Review by Lewis Tice
By: Lewis Tice
In-House Review - Jan 17 2012
The coastal California community of Rock Haven is the perfect place for cute eighteen-year-old Brady and his loving mother to begin a fresh start. Their mission: to spread the word of the Lord. But while roaming the beach one day, Brady meets Cliffor...
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The coastal California community of Rock Haven is the perfect place for cute eighteen-year-old Brady and his loving mother to begin a fresh start. Their mission: to spread the word of the Lord. But while roaming the beach one day, Brady meets Clifford, a young man who is the complete opposite of him: outgoing and athletic as well as incredibly handsome. Their initial encounter stirs up feelings of homo desire that Brady has been suppressing. Once Clifford makes it clear that their attraction is mutual, Brady's conflicting feelings of religious obligation and natural impulse go into overdrive, and the two young men must navigate their confusion, lust and beliefs in order to come to a mutual understanding.
Writer/director David Lewis (writer of the best-selling hit Under One Roof) crafts an emotionally realistic drama that instead of shying away from the complex nature of sexuality and spirituality embraces both topics uninhibitedly. Each character's passionate beliefs are respectfully on display, and Lewis shows how the soul, mind and heart can co-exist when generosity, love and the act of grace enter the picture.
Review by gbelly
By: gbelly
Really amateurish, though the lead are pretty good.
Review by Mikekey
By: Mikekey
I didn't realize this was a faith based movie or I would have never paid for it. Only reason I watched the whole thing is I did pay for it and now I unfortunately own it. Bad script, acting (especially the mothers).
Review by Essence of Dignity
By: Essence of Dignity
Rock Haven was like no other film that I have seen before. The course of action that this film takes to build up to the final scene is very endearing and respectable. However, there is NO other film that can evenly touch the powerful, yet tender an...
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Rock Haven was like no other film that I have seen before. The course of action that this film takes to build up to the final scene is very endearing and respectable. However, there is NO other film that can evenly touch the powerful, yet tender and moving scene between mother and son that Rock Haven happens to close with. I actually rewound the closing scene a few times because I was lost in the depth of all those emotions. Great Film! Rock Haven gets 3.5 stars from me.
Review by Amos Lassen
By: Amos Lassen
"Rock Haven"
Religious Polarization
Amos Lassen
Of late there has been much said about religion, sexuality and romance. The three meet head on in "Rock Haven" as a young man with deep spiritual convictions experiences his first feeli...
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"Rock Haven"
Religious Polarization
Amos Lassen
Of late there has been much said about religion, sexuality and romance. The three meet head on in "Rock Haven" as a young man with deep spiritual convictions experiences his first feelings of love. Sean Hoagland, a new face on the screen, is Brady, a young man who is deeply involved in his own spirituality. His mother, Marty, moves the two of them to Rock Haven to set up a religious school near the town. Brady and his over protective mother go about setting up the school based upon their religious ideals but things come to a turning point when Clifford appears o the scene. Clifford possesses a worldliness that instantly charms young Brady who falls for his seductive charms and Clifford, likewise, is harming by the young man's good looks and naiveté. Of course, Brady is conflicted by his feelings which go against everything he has been taught and everything he believes in. However, Clifford's charm is overwhelming and Brady is into coming to terms with his devoutly Christian beliefs.
Here is a movie that many Arkansans should be able to identify with. We all know the difficulties of being gay and living in the "Bible belt". In this sensual love story, directed by David Lewis (who previously gave us "Under One Roof"-a comedic look at a gay Chinese-American juggling tradition with sexuality), we get a look at the joys and the pains of first love. Yet there is more than that here. We also have the story of how a young man chooses not to abandon his religious and spiritual ideals but finds a higher ground in which to practice what he believes. We get a sense of unity between God and man and man and love as we take a look at the "transformative power of faith" through a spiritual meditation.
Review by Bama
By: Bama
Although the acting is on the verge of being good, I have seen worse. I try to look past the acting in most gay oriented films; if I did not, I would not watch any of them. Needless to say, the movie has a cute story to tell of someone confused about...
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Although the acting is on the verge of being good, I have seen worse. I try to look past the acting in most gay oriented films; if I did not, I would not watch any of them. Needless to say, the movie has a cute story to tell of someone confused about his feelings towards Christianity and Homosexuality. You get the picture. I did not expect that much nudity in the love making seen either. Worth the watch if my review is of any influence.
