list. I've seen worse films so this film doesn't really merit one other reviewers comment... "As bad as a movie can be."
However it IS well and truly bad. The problems starts with a disjointed plot that attempts to be a mystery but ends up being a missed try. Then there's amateurish dialogue, as stilted and heavy handed as any I've heard; and often it's as teeth-jarringly delivered as in the most graphic porn film.
Other reviewers have commented... "This film is just plain bad." and... "THIS FILM IS LAME, LAME, LAME!!!!!" and even ... "Everything about this movie is terrible, the script, the story, the casting, the acting, the direction, the photography, the editing, the music... what else goes into a movie? Whatever it is, here it's as bad as it gets."
That's not entirely fair, but unfortunately it's closer to the truth than the several laudatory reviews that are posted here. You'll notice that there are about 14 people who have ranked many of the reviews of this film. I'm tempted to ask "If a dozen people or so were friends of, or paid by, the film makers how would these reviews be scored?" I'm guessing that something along those lines would explain the wide variation in opinion about this film.
James Townsend who plays the lead also wrote the script. That's generally a bad combo though it stops short of the total lack of perspective one sometimes sees when the writer/star also directs. Talk about your real triple-threat!
I don't enjoy writing negative reviews, but I do think folks should be warned. I've given this film three stars. I have scored other films lower, but only when they were offensive or so disjointed and difficult to sit through that I wanted to punish the folks responsible for the crime. Here it's just a matter of a poorly executed attempt at making a movie.
It's probably unfair to rant about this film in general... Here are just a few specifics. There is an early masturbation scene which includes fantasy shots that stops just short of porno. Shortly thereafter there's a heterosexual kiss in the park that includes another gay fantasy. The boys are hot enough and the scene is pretty tolerable though it is over-thought. The scene is disrupted by cuts from full-color to artistic black & white & back. The acting by the mother was so bad at one time I swore she was cold reading from cards off camera... and that she was a poor reader. The father was even worse.
Generally I'm a pretty easy grader and a sucker for over earnest plots by novice film makers. Often gay-themed indie films have "diamond in the rough" moments that ring so true that they make sitting through the sometimes amateur film making, the frequent insufferable dialogue and the poor plotting worth it. This film may have a few rhinestones in the rough, but they're buried in a whole truckload of dross.
Oftentimes gay indie films have the problem that poor acting and poor dialogue make their characters more caricatures than character. Unfortunately here the characters here would need more detail to become caricatures.
Don't get me wrong. A few of the main characters turn in performances worthy of off off Broadway (maybe on an off night). However the parent roles and the police roles were even below that standard. I'm guessing that those making this film had no friends that fit those particular characters and had to settle for whoever they could con into doing the part. And let's face it the talent pool of those looking to play minor roles in gay themed direct to video indie films is pretty shallow.
Fortunately the boys playing the main roles were pretty. They should just try to exercise better judgment about what they let others put in their mouths, at least dialogue-wise.
Roger Ebert once described "Midnight Cowboy" as a good movie with a masterpiece inside, struggling to break free. Unfortunately this film is hollow inside.
However it IS well and truly bad. The problems starts with a disjointed plot that attempts to be a mystery but ends up being a missed try. Then there's amateurish dialogue, as stilted and heavy handed as any I've heard; and often it's as teeth-jarringly delivered as in the most graphic porn film.
Other reviewers have commented... "This film is just plain bad." and... "THIS FILM IS LAME, LAME, LAME!!!!!" and even ... "Everything about this movie is terrible, the script, the story, the casting, the acting, the direction, the photography, the editing, the music... what else goes into a movie? Whatever it is, here it's as bad as it gets."
That's not entirely fair, but unfortunately it's closer to the truth than the several laudatory reviews that are posted here. You'll notice that there are about 14 people who have ranked many of the reviews of this film. I'm tempted to ask "If a dozen people or so were friends of, or paid by, the film makers how would these reviews be scored?" I'm guessing that something along those lines would explain the wide variation in opinion about this film.
James Townsend who plays the lead also wrote the script. That's generally a bad combo though it stops short of the total lack of perspective one sometimes sees when the writer/star also directs. Talk about your real triple-threat!
I don't enjoy writing negative reviews, but I do think folks should be warned. I've given this film three stars. I have scored other films lower, but only when they were offensive or so disjointed and difficult to sit through that I wanted to punish the folks responsible for the crime. Here it's just a matter of a poorly executed attempt at making a movie.
It's probably unfair to rant about this film in general... Here are just a few specifics. There is an early masturbation scene which includes fantasy shots that stops just short of porno. Shortly thereafter there's a heterosexual kiss in the park that includes another gay fantasy. The boys are hot enough and the scene is pretty tolerable though it is over-thought. The scene is disrupted by cuts from full-color to artistic black & white & back. The acting by the mother was so bad at one time I swore she was cold reading from cards off camera... and that she was a poor reader. The father was even worse.
