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Amos Lassen wrote on 02/22/2011:

“Testosterone”
“Cry For Me Argentina”
Amos Lassen
I would not call “Testosterone” a happy movie. It began as a novel which was written by a gay author suffering from bouts of depression. It is the dark story of Dean whose lover Pablo left him to return to his native Argentina. Dean tries to track Pablo down and encounters all kids of men during his search. The cast is wonderful with David Sutcliffe as Dean, Sonia Braga (“Kiss of the Spider Woman”) as Pablo’s heartless mother and Antonio Sabato Jr. as Pablo. Unfortunately the script doesn’t seem to have much of a sense of direction.
The film is heavily nationalistic and political. Dean is the “ugly American”. He lacks all social graces and his rudeness is his calling card. He goes to Argentina and shows no interest in the country whatsoever. He is an unlikable character in all aspects but he is unbelievably sexy. His testosterone is represented as brutal male power—he is violent, very sexual, vengeful and extremely compulsive.
Even with its flaws I found “Testosterone” an interesting movie to see. It is entertaining but it is not a great film. The locations shot in Buenos Aires are gorgeous—the trees are green, the sky is blue, and the cinema photography is lush. But we cannot take this movie too seriously especially after hearing the line that Dean says, “I’m just a fag with a gun who needs a chain saw.
So who is this Dean character? He is a Los Angeles writer of graphic novels who had been involved in a six month affair with Pablo Alesandro. One night Pablo went out to buy cigarettes and never returned and Dean begins a search for him which means he had to go to Buenos Aires where he hears Pablo has gone. His adventures begin there at the home of Pablo’s mother. Across the street there is a mysterious character by the name of Sofia who obviously knows Pablo. It is later that we discover that Sofia’s brother, Marcos, is a former lover of Pablo. To complicate matters even more, Marcos meets Dean and is smitten with him.
The movie takes a different direction than what we are used to. For one it does not adhere to the stereotype of gay men we see so often in movies. The gay men in this movie have humanity and foibles and flaws. But because the story loses its focus, the movie suffers completely. The ending is offensive and silly. It is hard to combine Cinema Noir
with humor unless it is satire. And if this movie is a satire, I did not get it.
The movie may sadden you and humor you at the same time and the way one man goes about finding closure reminds us that most of us have been involved in at least one bad relationship.
The beginning of the movie is intriguing and entertaining but as time passes it is easy to lose interest. And if this movie is a satire, I did not get it.
The movie may sadden you and humor you at the same time and the way one man goes about finding closure reminds us that most of us have been involved in at least one bad relationship.
The beginning of the movie is intriguing and entertaining but as time passes it is easy to lose interest. Perhaps if the script had been better, this would have been a dynamite film.

Buddhaman wrote on 10/14/2009:

I agree with MJ's review. This film is excellent! Anyone deeming a film worthy of merit based on the amount of skin they get to oogle is pitiful. The plot is excellent, the scenery on location in Buenos Aires adds to the cinematic quality. The protagonist, portrayed by David Sutcliffe is a hotty! Overall, thoroughly enjoyable!

Janorm wrote on 03/16/2008:

WHOA!! Where Did This One Come From?!?!?The story line is a total action packed, non-stop place to place happening of searching. It is truely heart wrenching at times. The actors are superb in their parts and portray the characters magnificantly. This is a romantic melodrama with an Alfred Hitchcock ending. This ending will literally wipe you out!! Whew!! A Must See!! This is one film for your Collection! A TOTAL F_ _ _ _ _ G RUSH!!!

mj (chirho33@aol.com) wrote on 05/28/2007:

Reading other reviews, one feels pity for the "size queens" who let their frontal obsessions ruin their ability to appreciate a good movie such as this. If anything, all the scenes of Buenos Aires should make this film must viewing! In fact, Buenos Aires is a major part of the plot. It is a fascinating city, full of mystery, tragedy, history and excitement. I found the film, funny, suspenseful, surprising and thoroughly enjoyable. I wanted to be entertained and I was. Sonia Braga is great, as is David Sutcliffe and most of the rest of the cast. I would also recommend "Burnt Money". And, if all you're looking for is full frontal, I recommend going to the gay adult section instead.

Green Giant wrote on 08/09/2005:

I'll be the 1st person to admit this isn't the worst gay-themed film I've ever seen. But will someone please explain to me how it continues to be on the best-seller list? I thought gay men had taste.