Breakfast with Scot (2007)

Breakfast With Scot is a 2007 film from Canada, that stars Tom Cavanagh as Eric, Ben Shenkman as Sam and Noah Bernett as Scot. It is rare to find such an insightful work that deals with the stereotypes of gay culture. Eric is an ex hockey player and Sam is a lawyer, they are a very conservative couple. Scot recently orphaned after his mother dies from an overdose, is unexpectedly dropped into their lives. He is very flamboyant and the total opposite of his new caregivers. While very funny this gem is also heartwarming, believable and thought provoking. As the story unfolds the three realize that acceptance and love are the glue that binds a family and overcomes all obstacles. Excellent writing, cinematography and casting make this film a must see and earn it the perfect score of a 10. Bravo to Mr. Lynd and the talented cast!

I was very pleasantly surprised by this movie. It was a very well acted and directed film. That said, I thought the writing would be typical of an indy film and was not expecting much. I also remember critics saying at the time the film was released that the directors tried to hide the gay relationship too much. Now after seeing the movie I think I was just reading reviews from some bitter queens. The gay relationship is very much secondary to the main theme. The focus on the film is the child named Scot and his living life to the fullest regardless of how society sees gender roles. I liked that it was not the worn out theme where straight guy is uncomfortable with a kid or person not conforming to typical male gender roles, rather this was about a semi-closeted former pro hockey player that learned about his own internalized issues while learning to love this new child in his life who he becomes a dad to. It just goes to show whether gay or straight - we all have our issues to deal with. Again a very pleasant surprise and well worth watching.

I wanted to like this movie. Tom Cavanaugh is a good actor and deserves better writing. From the get go I didn't believe these two guys were a couple. There was no chemistry between them. The pathetic exchanges of affection seemed designed for an after school special. If it's a move not for kids then why make a movie suitable for kids? Seems like shooting itself in the foot. The writer seemed to be trying too hard to be cute and the obvious reaching for jokes kept it from being engaging. I didn't believe one bit of it. It was so obviously fake that I had to clean house while it played out and I hate cleaning house. The character Billy is supposed to be in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yet customers in his store speak perfect English. The whole thing just never rang true.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: Best LGBT genre movie in the past few years..., Sep 21 2008 By Joe E. Mcparland "cojoeman" (Windsor, Canada) - See all my reviewsAs a long time collector of contemporary LGBT genre movies, I rate Breakfast With Scott at the top of my list. I have practically worn out my DVD copy! This movie was screened as a special selection in the 2007 Windsor International Film Festival. The sold out house gave the movie a deserving five minute standing ovation at its conclusion. Aside from the wonderful message of tolerance, acceptance and adaptability, this gem of a movie will have you - as it had me - in tears of laughter and tears of sorrow. Laurie Lynd's direction of Tom Cavanaugh, Ben Shenkman and,of course,show-stealer - Noah Bernett, is nothing less than magical. I could not agree more with the Globe and Mail's DVD cover endorsement of the movie,"Absolutely Fabulous!"