Generally I'm a pretty easy grader and a sucker for over earnest plots by novice film makers. Often gay-themed indie films have "diamond in the rough" moments that ring so true that they make sitting through the sometimes amateur film making, the frequent insufferable dialogue and the poor plotting worth it. This film may have a few rhinestones in the rough, but they're buried in a whole truckload of dross.
Oftentimes gay indie films have the problem that poor acting and poor dialogue make their characters more caricatures than character. Unfortunately here the characters here would need more detail to become caricatures.
Don't get me wrong. A few of the main characters turn in performances worthy of off off Broadway (maybe on an off night). However the parent roles and the police roles were even below that standard. I'm guessing that those making this film had no friends that fit those particular characters and had to settle for whoever they could con into doing the part. And let's face it the talent pool of those looking to play minor roles in gay themed direct to video indie films is pretty shallow.
Fortunately the boys playing the main roles were pretty. They should just try to exercise better judgment about what they let others put in their mouths, at least dialogue-wise.
Roger Ebert once described "Midnight Cowboy" as a good movie with a masterpiece inside, struggling to break free. Unfortunately this film is hollow inside.
Examining a First Attempt
gradyharp22 January 2007
Steven Vasquez directed and co-wrote with James Townsend, the star, this strange little drama cum horror flick with evidently very good ideas and intentions: make a gay film that takes a different storyline than the usual fare and make a drama that wants to be judged on its merits as a thriller. So why doesn't it work? For starters the film loses direction from the opening frame and wanders rather aimlessly throughout the film, dead set on making a suspense thriller but getting sidetracked into satisfying an audience who wants to see nude encounters. Not that that is a bad thing: it can certainly enhance some films that have been Hollywood successes. The film also tries to talk about coming out experiences in young men and women, relationships, disturbed parenting, the club scene with all the wild antics that accompany such events - and murder. It is all a bit much to cram into a 96-minute film.
Devon (James Townsend) by all appearances is a successful kid with a kind girlfriend Jenna (Sarah Kelly) but he has an eye for boys and visits a bar where he meets Brian (Alex Wilson) who has been down the same path and can offer Devon assistance on every level. They bond, Devon comes out, and the mysteries begin: boys are missing in the neighborhood, Devon's stepfather psychologist Dr. Kirk Tyler (Dan Swett) is not at all what he appears to be and despite Devon's consoling mother Donna (Sonja Fisher) Devon is cast into the streets because of his new relationship. It seems Dr Tyler is in a dark business with hunky Detective Cunningham (Earl McDougle) who apparently is investigating the missing boys... Devon gathers his resources from his understanding girlfriend Jenna and her cronies and together the group unveils the dark doings of Dr. Tyler and his detective sidekick. And through it all Donna radiates warmth and understanding as the perfect mother of a gay boy, etc.
Some of the actors are pleasing to the eye (and there is very little the eye doesn't examine frequently!) but the degree of acting is at an all time low. The only thing that makes us forgive that (and in some cases it is just too poor to forgive) is the feeling of commitment on the part of everyone involved. Yes, this is a low budget movie and yes, the director needs time to learn his trade. But in the end there is something to be said for the involved people to try to take a gay film to a different level. Maybe their next one will be more polished. Grady Harp
Devon (James Townsend) by all appearances is a successful kid with a kind girlfriend Jenna (Sarah Kelly) but he has an eye for boys and visits a bar where he meets Brian (Alex Wilson) who has been down the same path and can offer Devon assistance on every level. They bond, Devon comes out, and the mysteries begin: boys are missing in the neighborhood, Devon's stepfather psychologist Dr. Kirk Tyler (Dan Swett) is not at all what he appears to be and despite Devon's consoling mother Donna (Sonja Fisher) Devon is cast into the streets because of his new relationship. It seems Dr Tyler is in a dark business with hunky Detective Cunningham (Earl McDougle) who apparently is investigating the missing boys... Devon gathers his resources from his understanding girlfriend Jenna and her cronies and together the group unveils the dark doings of Dr. Tyler and his detective sidekick. And through it all Donna radiates warmth and understanding as the perfect mother of a gay boy, etc.
Some of the actors are pleasing to the eye (and there is very little the eye doesn't examine frequently!) but the degree of acting is at an all time low. The only thing that makes us forgive that (and in some cases it is just too poor to forgive) is the feeling of commitment on the part of everyone involved. Yes, this is a low budget movie and yes, the director needs time to learn his trade. But in the end there is something to be said for the involved people to try to take a gay film to a different level. Maybe their next one will be more polished. Grady Harp
Don't trust the good reviews.
jm1070122 July 2009
Until now, the worst movie I had ever seen was Ben & Arthur. You really should check the reviews for that movie instead of this one. The review statistics for this movie have been skewed positive through a relentless and unscrupulous push by some of the people involved in making it, evidence for which is fairly easy to uncover online. At least the people who made Ben & Arthur were honorable enough to let it stand on its own shaky legs, instead of unscrupulously promoting it so suckers like me would buy it.
