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Amos Lassen wrote on 02/12/2011:

“DEFYING GRAVITY”
A College Education
Amos Lassen
“Defying Gravity” (Wolfe Video) is a film that you can’t help but like even with all of its flaws and pauses that say nothing. There is a great deal of deep emotion as opposed to cheap sentimentality and the script has all good intentions. It’s like a cute little kitten that you just want to pick up and hug. The story is believable and everything seems right on.
There is political incorrectiveness, the movie was made on a shoestring of a budget, the photography is not great and most of the cast are amateurs, but so what? When the two guys in the movie tell each other of their true feelings, all of the rest seems of no importance. The movie is filled with heart and soul and concentrates on the beauty of love. Gravity is defied when baseness and immortality are swept away and what we see is sincere devotion and profane introspection. It is a simple, unpretentious and unsophisticated jewel of a movie.
The movie hits hard despite its flaws. It takes a while to get into the film, until you are halfway to the end you feel uncomfortable with it. Fraternity life is depicted as too convincing. The idea of buying into a group that pretends camaraderie is preposterous (although many of us that went to college actually did the same). It seemed as if we were off on a tour of college fraternity life and then something wonderful happened. The movie began to gather momentum just as I was ready to say, “I’ve seen enough”
Let’s take a look at what the film is all about. The basic idea of the movie is about defying who you really are. And deals with our, as gay people, or greatest fear—being bashed because of who we are. Griff, a college student has to hide his sexual identity and has to change pronouns because his date to a party is a he and not a she, By doing this his actions define the title of the film. He does not defy gravity; he doesn’t defy the reality of being himself and this is hard as defying gravity. Griff is frustrated because he must listen to his straight friend’s tales of lust and love and his friend Pete is frustrated because Griff won’t let anyone know that they are gay lovers. This pain is heightened when Pete is gay-bashed and Griff has information about the crime but he knows by telling it, he will out himself.
It is the sincerity of the film that won me over. As we reached the climax, my disinterest changed to smiles and compassion. Sometimes it takes great moral courage and character to do the right thing. Griff, played by Daniel Chilson, underplays with almost sheer perfection. He exhibits repressed middle-class indecisiveness and he shows us that the major decisions in life come only after soul searching and slow deliberation. Even with the lack of acting talent, the movie touches us on many different levels.
“Defying Gravity” is a beautiful little love story. It is simple, doesn’t preach and looks at issues that concern us greatly Even though the plot is predictable, it squarely and unapologetically addresses and depicts love in many of its forms----the asexual, friendship love between Griff and his friend Todd, who tries so hard to understand him, the love of Griff and Pete which rises to a beautiful crescendo in the hospital scene (that will almost make you swoon due to its beauty, and parental love for their son,
“Defying Gravity” is a beautiful gift to receive as it takes us in, wraps us in love and makes us feel all warm and fuzzy. Forget the problems, sit back and be encompassed by pleasure while watching it.

Bob in Mpls wrote on 04/30/2009:

As an old frat-rat, I really enjoyed this movie. Good story. All the actors were good, except the lead, Daniel Chilson. He spoiled it for me. He needs to go back to acting school.

LM wrote on 04/23/2009:

I know the knocks against this movie, Daniel Chilson takes some big hits for his acting (although I think a bit of editing and directing here and there could have cleaned it up alot). But I've seen much much worse in some high budget mainstream movies. Even though there are a few cheesy moments in Chilson's acting, there are times I think he knocks it out of the park. I can feel the pain and the denial in his character, If he can do that, he must have done something right. As mentioned the story is simple, but I think done very well for a low budget. Sometimes you don't have to say the word "gay" or the words "I love you". In fact I almost feel like "I love you" from these characters would almost be unbelievable, at least at this point in their lives.
Don Handfiels does a great job. The guy that plays Doogie did a great job also. Didn't we all go to school with someone like him?
Many times I come back and watch this movie because its a good, easy movie to watch. It also reminds me of how I dealt (or didn't) with coming out at that age.
Good movie to have on the shelf, you will probably watch more than once.

Musss7 wrote on 10/28/2008:

This may not be the most romantic gay film ever. It also may not be the most daring or sexy gay film ever... but for me, sometimes I like to watch a simple story, with a nice casts and a good ending. Not too twisted but still a small twisted. Not too complicated but still some challenges. Overall, I just like to watch this movie for weekend or holidays. There are some scenes that I love including the part where Griff and Pete realized that they have same feelings, the part where Griff choosing underpants for Pete's Mom to bring to the hospital and the part where Griff meet the 'cute' and hunky couple (the owner) at the gay cafe.

Buecherwurm wrote on 11/04/2007:

One of the few film that really melt my heart. Cute Daniel Chilson (how does he do that smile?) loves his "buddy" but only can admit it when he is bashed. Very interesting plot with many moving scenes (e.g. the father addressing Griff in the hospital!) and thankfully a happy ending! I really recommend this film, maybe it's good that it's not a Hollywood production, just seems more honest!