Review by Raymond Murray
By: Raymond Murray
In-House Review - Oct 10 2011
This romantic comedy takes the conventions of the genre and gives it a stylishly queer twist ? think The Philadelphia Story meets Latter Days - or, better yet, a comedic updating of the 1982 groundbreaker Making Love.
Hunky Daniel (Jon P...
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This romantic comedy takes the conventions of the genre and gives it a stylishly queer twist ? think The Philadelphia Story meets Latter Days - or, better yet, a comedic updating of the 1982 groundbreaker Making Love.
Hunky Daniel (Jon Prescott) couldn't have it better ? great parents, a successful career as an investment banker, and the beautiful Jen (Margaret Anne Florence) as his fiancée. A seemingly perfect life... but there is one temptation that may derail his best laid plans for the straight-and-narrow: he has a thing for Tommy (Ian Novick), a charming former college classmate who is now openly gay.
After a few drinks, Daniel succumbs to his repressed desires and makes a one time "mistake." Soon after their initial tryst, the normally jaded Tommy falls head over heels in love, but Daniel wants nothing more of him or his dazzlingly seductive smile ? he's back with Jen, determined to marry her. With Tommy's friends warning him against his involvement with a straight man and Daniel's pledge of heterosexually, it would seem that nothing will come of them... but love and lust have a way of messing up even the best laid plans of man. After the wedding, Daniel makes late night visits to Tommy's apartment and hesitates outside his front door. Tommy pines for Daniel too, but refuses to be "the other man." And then Jen meets Tommy at the gym and she invites him on a double date, with her friend Alex, her female friend Alex. Where does this all lead? Does the marriage work out? Or do Daniel and Tommy find true (and real) gay love with each other?
A refreshingly funny story of coming out as well as a belated coming-of-age tale that sparkles with witty dialogue and believable characters.
Review by Urbangruv
By: Urbangruv
This was a big dramatic buildup to nothing. The ending was very disappointing and made no sense. A waste of my time and emotions.
Review by DanInMA
By: DanInMA
Despite the negative reviews, I bought this film because the trailer looked promising. This is no Latter Days, nor Shelter, nor East Side Story, but it is for the thinking man and deserves 4 stars. Be patient. If the writer has any smarts, she wou...
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Despite the negative reviews, I bought this film because the trailer looked promising. This is no Latter Days, nor Shelter, nor East Side Story, but it is for the thinking man and deserves 4 stars. Be patient. If the writer has any smarts, she would certainly continue the story. We all know that Tommy doesn't just love Daniel, he is "in love with" him and vice versa. Sure Tommy found another boyfriend, but couldn't truly stick with him and create the same situation that Daniel's in. I like the ending; it SCREAMS sequel coming: The One Two! Let's hope so.
Review by Steveinwa
By: Steveinwa
I second the glad I rented and did not buy. The movie goes along great then slows, slows, and takes a turn for ? ? Hunh? I did like the two actors Jon Prescott, and Ian Novick..............
Review by bucky
By: bucky
There was great acting but the plot left a lot to be desired. The ending made no sense with the rest of the movie. Like it just stopped and didn't actually end. I'm glad I rented rather than bought.
Review by Marty
By: Marty
Well acted. But the only thing separating this movie from something on the Lifetime Channel is the fact that at the end of the movie not all the conflicts have been resolved.
Review by Tony
By: Tony
Sorry but this film did not live up to the hype. If I wanted reality I would go to a gay bar and watch unhappy people there. This miserable little movie ends with no one happy and so many questions unanswered. Whoever wrote this should find someth...
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Sorry but this film did not live up to the hype. If I wanted reality I would go to a gay bar and watch unhappy people there. This miserable little movie ends with no one happy and so many questions unanswered. Whoever wrote this should find something else to do with there time. Ian Novick is not convincing as a hunk while Jon Prescott is in this .. The perky little wife is out of her depth in the role. She comes over as shallow hysterical version of Jake Gyllenhall's wife in Brokeback Mountain.
Review by Bob Lind
By: Bob Lind
Openly-gay Tommy (Ian Novick) has had a crush on hunky Daniel (Jon Prescott) ever since their college days, when Daniel was the star of their lacrosse team. Years later, he spots Daniel in a sports bar, engages him in conversation and - many beers l...
