With “Brokeback Mountain” making such an impact in the media, entertainment companies will be expected to play the “gay card,” spitting out gay films and television shows left and right.
The only problem is that they will try too hard to be the next “Brokeback Mountain” instead of simply being original. “Adam ‘ Steve,” the new romantic gay comedy from Funny Boy Films, refrains from doing such. Instead, it delivers a fresh and hilarious look into the gay culture, leaving no holes barred.
In 1987, Adam, a young goth kid, and Steve, a big-haired, glam-rock club dancer, mistakenly meet at a disco in New York City. Like lightening, the two are quickly attracted to one another, spending the night together, taking bumps of cocaine (laced with baby laxatives), and watching the sunrise on the Brooklyn Bridge. However, the night comes to an eruptive end in an unforgettable scene.
Perhaps there was no mistake at all. Almost 20 years later, Adam and Steve meet once again; unbenownst to either of them, they had previously met under less than perfect circumstances. This time around, however, things appear to be a little more “solid.” Adam, a lonely dog lover, conducts bird watches in a New York City park while Steve, a stereotypical gay slut, is a doctor. Fate thrusts the two together after Adam accidentally stabs his dog while slicing salami on his bed. Rushing him to the nearest hospital, Adam begs for a doctor, so Steve agrees to see the “patient” even though he is not a veterinarian.
The two begin dating one another on a regular basis with and without the support of their best friends. Adam’s best friend Rhonda, played by the hilarious Parker Posey, has been by his side since his goth days and could not be happier for her friend. Chris Kattan plays Michael who, on the other hand, is a little jealous of Steve, his roommate and best friend, but eventually warms up to the idea.
Posey, who received rave reviews for her work in “House of Yes,” among other films, and Kattan, who is best known for his diverse sketch comedy talent on “Saturday Night Live,” deliver the unique kind of comedic supporting roles not unlike “Will and Grace’s” outrageous characters “Jack” and “Karen.”
The best part of Adam ‘ Steve, written and directed by Craig Chester (Adam), is its quick-witted comedy. Dry humor, random jokes and sassy one-liners make this film stand out and shine. It takes a few minutes to fall into its groove, but once you do you are laughing out loud and finding yourself really connecting to the characters. Whether you are gay or straight, you can relate to the layers of emotions they are feeling on this roller coaster ride.
One of the things gay audiences will appreciate about Adam ‘ Steve is that it does not “cash in” on the gay stereotype so often overly used in gay films. Here, no one is gay-bashed or is infected with HIV or dies from AIDS. A positive and uplifting film, Adam ‘ Steve dares to be happy and unapologetic for it.
Overall, this film may not be the most artsy or deepest gay-themed movie to ever be released, but you definitely get your money’s worth when watching this film. Full of refreshing comedy and characters you can easily see as being one of your friends, Chester should be proud to be another notch in the positive belt for the gay community and entertainment market.
Jason Tanner can be reached at ane@sundial.csun.edu