Everything about this movie is terrible, the script, the story, the casting, the acting, the direction, the photography, the editing, the music... what else goes into a movie? Whatever it is, here it's as bad as it gets. If it weren't so unpleasant it would be ridiculous. I kept watching it thinking it must get better, because I hadn't yet discovered that none of the positive reviews for it are reliable.
It does not take a lot of money to make a great movie, nor does a low budget mean a movie has to be bad. My favorite example of a shoestring-budget masterpiece is Gus Van Sant's amazing Mala Noche, but there are many others. Sideline Secrets—Director's Cut or original—is bad not because the people who made it had no money, but because they had gigantic egos and no talent for anything at all except self-promotion.
Everything about this movie is terrible, the script, the story, the casting, the acting, the direction, the photography, the editing, the music... what else goes into a movie? Whatever it is, here it's as bad as it gets. If it weren't so unpleasant it would be ridiculous. I kept watching it thinking it must get better, because I hadn't yet discovered that none of the positive reviews for it are reliable.
It does not take a lot of money to make a great movie, nor does a low budget mean a movie has to be bad. My favorite example of a shoestring-budget masterpiece is Gus Van Sant's amazing Mala Noche, but there are many others. Sideline Secrets—Director's Cut or original—is bad not because the people who made it had no money, but because they had gigantic egos and no talent for anything at all except self-promotion.
This Movie Makes David DeCoteau Look Like a Genius
dreamer8146524 July 2010
If you have ever seen a DeCoteau movie, you will understand my summary of this movie. The difference between DeCoteau and Stephen Vasquez is that DeCoteau has a campy charm about his work. Vasquez is a hack. This film is just plain bad The acting is stilted. The cinematography is amateurish. The dialog is forced. There are far too many gratuitous sex scenes which do nothing to contribute to the plot. And, speaking of the plot, the plot is so messy that one begins to wonder what this movie supposed to be about. Devon Tyler has the perfect life. He has successful parents, a beautiful and loving girlfriend and all the freedom a teenage boy could want. OK, so his life isn't that perfect. His father (or maybe it's his step- father. The relationship seems to go back and forth and you are never sure how this relationship works.) is having an affair with the mother of one of his clients. Devon's mother is an alcoholic and his girlfriend is a nag. In the middle of all of this, while spending time with his girlfriend, Devon is busy checking out other guys. While skipping class, one day, Devon meets a girl who gives him a flyer for a new gay club which is opening. On a lark, Devon decides to go to the grand opening of the club where he meets Clitarissa Pink. Clitarissa is a boy in very bad drag and still becomes the most entertaining character in the film. Devon also meets the new love of his life, Brian. Brian is a hustler who falls for our budding ingenue. The boys have a movie night and Devon stays the night. While having breakfast the next morning, they see Devon's father with another family. At home, Devon's father assumes that Devon is gay because he was having breakfast with another person and he searches Devon's room to find the flyer for the gay bar. The entire series of events is ridiculous and it only gets more ridiculous from here. While we have all of these events happening, there is a string of missing young men in the area and the police are not doing anything to find these people because they are all "hustlers and bums." The police even go so far as to hinder an investigation by the one person looking for the missing youths. In college, I have seen a lot of student films with more professional acting. The actors are apparently trying to act out their parts but I get the feeling that I am watching a scene from another performance with intentionally bad acting. The tragedy is that the actors seem to be taking their acting "skills" seriously. James Townsend (Devon) sets off the gaydar from the moment you see him and it makes me wonder how anyone could think he is straight. Even the fact that he has a navel piercing lends incredibility to his being straight. This is a terrible film and I do not suggest it to anyone. In fact, given a choice between this film and straight porn, I will take the porn.
It take a lot for me to actually write a bad review. BE WARNED!!
seakman415 January 2007
THIS FILM IS LAME, LAME, LAME!!!!! It takes a lot to bring me to over-exaggeration about a movie, but this movie stunk up my house!! I haven't even finished the movie yet and I had to stop to comment on how bad this movie is. I'VE NEVER DONE THAT!! As a consumer, do not spend your money on this film. Wait until it comes out on a cable channel or something. It's barely TV worthy. I REALLY HATE TRASHING A MOVIE, BUT THIS MOVIE IS TRASH! Barely above porn. Should have and X rating! Good plot, some frontal nudity (if that floats your boat), but HORRIBLE high school level acting. Don't know how this movie received distribution. (Must have been a contractual thing.) Really, if you really like watching good movies, don't waste you time with this one. From one movie lover to another. YOU WILL BE MAD AT YOURSELF! Let me say this as well, if you've been through something like this perhaps you can relate and it will have some value for you. In that case I say watch it, you may take something away from it, if not just seeing something that's happened to you being acted out by someone else (has therapeutic value).