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Openly-gay Tommy (Ian Novick) has had a crush on hunky Daniel (Jon Prescott) ever since their college days, when Daniel was the star of their lacrosse team. Years later, he spots Daniel in a sports bar, engages him in conversation and - many beers later - manages to get him in his bed, which Daniel claims is a first for him. Unfortunately, he follows that up by explaining that he considers himself straight, and is engaged to marry a wonderful girl, Jen (Margaret Anne Florence). Disappointed, Tommy makes it a point to "run into" Daniel (and often Jen) on several occasions, testing to see if the feelings he felt for Daniel, which he seemed to share to some extent, might make him change his mind about the marriage.
Writer/Director Caytha Jentis presents an engaging and emotional, yet very realistic, portrayal of a young man who has repressed his attraction to other men for so long, he has no idea how to deal with the feelings he experiences with the person who truly might be "The One" for him. There is significant heartache along the journey, and == SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT== much less than a "happily ever after" ending, which some viewers have complained about in their reviews. Hey, life does throw some nasty curve balls once in a while, and you're not always going to be able to hit one out of the stadium. I give the writer credit for taking the difficult, but likely more realistic, path here. == END OF SPOILER ALERT == The acting was quite good, and, despite an indie budget, I had no beef with the production quality. DVD extras include a couple of deleted scenes, bloopers, and a couple of vanity items. I give it three stars out of four.
Review by Jacques
By: Jacques
Yes the character Daniel goes mirror the lives of several out there. Tommy on the other hand I'm not so sure about. Granted after someone has made their choice it is hard to let go, but after the meddling, Tommys' borderline stalking pursuit of Danie...
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Yes the character Daniel goes mirror the lives of several out there. Tommy on the other hand I'm not so sure about. Granted after someone has made their choice it is hard to let go, but after the meddling, Tommys' borderline stalking pursuit of Daniel to just drop the whole affair and fall into oblivion is dubious. I have no problem with the ending per say, just how it progressed with respect to Tommy's feelings. Interesting film, another perspective...
Review by just a reviewer
By: just a reviewer
.....they can't see beyond the ends of their noses.
NOW FOR THE REAL TITLE OF THIS REVIEW: "Tommy fakes us out....puts one over on almost all of us". (Read on to find out how).
(( This isn't as well done as "Shelter".....nor ...
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.....they can't see beyond the ends of their noses.
NOW FOR THE REAL TITLE OF THIS REVIEW: "Tommy fakes us out....puts one over on almost all of us". (Read on to find out how).
(( This isn't as well done as "Shelter".....nor quite as good as "Latter Days".....BUT it's not far off their mark ))
A CAST OF ENGAGING CHARACTERS (making up the Devilish and Age-old TRIANGLE):
- Tommy (Guy #1) - (played by: Ian Novick) ---- To date, a smaller parts actor. Yet, this film shows he merits so much more....if nothing else, for the cute hunkiness and honesty he brings to Tommy....a Guy who grabs our hearts....a Guy who's In Pursuit. "T" is Open...he's Out...knows the man he wants....and he takes us along on the joyride to get him. He's an upfront Guy, who tells it like it is. A Mister Personality....most definitely deserving of that capital "P". Of our two male lead characters, Tommy's "The One" you're most likely to fall for. And you will have a ball while doing so.
- Daniel (Guy #2) - (played by: Jon Prescott) ---- Lots of TV series work....yet with a plum film role in 2010's gay-related, "Howl", playing the James Franco character's oft-time lover. Here, in this story, he's playing the built and pretty Daniel....a torn man, suffering a severe case of "Closetophobia". Perhaps now's a good time for the question: WHO is the love of this man's life? Is it the fiance and wife-to-be? Or is it perhaps....what's that Guy's name, again? Oh, and you should watch for what is, to me, the somewhat puzzling way in which Prescott plays this role: facially expressive with other characters in the film.....BUT, strangely, almost always detached looking / fairly expressionless in his scenes with Tommy.
(( AN ASIDE ABOUT DANIEL ---- Did ANY of you out there, having seen this film, realize how very many guys Daniel's life represents? A man, like so many of us, who becomes engaged...marries and fathers a child....all the while never facing up to who he is sexually. How many of us are living this kind of life, one which Family...Society...expects of us? A life which is not really our own...not who we really are? Should it be at all surprising how many of us are Daniels ))
- Jen (The One Stuck in the Middle) - (played by: Margaret Anne Florence) ---- Quite a bit of TV work...with 3 or so lesser movies thrown into the mix. Jen is a pert and pretty gal, as both fiancee and bride. A level headed woman, very much in love with her man. YET, she's a someone who unknowingly comes to meet and grow quite friendly with "The Other Man". In doing so, Florence pulls it off in a most believable manner. Even though you and I are watching her through guys' eyes....she'll MAKE us deeply feel both her happiness and her despair. Be prepared.
