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The Trip
No Rating 'The Trip' is a MUST SEE
Tommy Boy wrote:
I am a gay man who tired quickly of all of the straight love stories and decided to try and find some gay love stories. I came across 'The Trip' recently and had no idea the profound affect it would have on me. It's basically the story of love found, love lost and then love found again. Steve Braun is incredible in his portrayal of Tommy Ballenger, a young gay rights advocate who meets Allen (Larry Sullivan, Jr.) a right-wing conservative. The storyline follows their lives, friends and relationships for about 14 years. You won't be sorry for either renting or buying this movie. You will laugh, you will cry. You won't forget 'The Trip'.
No Rating Little gem of a movie
Mikey likes wrote:
Having seen virtually every gay-themed film that has ever been made and having received A+ grades in all the film studies courses that I took in college, I would like to weigh in on the excellent unique first effort that is "The Trip" written and directed by very talented newcomer Miles Swain. You already know the basic plotline, timeline and substance of The Trip if you have read IMDB's information. My overarching impression of this film is that it feels real and from the heart as it shows us the relationship between two very different gay men as they age through the '70s and '80s, living their lives both together and apart amidst the ongoing struggle for equal rights for gay persons. They say opposites attract and that is very true here for lead characters Larry and Alan who clearly grow to love each other very much. The focus of this film is on the complete persons who are Alan and Larry, not just their sex life, as in so many gay-themed films. It is a delightful, moving, comedy/drama/historical record with universal themes of trusting the power of a faithful love, the importance of honesty and courage, and being true to yourself in the face of a world seemingly always against you. The film is now available on DVD with great extras from TLA Video and is very reasonably priced. It is a *must have* for any quality collection of gay-themed films. MILES SWAIN IS A DIRECTOR/WRITER TO WATCH
Wait for it to show on cable
boogalooshrimp wrote:
Alright, the movie has it's good points, a fabulous cast with lots of eye candy, a former Bond girl who yucks it up, and the lovable Alexis Arquette, but that's about it. The plot was jerky and horribly transparent in some spots, particularly the end. The last five minutes alone were so hokey I had to fast forward. A lot of the jokes were poorly written and the supporting cast weren't characters, they were running jokes. If you want a better road trip movie, buy Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Save yourself the disappointment.
Great movie
Marcos wrote:
I finally got a chance to review this movie which was shown on my local Cable TV... Its a great movie with great story... however, with sad ending... i was touched and tears! A movie not to be miss if your are attached, was attached or working on a relationship.
No Closed Captioned for the Hearing Impaired
Davy wrote:
Why not get closed captioned for the hearing impaired for that particular movie? I really want to see that movie. Please GET CLOSED CAPTIONED!!!!
Outstanding Movie!
Sebastiant78 wrote:
This movie was incredible. At first, I was a little wery about getting this movie, but then my roommate convinced me to rent it. So we did. That was the best thing I could have ever done! The movie was very well done for it's genre. The actors were amazing!! If you have never seen a gay love story, this movie will make you addicted! I have seen it an ungodly number of times! Great job! Can't wait to see more like this one!!
THE BEST
raluc wrote:
I had given up on gay movies, i used to see everything to support gay cinema. It was always the stereotypes!!! I got this movie and i loved it i hope more movies like this can be made with gay characters the best gay movie i have seen in years hooray for the director all the actors were incredible, especially the young blonde girl!
Worth The Trip
Luke wrote:
“The Trip” is a lighthearted nostalgic romp. I found the film to be refreshing in its portrayal of gay relationships over time. It does NOT take itself too seriously, and that is one of the reasons that it works. The actors deliver fine performances, and the dialog is crisp, funny, and well written. The only thing that I agree with the negative reviewer about is the wigs. The costumes are accurate, but the wigs are terrible. Still, this is a minor criticism of a well made film.
An E for Effort
Michael wrote:
I'm flabbergasted over all the glowing reviews for this film. Based on those very reviews I bought the film and was amazed at how terrible this film was! My friends and I, who all lived through those times, couldn't believe how wrong and how phoney the film was. In fact, it was so bad, we ended up howling with laughter throughout the film! The wigs alone are hysterical! The script was unbelievably hokey, the dialogue was stilted, the jokes were terrible, the movie is constantly in search of a writer, a director and people who can act. Even indie favorite Arquette seems lost and embarassed. Too bad. In more capable hands, this film could've been interesting. Now it's a comedy, but for all the wrong reason.