Bad Acting, Bad Scenery, Bad Film Quality, but decent storyline
apollo268618 January 2007
The only redeeming quality of this film is the actual storyline...Otherwise, this movie was terrible. The acting was ridiculously bad, and the set design was cheesy and very tacky. The story was decent, but it was very hard to watch due to all the horrid acting. I wouldn't recommend watching this one...The only redeeming quality of this film was that the actors were somewhat attractive...Especially Ryan Bauer, the man who plays the soap opera star. Some of the editing was well done, but there are continuity errors all over the place...I'm just starting to get sick and tired of watching gay movies that are bad...Can we get a good one soon?
Impressed!!!
dylan-13719 December 2005
With so many gay-movies being complete crap, sitting through another low-budget one wasn't exactly something I would take part in for fun. However, a friend invited me to the screening of the newest entry into gay-film the other night-- "Sideline Secrets", in Hollywood, CA. The film is very low budget. You will find the cast and crew listed several times throughout the credits, as they have all taken on the various tasks of bringing the film to completion. In recognition of such, the film itself is a very tight-knit piece of work. I was very impressed with it.
The movie has the basic "coming out" story intact. But, it ties it together with a very original mystery story as well. It almost feels like two different movies vying for your attention until they perfectly mesh together in a sometimes chaotic, fast paced film.
All in all, very well done.
The casting, overall is good. Watch closely and you will catch some fairly well known adult-entertainment models/actors in the film. Ahem *the Fisher Twins* to name just two! James is good. Alex is good. They work great together, I must agree with prior posts. The girl who plays Amy easily steals every scene she is in. She does serve as the comic relief and comes across totally natural in every scene. Simply put, she is very funny and doesn't even try to be. She had the whole theater laughing at her one-liners every scene.
The nudity is very tasteful. Will definitely be good for business in gaining the attention of a lot of people. This is one of the better, perhaps best, "erotic" films that I have seen in the genre.
"Sideline Secrets" is very well done. I'd be interested in seeing what the team at hand could do if they had a big budget. I think we would definitely be in for a treat if that were the case!
Overall Grade: B
The movie has the basic "coming out" story intact. But, it ties it together with a very original mystery story as well. It almost feels like two different movies vying for your attention until they perfectly mesh together in a sometimes chaotic, fast paced film.
All in all, very well done.
The casting, overall is good. Watch closely and you will catch some fairly well known adult-entertainment models/actors in the film. Ahem *the Fisher Twins* to name just two! James is good. Alex is good. They work great together, I must agree with prior posts. The girl who plays Amy easily steals every scene she is in. She does serve as the comic relief and comes across totally natural in every scene. Simply put, she is very funny and doesn't even try to be. She had the whole theater laughing at her one-liners every scene.
The nudity is very tasteful. Will definitely be good for business in gaining the attention of a lot of people. This is one of the better, perhaps best, "erotic" films that I have seen in the genre.
"Sideline Secrets" is very well done. I'd be interested in seeing what the team at hand could do if they had a big budget. I think we would definitely be in for a treat if that were the case!
Overall Grade: B
Stepdad, I found some briefs in your briefcase...
yonhope26 November 2005
Hi, Everyone,
It was worth the wait. The Producer, Director and actors in this gay guy movie had many obstacles to overcome as they brought this project to the DVD market. Many of James Townsend's fans have followed step by step on the internet as this project was cast, filmed, recast and refilmed. When it was finally ready for mass production, a loss of hard drive information took the Editors and Director and Producer back to the raw stock to reassemble the movie.
Even though this movie was filmed on weekends and on oddball schedules to accommodate the actor's free time and the availability of locations, it still looks better than most of Hollywood's DVD offerings. The camera work and story line are excellent throughout.
This is a movie for gay guys more than anyone else. It is adult in nature. There is even frontal nudity. If any of that bothers you, you will not like this. Stay away.
If, like myself, you enjoy a steamy scene with a couple of guys having a rendezvous in bed or in a shower or in a dream, you will not be disappointed. This is not hard core, squirting, sticky type action. This is soft core with visible excitement and simulated activity.
The actors who are supposed to be young and gay, do indeed appear to be young and gay. If not, the acting is great and the scenes work to keep us wondering what will eventually happen.
In a gay or straight person's life, there are gay and straight friends and gay and straight baddies. That is the case with this movie. Not all gays are nice, not all straights are bad. It is just like in the real world possible for a gay guy to find his best friend is a straight woman. The characters were most likely composites of real people somewhere in the writer's life.