Review by just a reviewer
By: just a reviewer
.........you find yourself). ///
((Here is my approach to obtaining/viewing/reviewing Gay tales in film form. Simply, it's seeking the holy grail of that genre, or looking for the "Addictive Film"---that movie one returns to time and ag...
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.........you find yourself). ///
((Here is my approach to obtaining/viewing/reviewing Gay tales in film form. Simply, it's seeking the holy grail of that genre, or looking for the "Addictive Film"---that movie one returns to time and again). Selection/purchase is based mainly on finding new releases by favorite directors/screenwriters and your comments/reviews at various on-line sites. Sometimes I feel correctly steered by you (the "Keepers" filling my DVD shelves), other times mislead, occasionally badly (the "Throwaways"----and I do toss 'em). Rarely, I come across the "Addictive," those watchable every couple of months or so (see below starred *** area for a list......and some of the "near-Addictive" as well). For some movies, I'll share a review with you, as follows below. Thanks for sticking with me so far.))
((1)). So, Folks......first off, shall we play a little "second-guess the Director" game? Uh.....no, no.....wait---just kidding. After all, doin' the "Monday morning Director-ing" thing is just all too easy a way out.......especially if we're honest and admit that David Lewis did do the biggest, most important-est thing right. What is that, you may ask? Well, in the case of a gay romance, be it a comedy or otherwise, doing the right thing would be finding, and bringing together, two male leads who've got "C-H-E-M-I-S-T-R-Y" with one another. And in the case of Sean Hoagland and Owen Alabado, it's undeniably there---"cutely" there, I might add (a term which fittingly describes them and what we see them come across as). Some leads grab you from the very beginning.......others grow on you. These two are of the latter persuasion, but along the way they do hook you. Honestly, in the initial scenes, I was thinking: these two guys can't act, but before long they were reeling me in. So, maybe this pair didn't have the acting "chops" to give us what a Cyrille Thouvenin and Stephan Guerin-Tillie ("Just A Question Of Love") gave us, or even what a Trevor Wright and Brad Rowe ("Shelter") happily bestowed upon us, but what they did give us was real enough. Thanks, Boys.
((2)). Not to let Director Lewis off the hook completely, while others have already complained of overnumerous surfside and cliffside "nature" scenes, as well as the big misstep of thinking he could effectively/believably play the minister role, I won't have to echo that. BUT.......I do feel I have to add this: in a religious community in which a "Brady's mother" would find herself comfortably at home, no way would I expect to find such a, seemingly, gay-understanding "servant of the lord" as Reverend Brown. (On the other hand, I also wouldn't expect to find in that "little white-steepled church" community a character such as Katheryn Hecht's "Angie," either).
((3)). To me, much of this film pits religious indoctrination (read: interpretation of the bible) vs. learning to be---and accepting---oneself. Brady, finally, epiphanies (please let me make that a verb) that he can be who he is.......and still have his religion. As he, in the end, puts it to his mother: "I just want you to love me".......then forgives her after she replies she can't change either.
((4)). PS--Oh, yeah, and just who's to say that there isn't a good prospect of a "reunion" between a more accepting, "reborn" Brady and a Clifford---whose mother, after all, will still be needing visits at her Rock Haven home?
((5)). ***This film is becoming "Addictive." ***Other such habit formers: "Brokeback Mountain" / "Boy Culture" / "All Over The Guy" / "Second Skin" / "The Man I Love" / "Latter Days"
Review by smumustang
By: smumustang
What a disappointment! I had such high hopes for this movie. When the movie begins the cinematography is breathtaking and that is where the positive aspects of this movie ends. The acting is terrible, but then what could those actors do with the terr...
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What a disappointment! I had such high hopes for this movie. When the movie begins the cinematography is breathtaking and that is where the positive aspects of this movie ends. The acting is terrible, but then what could those actors do with the terrible writing. The way the boys fall in love is completely unbelievable and their is no continuity in the film. The scenes are not cohesive and feel very choppy. Half way through the movie one is hoping for the conclusion just to put an end to one's misery. All in all the concept of this movie is good but besides the gorgeous photography it lacked poorly in execution.