Fun & Moving
Catfag wrote:
I was pleasantly surprised by this movie.It's the kind of movie we all wish the big studios would invest in.It had heart and was a real joy to watch.
Simply Perfect
N/A wrote:
I loved this movie. The way that Tommy and Alan fell for each other was magical. I loved the way they connected as a couple. Despite them both being 2 different people, they managed to love in a simple and upbeat fashion . It was sad when Alan died shortly after he and Tommy reunited. This movie showed how great love can be between 2 guys. Simply Perfect. Gotta Watch!
Quality?! What a surprise!
Antoine in Atlanta wrote:
Unfortunately, gay cinema of late has been supplied to us by a bevy of first time (or untalented) filmmakers, resulting in a cesspool of amateurish executions of less than medicre, sex-laden stories. 'The Trip' was refreshing, to say the very least. I first saw the trailer for this film on a DVD of another gay film and realized that it was showing on DirectTV's Pay Per View and decided to order it. (BTW, channel 170 "Here" offers gay-themed movie nights occasionally.) Even from the opening credits, I knew this movie was totally different than the last 5 gay films I'd seen. The cinematography and soundtrack alone rose above it's contemporaries. And finally as the story began, I knew I had reached Gay Moviewatcher Heaven! It was so polished in it's look and it's writing. And the story was so knew in it's concept. I fell in love with "Alan" immediately. I mean, it was as if I were watching a 'real' movie! I didn't know what to do with myself. To the above reviewer who suggested that "Tommy" had to be a 'slut' to contract AIDS: we have to remember that this was '84 and AIDS blindsided the gay community. Condoms were seen by most as contraception, and seeing as gays can't procreate on their own...well, you do the math. I thought that aspect of the story was tragic, but realistic. The only criticism I have for the film is it's ending. I agree with a reviewer above that it was sort of wierd. It just...ended. It could have been wrapped up a little more neatly. I mean, the last line was "Thanks, that means a lot" and delivered in a way that didn't feel like a final line. Not sure if the running time was slimmed by the powers that be or what, but I would've liked to have seen "Alan's" being affected by his recent tragedy and his journey toward writing the second book. That's just me. And, I'd like to see more diversity in gay films, period. Gay film & media is so Caucasian...but so's "Friends", so what should I expect, eh! CHECK OUT THIS FILM! 4 stars!
Brilliant.
Frankie wrote:
This film is well done in all aspects of the phrase. The characters are beautifully developed, the story is funny and touching (a mix of dry wit and raw emotion), the cinematography is fantastic. A period piece in which the film type is that of the 70s and 80s without being tacky. Larry and Steve give amazing performances with an intense chemistry. The film delves into the struggle the GLBTQQ community went through during that time without being depressing or a documentary. It's not only the best Gay film I've seen in years, it's the best film period.
Realistic & Truthful...almost too true
Nick wrote:
You will fall in love with the charatcers of this movie! The story is believable and not Hollywood dramatized. This could happen to anyone. A true reminder of the value of friendship and love. Without a doubt a must see.
A MUST See
cris wrote:
By far the best gay film I have ever seen. The Good: beautiful story, good actor, especially Larry, he has a extremely emotional facial performance. The plot is well designed, full of dramatic conflict, each character has own unique feature. Not so good: some plots still not properly set, may be because the story is abotu a 11 years relationsip, some switchs between plots are just too sudden. Plus , the ending is just a little bit weird. Overall, I do enjoy a gay story that last so long a time scale, and actually moved with the story going on. I dont expect every film can reach the level of "My Own private Idaho" and 'Love! Valour! Compassion!' those is already exceed the 'Good gay film', but 'Good Film', to me, 'The Trip' is far better than those pure comedy such as "all over a guy" and 'trick' (although these 2 is not bad also). I think with more maturated script and more runing time, the trip could be better, but I do think It is already a good gay film.
Sad but true
Danny wrote:
This is a really cool, exciting, sexy movie. The actors are amazingly adorable, the love story between Tommy and Allan is so believable and heartwarming. However, I agree it had a really depressing ending that really let me down. That is my only major complaint about the movie. Why did he have to get AIDS? It just seemed so wrong. He wasn't the slut, his friend was more of a slut than he was. I guess after Allan and him break up he just gave into promiscuous sex and didn't use protection. Well, that just sucks. I think the writer could still have had the tragic ending if he wanted without making one of the main characters get AIDS, it just seemed like he was giving into the cinematic cliche that every gay character has to be punished at the end for their homosexuality.
