Easier With Practice

By: Robert O'Neill
In-House Review - Jul 31 2014

The Hurt Locker and Boardwalk Empire star Brian Geraghty, a raging hottie by most standards, is completely endearing and surprisingly convincing as Davy, a scruffy, socially-awkward writer who has never had a romantic relationship.

While on an unfulfilling book tour with his brother, Davy gets a strange, unexplained motel room call from a woman named Nicole. Using only her sultry voice and explicit imagination, Nicole manages to pop a tent inside Davy's basketball shorts and, perhaps unknowingly, ignites his sexual awakening.

Our lonely hero becomes infatuated with his new mysterious dream girl. Davy, however, is looking for more than just verbal fantasy fulfillment. As their relationship develops, Davy becomes hopelessly obsessed with meeting the reluctant Nicole in person ? alienating friends, family and other romantic prospects in the process.

Will Davy ever be able to convince Nicole to meet him face to face? More importantly, will Nicole live up to Davy's expectations? You'll have to watch the movie to find out.

Openly gay filmmaker Kyle Patrick Alvarez offers a solid reminder of why we LOVE independent film. On a shoestring budget, using few actors, realistic dialog and some truly impressive long takes, Alvarez has crafted an honest and consistently engrossing movie. With one talented actor and a phone, Easier with Practice achieves thrilling moments of high tension and, ultimately, expresses a profoundly heart-felt understanding of the need for a loving connection among introverts.

We can't recommend this movie more highly. We're also excited that Alvarez won the "Someone to Watch" Independent Spirit Award. Sponsored by Acura, the "Someone to Watch" award comes with an unrestricted cash grant of $20,000 to help finance the recipient's next production. We can't wait to see what Kyle's next project will be! (Editor's Note: Alvarez's follow-up project was the equally impressive and acclaimed C.O.G.)

By: Greg Alcala

Ok, why is this even on a Gay list of movies when all of the content is stupid straight crap! Why waste your time on this straight nonsense? Plenty of straight movies at the theaters right now. Don't put them here please. Stop putting this crap here. Thank you!

By: chromoman

Brian Geraghty gives a moving, winning performance that makes this whole story work. The supporting cast is equally impressive, but it is Mr. Geraghty who sells this tale. The blurbs that describe it as a story about phone sex do it somewhat of a disservice. I would compare its premise to "Lars and the Real Girl", or perhaps "Her", in its poignancy. 4 out of 5 stars

By: Amos Lassen

"Easier with Practice"


Stirring and Poignant


Amos Lassen


Kyle Patrick Alvarez gives us his first feature film, "Easier with Practice", a poignant and stirring look at phone sex and the nature of relationships.
A chance dirty phone call between an introverted writer and a mystery woman with a persuasive voice turns into a long distance relationship that is truly touching. Davy (Brian Geraghty) is a withdrawn author who is on a road trip to publicize his upcoming novel which is yet unpublished. His brother, Sean (Kel O'Neill) has come along for the ride (and like he says--to get laid). One night Davy receives a phone call through which he "meets" Nicole. At first he is highly distrustful but he gradually opens up and a strange emotional bond is created between the two but threatens to separate the brothers. What we get is a provocative love story about a man who suffers from being emotionally stunted.
Davy really wants to meet Nicole but Nicole declines all invitations. Geraghty gives a bravura performance which totally reflects his profound isolation. He is self-deluded and this can become a turn off to some viewers. It is Davy's shame, vulnerability, social awkwardness and lack of sexual confidence that give him his being.
This is quite simply a wonderful little film with an ending that you will not soon forget and we learn about love, sex and loneliness and when and how they come together.