This movie is definitely not a high budget threat to King Kong at the box office. It is a nice DVD well worth the price that a dozen or more people put a lot of sweat into. If you enjoy the theme, you will have no difficulty watching it at least once a year.
The mom character is good with a part that builds to a surprise. Dan Swett is a believable bad guy. Brandon Alexander eats up the scenery in his or her role. Ryan Bauer has the face I am going to ask my plastic surgeon to design for me. Jourdain Dion is another good bad guy. He makes a convincing cop we don't want to meet up with. David Wright is much like Sal Mineo in Rebel Without a Cause. He does a lot with a small part. Sarah Kelly should be very proud of her work here. It is difficult to be the other girl between two boys. She makes us fall in love with her. Alex Wilson is on target all the way in his role which requires him to be sexy and vulnerable and secretive.
Then there is James Townsend. He is the lead, the Writer and the Producer. His acting is not over the top and it should not be for this project. He is ready for whatever Hollywood has waiting. I get the hint in several scenes here that James is ready to do a comedy. James Townsend let all his fans watch on his Yahoo Group as he put this movie together. He and everyone who worked on this are to be given an A in not only doing a good movie, but not letting the bumps along the way bring this project to a screeching halt.
I watched a rough cut. When I see the final version I will come back and make any edits needed. The sound and several scenes were not complete on the version I saw. I still liked it a lot.
UPDATE-December 17, 2005...
I was fortunate enough to see the Hollywood premier of Sideline Secrets last night, Dec. 16. It was shown on a big screen in a small Hollywood playhouse that probably has been host to many entertainment career beginnings. Outings in Hollywood might be common and this film was definitely about coming out.
The finished product is superb. There has been added music, mayhem, mirth and mystery that was not in the rough cut. A good laugh for all was provided in a scene that shows a bus passing from right to left with a very appropriate billboard on the side. Watch closely.
Great camera work and editing throughout. Much applause for Steven Vasquez. If he does nothing more, he has proved himself to be a top notch Hollywood cinematographer. The sound is much better than the rough cut. The sound is still less than perfect, but it works better for me than most of Hollywood's newer releases. The music was not annoying to my 67 year old ears.
The acting is not Oscar worthy yet, but no actor here has to worry about his/her future. All performances were well above what the budget might have expected. It was obvious some scenes were rushed and the actors were not allowed 20 takes to get comfortable with a moment.
The sex action was better than any big budget "love" stories and more believable than most male porn.
This is more than a story about a gay guy coming out. That has been done in a usually boring fashion in other movies. This is a story about a reaction to a gay guy coming out and sometimes being forced to come out by authority figures who have their own juices flowing. It is a look at straight people, good and bad as much as a look at the wild side or should I say "sideline" secrets? END OF UPDATE
Tom Willett
It was worth the wait. The Producer, Director and actors in this gay guy movie had many obstacles to overcome as they brought this project to the DVD market. Many of James Townsend's fans have followed step by step on the internet as this project was cast, filmed, recast and refilmed. When it was finally ready for mass production, a loss of hard drive information took the Editors and Director and Producer back to the raw stock to reassemble the movie.
Even though this movie was filmed on weekends and on oddball schedules to accommodate the actor's free time and the availability of locations, it still looks better than most of Hollywood's DVD offerings. The camera work and story line are excellent throughout.
This is a movie for gay guys more than anyone else. It is adult in nature. There is even frontal nudity. If any of that bothers you, you will not like this. Stay away.
If, like myself, you enjoy a steamy scene with a couple of guys having a rendezvous in bed or in a shower or in a dream, you will not be disappointed. This is not hard core, squirting, sticky type action. This is soft core with visible excitement and simulated activity.
The actors who are supposed to be young and gay, do indeed appear to be young and gay. If not, the acting is great and the scenes work to keep us wondering what will eventually happen.
In a gay or straight person's life, there are gay and straight friends and gay and straight baddies. That is the case with this movie. Not all gays are nice, not all straights are bad. It is just like in the real world possible for a gay guy to find his best friend is a straight woman. The characters were most likely composites of real people somewhere in the writer's life.
This movie is definitely not a high budget threat to King Kong at the box office. It is a nice DVD well worth the price that a dozen or more people put a lot of sweat into. If you enjoy the theme, you will have no difficulty watching it at least once a year.
The mom character is good with a part that builds to a surprise. Dan Swett is a believable bad guy. Brandon Alexander eats up the scenery in his or her role. Ryan Bauer has the face I am going to ask my plastic surgeon to design for me. Jourdain Dion is another good bad guy. He makes a convincing cop we don't want to meet up with. David Wright is much like Sal Mineo in Rebel Without a Cause. He does a lot with a small part. Sarah Kelly should be very proud of her work here. It is difficult to be the other girl between two boys. She makes us fall in love with her. Alex Wilson is on target all the way in his role which requires him to be sexy and vulnerable and secretive.