I laughed, I cried, it was better then Cats... No.. REALLY
Ashton Miller wrote:
I just watched the film for the first time ever. I am one of those people who fall in love with characters very easily. I was so moved by the love between the two lead characters. The film captures my heart and carries it away to another place, another time, another love. I could not help but cry at the end of the movie. But the truth is that the story here is something that we can all identify with. It is a story that can find relevance in every persons life. If you have loved in your life, then you will identify with this story. A future classic of the genre I am sure. Worth of a place beside Torch Song, Long time Companion and Maurice.
Absolutely amazing movie. A definate must see!
JohnWPB wrote:
This movie was recomended to me by a friend. Very good advice indeed! This movie spans 3 decades and explores a relationship through that couse of time. The period sets, clothing and decorations are right on the money! This movie looks and feels like a major motion picture, not the independant film that it is. The acting is first rate, and you will laugh at times, and cry at times. After watching this movie 3 times now, I cant see a single thing that they could have done better! This is an absolutely must see movie that has replaced "Trick" and "Broken Heart's Club" (It was a tie between them :) as my favorite gay themed movie to date.
TWO WORDS - LARRY SULLIVAN
derek . wrote:
I wasn't expecting to buy this movie, after renting it. I was expecting the acting to be mediocre and overall a low-budget indy production. That attitude changed when Larry Sullivan, the actor who played Allen, exemplified what we are missing in more traditional gay indy flicks. His characted developed from a naive college student to an outstanding and self-confident writer. The scene of him on top of a car doing a hilarious striptease is worth the twenty-three bucks or so for the dvd. Did I mention he has a great body? No, I am not his agent, and no, the actors in the movie did not play up to his level. Do we have to have the flamboyant, feminine supporting queen in mostly every gay movie? Larry Sullivan makes this movie what it is. I was pleasantly surprised with this great gem of a movie, and look forward to when I get this dvd in my postal box.
Our Tribe's version of Love Story
cuddlebear wrote:
Many of the below 40 set have probably never heard of Love Story, but it was one of the top movies of the early 70s. The Trip reminded me of that movie and the emotions I felt when I originally saw Love Story. The Trip really tugs at the ol heart strings and excels in presenting surprising twists and turns until the very end. The only thing that would make it perfect would be if the sex scenes were visibly graphic. I am still waiting for some brilliant writer/producer to create a film that combines the sex scenes of the best porn woven into a story like we see in The Trip. The censors would probably blow a gasket but I believe such a film would have very broad appeal.
BEST GAY-THEMED MOVIE....EVER!!!!
gljin40509 wrote:
I first rented this DVD from Netflix,and after watching it,realized if ever there was a MUST OWN DVD, The Trip is IT!! This movie`s appeal will resonate with a very broad audience,..not only the gay audience for which it was made..The themes in this superbly written and acted film reach across all lines of society..straight and gay alike.Larry Sullivan and Steve Braun as the lead characters,Alan and Tommy,not only bring these two characters to life,they are so convincing that they actually BECOME these two men.Sirena Irvin and indie fave Alexis Arquette are hilarious in their supporting roles along with veteran stars Jill St.John and Ray Baker.Not to be overlooked on the DVD is the director`s commentary which provides an interesting "backstory" about the movie as well as a commentary on FALCON`S LAIR..the legendary last home of Rudolph Valentino at which much of the movie was filmed(The first time ever this home has been used in a movie)!Miles Swain,the writer director,in my opinion is a very talented man and I only hope we see much more from him and the rest of this outstanding cast!This movie is NOT TO BE MISSED!!!!
Trip of a Lifetime
Breckman wrote:
This is by far one of the best gay-romance films I have seen. Ambitious, beautiful, powerful, well-acted, and most of all, hilarious, this film documents the relationship of two men and an era in homo history. Hesitant at first, this film made me laugh, cry, and reflect. It is a must for your DVD collection.
This was quite a trip...
gmanatl wrote:
I was really surprised by this movie. After watching the movie, I was stunned for a good hour just thinking back to my first experience, the emotions I had, remembering the struggles of the timeline for gay people. I watched the movie again because I was so engrossed in it the first time, I knew I must have missed something and I was right. This movie honestly made me laugh and at the end cry. It is rare that a movie and the actors of that movie can pull a viewer in so easily and make them feel like they are a part of the movie. I think this movie was one such film. I would recommend highly purchasing (or at least renting) this film and experience it for yourself!
A Trip Worth Taking!
