The Skinny (2012)

I find all the extremely positive reviews quite interesting. In my opinion, this movie was horribly overrated. While it is not a bad film and there is certainly plenty of eye candy, there were some logic holes in the plot that I could have driven a truck through and that could have easily been fixed with a bit more ingenuity. I can't understand what Ryan's past has to do with his need to lie about going to sex parties and filming porn in his boyfriend's condo. I could understand the omission of his past but to use it as an explanation for cheating and lying simply does not make sense. When Sebastian gets raped, Kyle's character is only mildly apologetic and supposedly by the end he's feeling really remorseful but I cannot understand how this guy who was a virgin, who just went through a hugely traumatic event, and who dodged a bullet, can forgive Kyle so easily. Moreover, I can't believe Kyle's friends didn't immediately send him packing after what he did to Sebastian

Once upon a time, there were few enough gay-themed films to count on your hands (and few enough with minority leads to count on just ONE of them). But since those days are LONG gone, we, the viewing audience, have to stop giving a "pass" to sub-par gay-themed cinema, or else it just will not get better. I think everyone here agrees Noah's Ark was as ground-breaking as it was satisfying for its day. But throwing us a bone by a cameo from Noah and Janito doesn't cut it: we're looking for something more substantive these days. The Skinny seems more of an attempt to cobble together any number of black gay fantasies; the cultured doctor, the witty Brit, the shy inexperienced romantic, the effeminate "best friend" who turns out to be wild and hot, and of course, the mandatory hyper-sexual narcissist. Unfortunately, there is just not enough time to turn these characters into anything less than clichés. And the "resolutions" to the story-line just come off as contrived and campy (once again...find for Noah's Ark, but not if you want to be taken seriously).

Race has nothing to do with the reality of poorly focused, didactic films with excruciatingly misapplied plots, in a less than perfect film. Period. I became a Patrik Ian Polk fan due to my endearment towards "Noah's Ark". I found the series refreshing, and applauded Logo for their choice to air something new and thought provoking, let alone ground breaking. After all, an all black (African American, should you prefer) cast?!!?! Bravo. You can imagine the disappointment of it's not being renewed. Yet, I digress. "The Skinny" was hugely disappointing. The premise was fine, the acting "ho'hum" but tolerable to a point, yet the directions the characters took were tiring, and above all else, wholly unrealistic. The most disturbing for me was why Polk made it Kyle's responsibility for Sebastian's actions. Why!?!?!?! Sebastian, though green, was an adult. He made the choice of indulging in drugs, though Kyle suggested he not partake. In the real world, most would say you are responsible for your own actions, albeit choices. This was the last straw in this farce for me. Next, Sebastian insists on following through with his desire to have sex with one of their closest friends in this quintet, KYLE! Kyle is promiscuous at best with no such aspirations towards Sebastian. Yet, the other 3 friends are helping Sebastian prepare to seduce Kyle. These guys have known each other since being students at Brown. Polk leads you to believe they are like brothers. In most circles, this would be considered near incest. Do not purchase this film. Catch it on cable it then.

This film shows Patrik-Ian Polk at his best, or what I perceive to be his best. His work has gotten progressively better with each film I've seen. All show gay men pretty much being themselves in their everyday lives, but the characters have warmth and heart and, of course, drama. From 'Punks' to 'Noah's Arc' (the series and the film, 'Jumping the Broom') I honestly enjoy his work. But, 'The Skinny' is better. 'Noah' regular touched on issues that affect the glbt community, this film seems to take subject of AIDS, promiscuity and the party scene a lot more seriously and to good effect. Well acted with an attractive cast, during Pride weekend in Harlem. Highly recommended.