Then there is James Townsend. He is the lead, the Writer and the Producer. His acting is not over the top and it should not be for this project. He is ready for whatever Hollywood has waiting. I get the hint in several scenes here that James is ready to do a comedy. James Townsend let all his fans watch on his Yahoo Group as he put this movie together. He and everyone who worked on this are to be given an A in not only doing a good movie, but not letting the bumps along the way bring this project to a screeching halt.
I watched a rough cut. When I see the final version I will come back and make any edits needed. The sound and several scenes were not complete on the version I saw. I still liked it a lot.
UPDATE-December 17, 2005...
I was fortunate enough to see the Hollywood premier of Sideline Secrets last night, Dec. 16. It was shown on a big screen in a small Hollywood playhouse that probably has been host to many entertainment career beginnings. Outings in Hollywood might be common and this film was definitely about coming out.
The finished product is superb. There has been added music, mayhem, mirth and mystery that was not in the rough cut. A good laugh for all was provided in a scene that shows a bus passing from right to left with a very appropriate billboard on the side. Watch closely.
Great camera work and editing throughout. Much applause for Steven Vasquez. If he does nothing more, he has proved himself to be a top notch Hollywood cinematographer. The sound is much better than the rough cut. The sound is still less than perfect, but it works better for me than most of Hollywood's newer releases. The music was not annoying to my 67 year old ears.
The acting is not Oscar worthy yet, but no actor here has to worry about his/her future. All performances were well above what the budget might have expected. It was obvious some scenes were rushed and the actors were not allowed 20 takes to get comfortable with a moment.
The sex action was better than any big budget "love" stories and more believable than most male porn.
This is more than a story about a gay guy coming out. That has been done in a usually boring fashion in other movies. This is a story about a reaction to a gay guy coming out and sometimes being forced to come out by authority figures who have their own juices flowing. It is a look at straight people, good and bad as much as a look at the wild side or should I say "sideline" secrets? END OF UPDATE
Tom Willett
I like it!
xxray_7723 March 2008
After watching and favorably reviewing DARKER SECRETS - SIDELINE II, I decided to find a copy of the original which I had not seen. I have to say that I'm glad I saw Darker Secrets first. I love the dark tones of the story and quick pacing of Darker Secrets better then the original but Sidline Secrets wins in the charm department. I think if I had seen Sideline 1 first it would have clouded the way I viewed the sequel. Both are very good low budget films but I have to give the edge to Darker Secrets just because I love the dark decent of the lead character. These have always been my favorite type of character study.
Sideline Secrets is much more charming then it's hard edged sequel, and I loved the two male leads played by James Townsend and Alex Wilson, as well as some of the supporting cast. Brandon Alexander as Cliterissa Pink is clearly the stand out. At times Sideline Secrets feels like two different films. I think this is what makes if seem much bigger film then it actually is.
After viewing both productions I wonder why they didn't connect the Frisbee player In Sideline Secrets with the main character in Darker Secrets. They both are played by the same actor Rick Bolander. I think that was an opportunity missed.
Usually in a low budget gay film of this sort you get the feeling the director is merely there because somebody has to say action and cut! After watching SIDELINE and DARKER SECRETS both directed and edited by Steven Vasquez I get the sense that the success of both films is due largely to his sensibility, pacing and style. In other words it seems like he cares about these films while other directors in this arena seem like that could give a crap.
The slow pacing of Sideline Secrets would have killed Darker Secrets but was much needed here in order to give us time to care about the characters as we do. Again this shows the skills of a good editor. In Darker Secrets it's not the characters we particularly care about but only to find out where the story is talking us and how it will end.
I'm a fan of both films, still for me Darker Secrets has the slight edge. Sideline Secrets 3?
Sideline Secrets is much more charming then it's hard edged sequel, and I loved the two male leads played by James Townsend and Alex Wilson, as well as some of the supporting cast. Brandon Alexander as Cliterissa Pink is clearly the stand out. At times Sideline Secrets feels like two different films. I think this is what makes if seem much bigger film then it actually is.
After viewing both productions I wonder why they didn't connect the Frisbee player In Sideline Secrets with the main character in Darker Secrets. They both are played by the same actor Rick Bolander. I think that was an opportunity missed.
Usually in a low budget gay film of this sort you get the feeling the director is merely there because somebody has to say action and cut! After watching SIDELINE and DARKER SECRETS both directed and edited by Steven Vasquez I get the sense that the success of both films is due largely to his sensibility, pacing and style. In other words it seems like he cares about these films while other directors in this arena seem like that could give a crap.
The slow pacing of Sideline Secrets would have killed Darker Secrets but was much needed here in order to give us time to care about the characters as we do. Again this shows the skills of a good editor. In Darker Secrets it's not the characters we particularly care about but only to find out where the story is talking us and how it will end.