A LAST THOUGHT (I told you at the beginning to watch for this):
- For those of you UNhappy with the way in which this film SEEMINGLY ends....in a less than romantic way.....read on.
- Aaah, yes. So, Tommy...Our Mister Upfront Guy. Right about here is where you movie watchers should be remembering...recalling that really important thing he's already told us (more than once). What? What is it, you ask? ....THAT HE IS IN LOVE...IN TRUE LOVE...(something he's also told the object of his affection). SO...you doubters out there....put all that aside. For there is NO way in which a man like the Tommy we've come to know...with his depth of feelings...would just walk away from "The One". From that person who he now knows has become available. NO way in which a caring Tommy would leave another man waiting at the altar....unless.....UNLESS he has very definite plans to reenter the life of "The One" (though he may wait a bit...just to make a someone squirm). And if you think otherwise, "T" has Totally Faked you out. So....BUCK UP!...CHEER UP!......in the REAL ending of this film, you're going to get exactly what you were hoping for. HAPPY viewing!
PS: If you're not starving....it'd be worth your bucks to buy an All-Regions DVD player and try these 3 great little films (probably for more mature Gays): "Four More Years" /// "He Is My Girl" /// "Different From Whom?" (I've done reviews at Imdb.com). And you know what? TLA Video SHOULD have picked up on these! (***TLA comment - "Four More Years" is coming soon -and we agree***)
Review by Ron from Houston
By: Ron from Houston
The movie has a high production value and it has some good acting. But it is not a romantic comedy, but a romantic tragedy. The writer should go back to school to learn how to write a romantic comedy.
Review by DG
By: DG
After reading Kyle's review, I think I'll skip this. I agree with his description of what I was expecting, and this obviously isn't it - which is a shame, because I was really looking forward to it.
Not sure what the point is, because the marke...
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After reading Kyle's review, I think I'll skip this. I agree with his description of what I was expecting, and this obviously isn't it - which is a shame, because I was really looking forward to it.
Not sure what the point is, because the marketing sure isn't pointing in that direction.
Review by Kyle Raynor
By: Kyle Raynor
I watched The One, hoping that the filmmakers would get it right. I was disappointed. The movie wasn't bad, and the acting was pretty decent, but the movie made no sense especially with the its title. It would believe you to think that someone is goi...
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I watched The One, hoping that the filmmakers would get it right. I was disappointed. The movie wasn't bad, and the acting was pretty decent, but the movie made no sense especially with the its title. It would believe you to think that someone is going to find their "One" special person. When Daniel does realize that he loves Tommy and goes to him, he is rebuffed. OK, I can deal with that, it is realistic. The problem is that I am not watching these movies for reality. If I want that I will just go outside. It ends up like many of the gay films out there--everyone in the end is alone and not happy. How is this about finding "The One"? Maybe I missed some meaning in the film, but I don't think so. Especially with how the movie is described as a romantic comedy. It is not. It is a straight drama. If you want to see a comedy watch Love Patient or You Should Meet My Son!
Review by Amos Lassen
By: Amos Lassen
"The One" is a new romantic comedy about Daniel (Jon Prescott) an investment banker in New York City who is about to get married to the woman of his dreams, Jennifer (Margaret Anne Florence) but then one month before his wedding, meets and falls in l...
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"The One" is a new romantic comedy about Daniel (Jon Prescott) an investment banker in New York City who is about to get married to the woman of his dreams, Jennifer (Margaret Anne Florence) but then one month before his wedding, meets and falls in love with a very charming man from his past, Tommy (Ian Novick). Daniel met Tommy at a bar and they end up at Tommy's apartment and have sex while . Daniel denies everything and he tries to forget it all but he thinks about Tommy and Daniel then begins to ask himself questions and realize that he has a very important decision to make.
The interesting thing with this film is that you think you know what is going to happen but there are many surprises. This independent film goes where Hollywood would not dare and the movie is realistic. The characters are like people that we know-those who are not willing to honestly accept themselves.
While I was not expecting this, the acting was very good and the direction by Caytha Jentis is excellent as well. What is so interesting is that even straight men can relate to the gay characters but I have a feeling that this film will not get the exposure that it should.