Judas Kiss [DVD]

cute faces aren't enough to base a film on.
I know that probably fans of Charlie David hate me, but I must write it. Just because he may be regarded as handsome (not my type anyway) doesn't mean he is a good actor. "Judas kiss" is his another cinema journey to...nowhere. He plays all characters on the same note. His behaviour on the screen made it even more difficult to put up with the flaws in the plot.
His "younger version" fails too. His face shows always the same expression. What disturbed me as well was lack of any physical resemblance between those two characters. WHat was the casting director thinking, I haven't the faintest idea (check as well the lack of similarity between father and son).
To sum up, I didn't like it and I am gonna get rid of the dvd.

As a gay man I don't mind admitting that the draw to watch Judas Kiss was ex porn star Brent Corrigan, under his real name Sean Paul Lockhart; but after moments of watching the film, I was drawn in by it's story and it's beauty.

The film plays on the idea of a "second chance". It asks us all to question whether or not you would go back and change something in your life. The story is compelling from start to end; it twists and turns along the uncomfortable line of audience viewing. It's beautifully written; the story is about characters that happen to be gay, and not gay characters. A refreshing change from a lot of Queer Cinema. It's about the people's circumstance, not their sexuality.

The story centres on failed filmmaker Zachary Wells, whose more successful friend Topher is invited to judge a film competition at their old High School. Topher can't make it and so Zach is sent instead, and so begins a journey of self-discovery. This isn't a coming of age film, although there are elements of that within the storyline. Zach meets Danny, one of the filmmakers entering the competition, and soon finds out that his life will never be the same again. Literally. Will this trip be the key to Zach's future? Given this `second chance' will he take it?

Charlie David plays Zachary Wells perfectly. His imperfections and indiscretions are underplayed brilliantly. He is a complex character and David allows the audience to engage with him, sympathise with and understand him. Wells is ultimately the protagonist in the film, but as a character he is there to represent the audience. He is asking the questions we want the answers to; David carries this performance through the film incredibly well.

Richard Harmon as Danny Reyes is buoyant, cocky and at times vulnerable and moving. The character exudes confidence but through the characterisation of Harmon we are able to see the torment that tortures Danny on a daily basis. Richard Harmon plays such a complicated character with such ease and brilliance; his performance alone is worth watching.

The supporting cast including, Timo Descamps, Julia Morizawa & Laura Kenny all do a fantastic job of keeping the momentum and pathos within this rollercoaster journey of a story. The stand out performance though, must go to Sean Paul Lockhart. The subtle and delicate way in which he portrays Chris Wachowsky is stunning. His performance is so understated and yet, at times, you feel the torment in his characters voice.

The cinematography of the film is beautiful; the long drifting establishing shots set the scenes perfectly. It's not without it's faults though, as I would rather not have to see bad CGI in places. That aside I would say the film is shot how it ought to be, it feels real.

Overall, Judas Kiss is a great watch. It's thought a thought-provoking piece with a real pathos and charm. The performances by the cast are nothing short of stunning, in most cases. The film has heart and I can see it being part of my `talking points' for a long time to come.

I pre-ordered 'Judas Kiss' quite some time in advance because of all the hype I was seeing over the Internet and all the early reviews going up about it from film festivals in America. I have to say I'm definitely glad that I own a copy of it now as this film does make me wonder why we all can't visit ourselves when we were a younger age and warn / advise ourselves on what to do if our lives haven't taken the course we hoped or dreamed for. 'Judas Kiss' not just shows this but it also details this really excellently and it isn't an intense film full of melodrama but it is the opposite. It's an easy thought-provoking film that you can watch and not get confused by the overall story, plus the fact that its set within a cast of character's that are mostly gay doesn't throw it either. it adds to it I believe. Other online reviewers have said to watch out for adult film star Brent Corrigan and you should because he may not be one of the major players of the film but he is the most important secondary character that brings every scene to life when he is showcased. A real actor in the making. all the actor's in this film are very much so talented and I will probably be watching it again really soon. But honestly everyone this film is definitely a must see. Highly Intelligent.