I'm a fan of both films, still for me Darker Secrets has the slight edge. Sideline Secrets 3?
Full of Secret Joys!
user-62353 May 2006
I just watched the final screener for the film "Sideline Secrets" last night after a lengthy wait of simply just not having the time to do so. I had started seeing mention of the film on several websites, which reminded me to take a look. I wish I would have taken the time to watch the film sooner, as I did not realize what I was missing.
Don't go into the film expecting great acting. Although the majority of performances by the young cast are pretty believable and at ease... I can't find myself saying the same for most of the adults involved. Perhaps it was supposed to be that way-- to bring you into the kids' plot lines while forcing you away from the parents. However, it is nothing to get hung up on. The story moves fast and is interesting as it tells your general "boy meets boy" for the first time story but does so in an original dark and twisted yet often comic matter.
The film touches on some very serious issues including molestation, hustling/escorting, drug use, rape, etc. But, overall succeeds in keeping a light nature to the film that is very enjoyable.
I found myself laughing constantly in scenes involving the lesbian friend Amy, and the drag queen from the nightclub. And, there is a tender connection between the characters Devon and Brian that make you really care for them...
In addition to all, there is plenty of steamy eroticism! I was surprised to see such an edgy extreme taken. But it is all done very tastefully and all fits into the story in the ways that it should. It must be said that all of the young cast is easy to lust over! "Sideline Secrets" is the type of no-name film you toss into your DVD player during a drinking night with some buddies and just have fun with. There are great one-liners, campy comedy, some good performances... just one of those films you watch, not expecting much from, and yet you find yourself having a ton of fun in the process.
My Grade: B
Don't go into the film expecting great acting. Although the majority of performances by the young cast are pretty believable and at ease... I can't find myself saying the same for most of the adults involved. Perhaps it was supposed to be that way-- to bring you into the kids' plot lines while forcing you away from the parents. However, it is nothing to get hung up on. The story moves fast and is interesting as it tells your general "boy meets boy" for the first time story but does so in an original dark and twisted yet often comic matter.
The film touches on some very serious issues including molestation, hustling/escorting, drug use, rape, etc. But, overall succeeds in keeping a light nature to the film that is very enjoyable.
I found myself laughing constantly in scenes involving the lesbian friend Amy, and the drag queen from the nightclub. And, there is a tender connection between the characters Devon and Brian that make you really care for them...
In addition to all, there is plenty of steamy eroticism! I was surprised to see such an edgy extreme taken. But it is all done very tastefully and all fits into the story in the ways that it should. It must be said that all of the young cast is easy to lust over! "Sideline Secrets" is the type of no-name film you toss into your DVD player during a drinking night with some buddies and just have fun with. There are great one-liners, campy comedy, some good performances... just one of those films you watch, not expecting much from, and yet you find yourself having a ton of fun in the process.
My Grade: B
Perfect movie for a night in with the boys!!!
jumpingkoala17 December 2005
I had the opportunity to attend the Hollywood Premiere Screening of "Sideline Secrets" on December 16. I must say, it was a very pleasant surprise! Although not perfect, the film, coming from the small budget it does, and managing to make use of everything in a very collaborative effort, is great fun! "Sideline Secrets" is one of those wonderful films you can toss on in the company of a bunch of friends and just have fun with. It has been awhile since I have enjoyed a film of such level in such a long time. I very much enjoyed everything about it. What starts out as a sweet coming-of-age tale of the adorable Devon (James Townsend) coming to terms with his sexuality amongst the pressures of his girlfriend (Sarah Kelly) and high school, soon takes a turn into being a campy mystery that keeps you guessing till the end. No one is really quite who they seem-- as each character possesses some secret of their own, one way or another. The challenge of keeping the film light, yet dealing with such dark subject matter is handled with much intellect. For, the film is full of wonderful comedic and romantic moments. Yet, it also deals with serious issues such as rape, molestation, sexual abuse and more. You find yourself falling in love with the characters... feeling their happiness, sadness and fears. The young cast is terrific! I can easily see a number of the actors (both male and female) moving on to much larger films in the future. This film does indeed possess much talent. The chemistry between the characters of Devon and Brian (Alex Wilson) is terrific as you watch their relationship grow from awkward nervousness, to first-love romance. Perfect pair! On another level, the film does contain quite a bit of nudity. It is all very well done and is not afraid to explore the issue. Some of the nudity/sexual situations are erotic, downright HOT!!! showing just enough, leaving much to the imagination-- very typical of scenes you would see in something like a Queer as Folk episode... while others are included to make you feel a sense of dread and discomfort for those involved-- not afraid to show it all, and in thus push forth a sense of pure reality. It works amazingly, hitting its target each time. I must say, it is nice to see strong story lines willing to cross the erotic-line without becoming full-fledged porn. We are seeing it more and more lately. So many straight-films get away with it-- take it for granted. It is time, that gay cinema gets its share as well in such a caliber as this. On a negative level, the film does suffer some sound problems-- which is typical of such low-budget films. However, it does not take away from the story at all. There may be a word here and there that doesn't exactly match up with the actors moving lips, and you may encounter the buzz of room ambiance in a scene, yet it is nothing to worry about. This too happens in many big-budget films. On another note, it would have been great to see more of a relationship between Brian and his best friend, Shawn, who pops into the movie every once in awhile. The movie is also filled with plenty of homages, tributes (whatever they may be called) to a lot of pop culture, films, icons, etc. Very nice touches that add to the fun... I definitely had to giggle in seeing that the film takes place in Ciccone, CA... (Ciccone, correct me if I am wrong-- being Madonna's last name?)... there are quite a few David Lynch references (streets, the way the nightclub is presented in subtitles in the earlier part of the film, etc), and an Adam & Eve type idea where Devon and Brian share an apple before all hell breaks loose in the story!!! All subtle touches that easily bring a smile. Overall, Sideline Secrets is great! I can't wait to get this movie and watch it with friends. So, when is the sequel?!