Netguy wrote:
“The Trip”, the feature debut by writer/director Miles Swain, is one of the best gay themed films I’ve seen in the past year. Although it does have it’s shortcomings with some uneven acting and may try to tackle a bit too many plotlines, “The Trip” overall is a fun filled journey you don’t want to miss that’s both touching and heartfelt. The story spans 11 years beginning in 1973 as Alan Oakley (Larry Sullivan), a young, straight, Republican newspaper reporter is working on a book about homosexuality called The Straight Truth. At a party of a friends, an older lawyer named Peter, Alan meets Tommy Ballenger(Steve Braun), an outspoken gay activist from Texas. Tommy is played by Steve Braun who gives an energetic performance to his role as does Larry Sullivan and both have a great chemistry between them. The two instantly hit if off and when Tommy is asked over to dinner by Alan, he thinks he’s found his true love. Much to Tommy’s surprise when he arrives he’s greeted by Alan’s girlfriend Beverly (Sireana Irwin), who although being a dizzy blonde can see the attraction between the two. Without giving too much away Alan and Tommy do become a couple but not without some ups and downs. The film traces their friendship through the years with some nice montages of gay history interspersed throughout with the likes of Anita Bryant’s anti-gay crusade, gay activism, and the aids crisis. Also worth mentioning is the soundtrack that also reflects the times and is put to good use featuring disco, new wave and various hits from the 70’s and 80’s, like America’s “Horse With No Name” and Missing Persons “Destination Unknown”, a surprisingly nice touch. Supporting roles include a really funny Alexis Arquette, as the campy friend Michael, Jill St. John as Alan's “queer friendly” mother and a small cameo by original MTV veteran, comedian, Julie Brown. The movie’s finale brings Alan and Tommy together again ala “Thelma and Louise” and takes them on a trip together, spiritually and emotionally, hence the title. Some of the scenes are a bit campy and over-the-top, the dinner party fiasco, and some a bit outlandish, gas station stickup, but for the most part it’s a nice love story/friendship that spans a turbulent time and is a nice homage to gay history. “The Trip” is an enjoyable ride!
A Trip well worth it!
btmboy wrote:
Incredible film! Great acting, direction, and story. I cannot find fault with this film, it has been one of my favs so far this year and not just in gay genre. I loved the characters and didn't want the film to end. It is an incredible love story as well as a period piece triumph.
I laughed, I cried
IMFreeSwimmer wrote:
Wow. I don't think anything else needs to be said about this movie. It's been a long time since I actually cried at the end of a movie. This was truely an amazing show and the ending, while understandable, left me emotionally drained for a few days. Wow.
This Movie is Not to be missed!
gljin40509 wrote:
I watched this movie three times the first weekend and I was totally engaged every time! This si ,BY FAR, the best gay movie I have ever watched! A MUST SEE!!!!
Great movie !!
Village, Mtl wrote:
I saw the movie a couple of times with friends, it is a simple & fun movie. It approched some aspect of homophobia from a gay man and it appends in the real world. You must have it for your DVD collection.
A Fantastic Movie!!
Mark wrote:
My partner and I watched this movie a few days ago. This movie hit very close to home for me. It explores so many different aspects of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Not Quite What I'd Hope, But Good
Lil Picky wrote:
I wish I could get as worked up over this film as everyone else seems to be. I wanted to like it, I really did. From the moment I heard all the great word of mouth, I was expecting a superior experience. Yesterday I got an advance copy of the DVD, and sat back last night to watch it, expecting to thoroughly enjoy this film. Maybe I expected too much, but I was a bit disappointed. As it stands, I had several problems with this picture. First of all, I really liked the premise, but I wanted a bit more - the film should have been at least 30 minutes longer. I found the script terribly uneven, and even though the humor sustained my interest, the situations often didn’t come through as terribly real. I resented the fact that, after Tommy dumps him, Alan spends more time with Peter (the “bad guy”) than the two main characters were together to begin with – certainly plausible, but not very satisfying. It also seemed a but unrealistic for two people that age to have a four year affair, break up, and still be pining for each other seven years later – after all, they were two young hunks in their prime. My experience at that age taught me that they both probably would have gone through several different affairs during that period, and possibly even forgotten each other completely. The film offers no idea of what their life was like during the years they were apart, except for a glimpse of the domestic life of Alan and Peter. And unless I missed something, the airport scene was the first indication that Tommy was ill, and that scene (and the scenes in the desert) just didn’t ring true. If Tommy had lived in Mexico for seven years as stated, he shouldn’t have been naïve enough to allow Alan to drive him across the desert with $20 between them. And why should they, when the airline tickets they were refused boarding passes for should have gotten them a cash refund of several hundred dollars? Their “adventures” in the desert, including the gas station and the police car scenes, were totally unbelievable. I also felt that Alan’s mother, as played by Jill St. John, was way too over-the-top – the alcoholic / kleptomaniac routine was so undignified that she came off to me as clownish rather than funny. And there is no explanation of how Alan’s mother gets so chummy with his ex-girlfriend (who he went out with for such a short time). And finally, it may be bit picky, but as a young gay activist myself in NYC during the same period, I can tell you that I for one would not have been caught dead in 1973 with hair as long as Tommy’s. 1968? Sure - but by 1973, almost everyone I know had shed their extra long locks for something more resembling what the guys had in the 1977 segments, and by 1977 all my friends were wearing their hair quite short. A number of people have touted this film as the greatest gay romantic film yet, but I liked Trick, Maurice and especially Big Eden far better. One last thing – the producers of this film clearly expected a hit among gay audiences – it seems to me that if they’d spent just a little more on the budget, and thought the script out just a little more carefully, it would have worked much better. Despite my many misgivings, I did enjoy it very much, and I will still recommend it, but I think it could have been twice the picture that it is.