Review by Del
By: Del
It's so hard to find gay themed movies that are well written, well acted, well directed, well produced or even a combination of even two of these elements. Don't look to find any of these qualities with this film. Big waste of money. The story is c...
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It's so hard to find gay themed movies that are well written, well acted, well directed, well produced or even a combination of even two of these elements. Don't look to find any of these qualities with this film. Big waste of money. The story is contrived and the weak plot is thinly held together by an equally weak script. You don't care anything about any of the characters and there were some poor casting choices (ie, the queenie pastor and the girlfriend). I had read reviews prior to purchasing, and anyone who had rated this high as great viewing must not get out very much. And, shockingly, this made three different gay film festival lists. I would think we in the gay community have surpassed this level of film making over the past couple of decades. PASS THIS ONE UP!
Review by Glenn
By: Glenn
For a religious themed film about conflicted youth, just watch Latter Days again rather than this stinker. Bad script, bad acting, poor production values. The anti-gay priest is the nelliest guy in the film. I agree with the other reviews that the mo...
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For a religious themed film about conflicted youth, just watch Latter Days again rather than this stinker. Bad script, bad acting, poor production values. The anti-gay priest is the nelliest guy in the film. I agree with the other reviews that the mothers are totally unbelievable. The god-squad kid's "girlfriend" is about 40 years old. The two leads are cute but that's not nearly enough to save this bad, bad movie.
Review by Janorm
By: Janorm
This is a story of a ultra Christian young man's gay feelings and sll the joys, sorrows, conflicts of first love. This film has one of the most picturesque settings - cliffs, seashore, beaches. That and the excellent character acting, provide the a...
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This is a story of a ultra Christian young man's gay feelings and sll the joys, sorrows, conflicts of first love. This film has one of the most picturesque settings - cliffs, seashore, beaches. That and the excellent character acting, provide the audience with a panorama of pure delight! This is one film to be added to your Collection! UNDENIABLY GREAT VIEWING!!!
Review by peterp88
By: peterp88
I have not seen a more sensuous beautiful gay love scene in any other gay themed movie. Dancing together in the foyer without music and tenderly embracing and caressing each other. And then full frontal. WOW! I doubt that any one could emulate tha...
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I have not seen a more sensuous beautiful gay love scene in any other gay themed movie. Dancing together in the foyer without music and tenderly embracing and caressing each other. And then full frontal. WOW! I doubt that any one could emulate that. Sean and Owen were perfect in their portraying being truly in love with each other. Buy it!
Review by Derek
By: Derek
This is could have been a great episode (minus the sexual awakening scene - which was quite good by the way) for an ABC Afterschool Special growing up as a kid.The movie was too trite and way too unbelievable with the Christian theme in the backdrop ...
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This is could have been a great episode (minus the sexual awakening scene - which was quite good by the way) for an ABC Afterschool Special growing up as a kid.The movie was too trite and way too unbelievable with the Christian theme in the backdrop (the picture of the Last Supper in their modest dining room took the cake).And the actresses that played the mothers were hilarious in a bad way. One mother was to be the ultra hip child of the sixties showed no maternal instincts for her son (mostly always sitting in one place - never moving), while the other one (unfortunately, the script made it to be so unrealistic - I really can't blame her) showed no vulnerability whatsover. A movie that I would recommend with a somewhat similar theme is Saved!. If this actress took a lesson from Mary Louise Parker - she might have been more believable..Sean Hoagland was the only bright spot in this movie - the only character and actor who evolved in the most natural way throughout the movie.
Review by ChrisFilmbuf
By: ChrisFilmbuf
At first I thought is was too sappy with bad acting. Once I started to really watch the film, I recalled what love really is and what is conflict. For those who need "hot sex or clever lines" watch something else. However, if you want to see someon...
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At first I thought is was too sappy with bad acting. Once I started to really watch the film, I recalled what love really is and what is conflict. For those who need "hot sex or clever lines" watch something else. However, if you want to see someone torn between the flesh and the spirit this is a good movie. Two scenes to watch- as the two main characters are talking about "finding" the right person; and the second the love making scene when they are undressing- they never break eye contact! Most boys would be oglling the goods as they undress each other, (Edge Of ) but by design or very good acting it was handled in a way that expressed two people who were in love.For the record I am not a Christian but a romantic who knows a good scene when he sees one. This movie is rated for romantics only ( they will get it).Thanks
Review by Coug05
By: Coug05
This is quite possibly the most generic and lame film I have ever seen. There was no passion, The story is far from original, and leaves much to be desired. Save your time and money - check out Latter Days if you want to be drawn in to a film with re...