Thrilling plot and exciting visuals
Gordon-119 March 2008
This film is about a young man coming out to his family and girlfriend. In an unexpected plot twist, he finds himself and his new gay friends in grave danger.
The plot thrilling and captivating! I was very engaged to the characters, especially Devon and Jenna. When they were investigating the irregularities in the office, I was so worried about them being found out that I shouted out! It's a pity that people judge films by its budget or acting. It's true that the most of the acting is wooden in this film, but don't forget these actors "talents" are not in acting. "Sideline Secrets" is a lot better made, entertaining and exciting than many gay films. I think "Sideline Secrets" deserve a much higher rating.
The plot thrilling and captivating! I was very engaged to the characters, especially Devon and Jenna. When they were investigating the irregularities in the office, I was so worried about them being found out that I shouted out! It's a pity that people judge films by its budget or acting. It's true that the most of the acting is wooden in this film, but don't forget these actors "talents" are not in acting. "Sideline Secrets" is a lot better made, entertaining and exciting than many gay films. I think "Sideline Secrets" deserve a much higher rating.
Excellent film
photoshootstudio13 October 2006
This is an excellent film. Very real and touching. The actors do a fantastic job of bringing you into their world. I can highly recommend this to anyone that wants to see something moving and well done. James Townsand is impressive for such a new comer. Although this is obviously not a high budget Hollywood film, is it very well done and well edited. The story is moving and very up to date. It did for a moment bring me back to my high school days. I am not sure if this title is something you can rent at blockbuster, but if it not....I still recommend that you find a way to buy it or borrow it. It is a film you will very much enjoy.
Funny, Romantic, Sexy, Mysterious... this movie has it all!
sublimemediaman21 December 2005
This movie has it all! It is funny, romantic, SEXY, mysterious and much more. What a surprise! The storyline is of total soap-opera material. It is terrific! Totally twisted beyond belief. A movie of this type would fit right in with the daily soaps that are now on television. But, be warned-- it wouldn't just heat up daily viewing, it would send the competition running.
"Sideline Secrets" is pure 100% fun.
Grab some friends, a couple of drinks, and sit back... you will enjoy it! You may even develop a few new crushes along the way. For, the male cast is all eye-candy in every way. James Townsend is beyond adorable. He pulls off his character with an innocent vulnerable touch that makes you want to reach out and hug him. Alex Wilson is cute as well, giving his character an almost cocky at times yet damaged and loving persona you can't help but love. And the missing boys are all enough to drool over! Its hard not to let your heart race with this one.
"Sideline Secrets" is pure 100% fun.
Grab some friends, a couple of drinks, and sit back... you will enjoy it! You may even develop a few new crushes along the way. For, the male cast is all eye-candy in every way. James Townsend is beyond adorable. He pulls off his character with an innocent vulnerable touch that makes you want to reach out and hug him. Alex Wilson is cute as well, giving his character an almost cocky at times yet damaged and loving persona you can't help but love. And the missing boys are all enough to drool over! Its hard not to let your heart race with this one.
Great Lil Movie
bigboy-3522 June 2006
"Sideline Secrets" is a great little indie film! I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the film. It is a lot of fun. While so many gay-themed films coming out seem stale and a complete xerox of one another, "Sideline Secrets" stands out all on its own. This is a truly original film with hot actors, steamy romance, campy humor, dark and twisted mystery and more! The actors will surely be seen in other movies soon I think. The two lead boys have perfect chemistry. Some characters seem way over the top, like the dad and drag queen. But, such is easy to overlook. Just sit back, relax and have fun. Oh-- I like the music in the film to. Some of the songs were really cool. 10+++
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