Judas Kiss (2011)

There are so many emotions in this film it's hard to latch on one the first time you watch it. It's not your typical gay-themed film and it brings a refreshing breath of life to it's genre. One of the best characters in my opinion is C.W-or Christopher Watchowski. Every small character has been so meticulously planned out the entire film is a pleasure to watch. I suggest multiple watchings just to fully get the gist of the plot and see all the characters as individuals and appreciate them. From Danny's father to Shane's parents all the characters are a delight to observe. The plot of time travel is also very unique in that the way that the time travel occurs is never actually explained. Yet it doesn't need to be, the film is packed full of enough action that you never really miss an explanation. The cinematography is fantastic-very real with sharp colours and smooth transitions with special effects. I can't wait for the next movie from this crew.

The fantasy/sf genres are replete with stories of people going back in time to correct their mistakes or give advice to their past selves in order to have an effect on the future.But the problem with advice is that the smart don't need it and the stupid won't use it – and, as Booth Tarkington famously wrote in The Magnificent Ambersons, "Let me explain a little: I don't think he'll change—at twenty-one or twenty-two so many things appear solid and permanent and terrible which forty sees are nothing but disappearing miasma. Forty can't tell twenty about this; that's the pity of it! Twenty can find out only by getting to be forty." Philosophically, I am against this type of story because, in the end, we are defined by our choices. Danny Reyes/Zachery Wells doesn't have the courage to live with the choices he's made and build a better future having learned from experience. The idea of going back in time to talk to your past self and inform him of all the ways in which you screwed up your life is pure folly and an abdication of personal responsibility.However, I prefer to read the film as one generation of gay men giving valuable, fatherly guidance to another. An older gay man says to the twink, "Watch out, kid, gay life can be a minefield. Here's how to navigate it." Though the script provides a few cringe worthy moments in the first act, the solid direction and uniformly good performances make up for it. Sean Paul Lockhart proved to be a tremendous surprise; though his part was small, the former adult star turned in a performance with great emotional depth and sincerity. The kid isn't just a pretty face.This is one of the best gay titles I've screened in years.

I saw Judas Kiss at the Rhode Island International Film Festival in August, 2011. Aside from some technical issues on the festival's part, I really enjoyed this film and am looking forward to getting my copy. I can't help but believe that I will pick up on more symbolism each time I watch it! It was also great to see a piece Of work from Gay Cinema that could break the boundaries of the genre and work well in mainstream film festivals like RIIFF!The characters were entertaining and thought provoking, and the writing made me snicker and laugh throughout while still keeping me enthralled during dramatic poignant moments. The cinematography was gorgeous, rich in color and well composed.I'm not always a fan of magical realism, as many films don't do it justice, but Judas Kiss ranks up there with Across the Universe in my mind! Unlike the later, it was based more in reality (or perhaps alternate reality), which created a great escape without going too far outside of the boundaries as we think of them.Great soundtrack as well!

Judas Kiss is by no means your average story. It has some unexpected twists, dabbling in time travel, love triangles and redemption.Zach Wells, a failed filmmaker, reluctantly covers for his much more successful friend by taking his place on the judging panel at their Alma Mater's annual film competition (a competition that Zach won years ago). As soon as he gets on campus... well, it's not hi-jinks ensue in a kooky way, but Zach starts to notice that things are not what they seem.The time travel aspect was a cool way to approach the material; certainly a welcome change from the mainstay "let's do some lame flashbacks to explain how my life got so screwed up." The film has an interesting cast of characters that all bring something different to the table, too (a little heart and humor).All of the technical elements (cinematography, lighting, sound, etc) were great, including the subtle effects work. I also thought they did a commendable job making a film with gay lead characters, but not dwelling on their sexual orientation. It was obvious that the focus of the film was on the story and I appreciated that.