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This is quite possibly the most generic and lame film I have ever seen. There was no passion, The story is far from original, and leaves much to be desired. Save your time and money - check out Latter Days if you want to be drawn in to a film with real passion, seduction, and good acting.
Review by LeonScottKennedy
By: LeonScottKennedy
I recently saw this movie.I thought Sean Hoagland,who portrayed Brady,was very sweet in the title role,but,I was very dissapointed in the overall story and I felt it left much to be desired.....Overall the marketing for this movie,is false and inaccu...
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I recently saw this movie.I thought Sean Hoagland,who portrayed Brady,was very sweet in the title role,but,I was very dissapointed in the overall story and I felt it left much to be desired.....Overall the marketing for this movie,is false and inaccurate... Do yourself a favor,buy or rent,"Latter Days",instead....I guarantee you'll thank yourself ,and come away with an amazing experience,if you spring for,"Latter Days",instead...
Review by Bigbearphx
By: Bigbearphx
The plot of "Rock Haven" (2007) is simple and realistic, though far
from original: is being gay an impossibility if you consider yourself
a Christian as well?
Brady is a shy, introspective 18 year old spending the summer beforeRead More
The plot of "Rock Haven" (2007) is simple and realistic, though far
from original: is being gay an impossibility if you consider yourself
a Christian as well?
Brady is a shy, introspective 18 year old spending the summer before
going away to college in a small coast town in Northern California.
He is there with his widowed mother, who is a devout Christian in the
process of establishing a religious school for the local pastor.
Brady spends most of his time either reading the bible or staring off
at the waves crashing on shore, until he meets a neighbor's free-
spirited visiting son, 19 year old Clifford. While we later find out
that Brady had some early inklings that he was somewhat attracted to
other boys, he never before felt drawn to anyone as he feels to
Clifford, and the other boy makes it clear that the feeling is
mutual. Sensing his apprehensions and inexperience, Clifford lets
their relationship develop slowly over the course of the summer, and,
although he kids Brady about being a "nerd" in many of his interests,
is careful not to express a conflict with his religious upbringing
and convictions.
A beautifully written story by director/writer David Lewis ("Under
One Roof"), capably acted by a talented Bay Area cast. While the
basic plot is not original, and the story development somewhat
predictable, it is told in a well-paced, sweet and romantic manner
that lets the viewer feel the emotions experienced by the
characters. The one negative I must point out is Lewis' seeming
obsession with numerous extended scenes of waves crashing on the
beach (Waves wash out like past experiences, wash back to erase what
was on the sand before, metaphor for life going on, new beginnings,
yadda yadda yadda ... WE GET IT! The ocean should not have more
screen time than the actors!) Other than that, the film is highly
recommended at four stars out of five.
DVD has deleted scenes, production stills and trailer. No director
commentary, which would have been nice (I'd have loved to hear what he says about the ocean scenes. :)
Review by MSC
By: MSC
I was able to see this film at the SF Gay Film Festival. Seeing a film in the Castro is always such a treat as the audience is part of the film. The ooos and aahss and clapping hands were great. The acting, music and writing is all top tier. I to...
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I was able to see this film at the SF Gay Film Festival. Seeing a film in the Castro is always such a treat as the audience is part of the film. The ooos and aahss and clapping hands were great. The acting, music and writing is all top tier. I toast to the writer & director. Definatley a great holiday treat to give you friends and family especilly if they are Chrisitan :-))))
Review by LAFilmBuff
By: LAFilmBuff
I got to see this little gem at Outfest in July -- the acting is generally very good (except the priest guy, whose role is brief), the cinematography and sound are excellent, and the story is very romantic. It never hurts that the boys are gorgeous (...
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I got to see this little gem at Outfest in July -- the acting is generally very good (except the priest guy, whose role is brief), the cinematography and sound are excellent, and the story is very romantic. It never hurts that the boys are gorgeous (and get wonderfully nekkid). You will not find a more tender, erotic gay love scene than the one in this movie! It's a must for my collection.