The best gay I've seen
Trip lover wrote:
I'm so pleased that this film is finally coming to video. I've seen the movie so may times in the theater that I could buy 10 DVD's with the money! I hope everyone I know realizes what they're getting for Xmas this year!
It's about time!
Wolfgang wrote:
This film had me enrapt from beginning to end. I have nowhere seen (and ladies and gentlemen I have seen a lot) a love story between two men that caused me to experience catharsis in its true sense a la the ancient Greeks as this film did. It is brilliant! This review is deliberately a description of its impact on me affectively because therein lie its power and, I repeat, I have never been affected by any movie about gay love as I was by this film. It is the adult counterpart to A Beautiful Thing (which also rocks!). The movie is as classy and sexy as its director and cast. I never recommend films as I find one's likes/dislikes of films to be so personal. This one I have no trouble encouraging everyone to see.
amended review
ponyboy wrote:
OOPS - I missed the star rating box - do please fix - but it should be a 10 star film - cant beleive local reviews gave it a 2 star - idiots - they must not beleive in love! How sad for them - Heres to hoping we all find our own TOMMY!
TRIP is a journey NOT TO BE MISSED!!!!!!!
ponyboy wrote:
WOW - This movie is over the top fun and moving at the same time! I cried as much as I laughed! Cant wait for the dvd, and really want the soundtrack - NOW - this movie is outstanding! Made me wish for a boyfriend like TOMMY - we should all be so lucky!!!!!!!!! IF you only see one gay movie this year - THE TRIP is the choice to make!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for making me feel so good - it was worth the wait!! Peace --- Richard in Denver
Not to be Missed!
Preppy wrote:
THE TRIP is an absolutely superb gay movie and will continue to Be a major hit with the gay community. Don’t miss this one, it is Loving story, both humorous, and sad, and portrays gay life accurately From the 70 to the mid 80’s.
The Trip
artmensor wrote:
I saw this movie yesterday, and I can't get it out of my mind. I was there during the 60's, 70's & 80's, and went through much of what is portrayed in the movie. I knew people like the characters, and it was all very real and very well put together. I only wish that more gay movies would provide us with hopefull endings. My only negative about the whole movie. And, Brad Pitt better be aware that there is a new young actor that looks like he did when he was clean looking! I, too, LOVED this movie!
The Trip
nursman wrote:
Awesome moving. Has a wonderful story with great actors. It is moving, sexy and even sad at times. It affected all my emotions sometimes at the same time. I cannot wait for it to come out so I can have a copy!
Best Movie
Guiltybutinsane wrote:
This movie, is without a doubt the best gay movie ever made!! The relationship between the two main characters is so sweetly told. The ending is biterrsweet and makes you happy and sad at the same time. The movie is funny and dramatic and everything in between. After seeing this you will feel like you just witnessed something amazing.
EXCELLENT MOVIE
film buff wrote:
I'VE SEEN IT 4 TIMES ALREADY AND I'LL SEE IT AGAIN. BEST DATE MOVIE, BEST COMEDY, BEST FILM WITH A GAY THEME. I LOVE THIS FILM!!!!!!
At Last!
wolfgang wrote:
My comments are more visceral than analytical. This movie is singularly THE best film about gay love and relationships that I have ever seen. It is as classy and sexy as its cast and director. Trust me --- unless you have a heart of stone --- you cannot miss seeing this truly amazing flick.