Surprise Surprise

By: Lou S
In-House Review - Jul 27 2010

A closeted TV star, Den (Travis Michael Holder), and his much younger disabled lover's lives take an unexpected twist when they are confronted by the troubled teenaged son Den never knew he had. David, a 16-year-old homophobe, arrives at the doorstep of an opulent and secluded Hollywood Hills home and discovers both his famous dad AND his top-secret much younger lover Colin (John Brotherton One Life to Live), a former dancer now confined to a wheelchair.Their otherwise seemingly idyllic and coveted life is permanently altered, as they are to confront an already problematic relationship. Eventually, all three men with the help of their unconventional and extended family (Mary Jo Catlett, Diff'rent Strokes, and Deborah Shelton, Dallas) are compelled to join together and redefine the concept of what constitutes a family.

Starting as a critically-acclaimed Los Angeles stage play, Surprise Surprise is a moving and unpredictable family portrait.

By: sillytee

By: Amos Lassen

"Surprise, Surprise"






Everything Changes






Amos Lassen




Dan (Travis Michael Holder) is a closeted television star who has a disabled younger lover, Colin, and he keeps me a secret. Everything was fine until David, a son that Dan did not know he even had, arrives in Hollywood and at Dan's house. David is 16 and he hates gay people. He fits the definition of a homophobe and he changes their lives as the two lovers are to face a relationship that becomes more and more problematic. All three men receive help that is unconventional.
The film is based upon a highly successful play. It is filled with dark comedy yet it is a moving look at what makes a family and what goes on behind closed doors. I fell in love with all of the characters, even David who represents so much of what I dislike in a person but as he learned to live with his situation, he becomes human. The acting is excellent and this is one you do not want to miss