Is It Just Me (2010)

So many of the gay films that get labeled "romantic comedy" should, more accurately, be called "sex farce." They're all about giving viewers a glimpse of skin and hot sex scenes, but they're not so great at showing the truly warm, romantic side of gay relationships.

Is It Just Me bucks that trend. This is an extraordinary film in that the characters are not broadly painted stereotypes, but nuanced and interesting individuals. You may think you know what to expect from each character, but, happily, you'd likely be wrong. Not one of these characters is simple or stereotyped, and all are likable. Gay viewers will see themselves in these characters, but unlike many modern gay movies, they'll see the best parts of themselves reflected on the screen.

Surprisingly for a film of this genre, one of my favorite characters was Ernie, Xander's older roommate (played by Bruce Gray), who is both witty and truly kind. Ernie feels very real and very sweet, and you'll wish you had a gay roommate just like him.

Adam Huss also turns in a solid performance as Cameron, our protagonist's, ahem, very popular and very hunky roommate. The screenwriter could easily have painted Cameron as a cad, and the fact that he did not do so is testament to the interesting artistic choices this movie makes.

The writing and direction in this film are both spot on. This movie avoids the campy/bitchy/cynical humor that's so common in gay films these days in favor or a warm humor that makes me feel happy to be gay.

If you're looking for a warm, wise, heartwarming romantic comedy (that just happens to be gay), this is it. It's the kind of gay film you can show to your mother and not be embarrassed. I can't recommend this film highly enough.

Blaine on dating in West Hollywood: "Being just average in a world of physical perfection is the worst kind of gay purgatory."

Blaine (Nicholas Downs) is an old-fashioned guy in Los Angeles, a sweet and cute gay twenty-something who is sensitive, honest, hardworking and looking for a guy with whom he can share his life. Not into bars, casual sex and game playing, he channels his loneliness and angst into his column for a newspaper. His roommate, Cameron (Adam Huss), is a shallow, sex-obsessed gym-bunny who acts in bad movies and works as a go-go boy at a WeHo gay bar, exactly the type of guy Blaine tries to avoid. But when Blaine meets Xander (David Loren) online, a guy who seems to be perfect for him, he accidentally sends him Cameron's photo by mistake, and is convinced that Xander only wants to meet him because he looks like that. Cameron agrees to pose as Blaine at their initial meeting, to which Blaine (posing as roommate Cameron) also attends, and things go horribly wrong from here.

The "used someone else's image online" bit has been used before (most recently in a gay comedy that was very forgettable), but strikes the perfect balance here in testing Blaine to be more self-assured and confident in seeking a relationship. Also loved the inclusion of an older gay "mentor" (played by character actor Bruce Gray) for Xander. Overall, a charmingly positive and realistic story, produced and acted very well by talented professionals. A definite "keeper" for my DVD collection; plentiful extras include commentary, deleted scenes, auditions and "dating advice." Don't miss this one! Five big stars out of five!

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I wish this film had had the budget to raise the production values above that of a low budget gay film for this is a light-hearted gay romantic comedy where everything works. The characters are not caricatures and after my first viewing of this film last night it is lingering in my thoughts and I can't wait to watch it again. It is very true that self doubting Blaine (Nicholas Downs) is indeed a cutie but in the mainstream gay culture, especially the clubs, if that handsome face doesn't come with a gym well muscled bod often the nicest guys can get overlooked. It makes perfect sense when Blaine meets a Texan hottie Xander (David Loren) on line and they bond on all things that matter, not the superficial, that he gets insecure when he sees that Xander thinks he is indeed his roommate Cameron who is a muscle stud stripper for his pic was accidentally on his facebook page.

If the story line sounds silly believe me as it unfolds it makes perfect sense. Blaine is portrayed perfectly but for me the heart and soul of the film rests in Xander. David Loren takes this Texan stud and gives him the purest romantic heart and soul that any person would seek in their mate. Through Xander we see someone seeking romance, trust and sincerity. He wears his heart on his sleeve and it is a necessary reminder that there are still people like this around. Cameron, Blaine's roommate, played by Adam Huss also perfectly shows how a guy can truly be happy seeking sexual encounters, nothing serious and still have the capacity to be a good and sincere person.

All the characters here are well thought out and for the first time even the insightful older gay (played by Bruce Gray) is not over the top and very believable as a person a little jaded with age but filled with wisdom. This movie shows that romance is still a possibility, though sometimes you need to fight hard. Please ignore the low budget film work and judge it by its heart and talent involved. The blu ray is fine. The picture doesn't pop like a mainstream film. The video is in 720P and not the norm 1080p. Audio is great with a DTS HD Master audio 5.1 track. Dialogue is strong and music blends in perfectly. There are tons of extras as well. The blu ray ends up presenting itself just fine. I highly recommend this film for the romantic in you. It will touch you with these characters you can relate to. A very touching and romantic film.

Read Best Reviews of Is It Just Me (2010) Here

Is It Just Me? is a gay romantic comedy, that is light on the comedy but heavy on romance. The romantic leads, Blaine and Xander, are so cute and I'd take both of them over that beefcake Cameron any day. And this film really shows that honesty is the best policy. Blaine lied and almost missed out on love. If he would have told the truth in the beginning, he could have Xander much sooner. But then we wouldn't have had a movie.

As most romantic comedies are, Is It Just Me? is pretty predictable. There are two people who we think will never get together, but in the end...well, if you've seen just one romantic comedy you know what I'm talking about. There's really only one thing that I didn't like about Is It Just Me?, which isn't the fault of the filmmakers because it is realistic. And that is many gay men are shallow and would rather date a hunk with muscles than a guy who is sweet and "average" in appearance. I'm not one of those men, as I've already stated that I would take Blaine over Cameron any day. Of course, I'm "average" too.

Any way, Is It Just Me? comes recommended to anyone who is looking for a gay romance. And that ending is so sweet it took my breath away!

Want Is It Just Me (2010) Discount?

Shy boy, Blaine, meets hot nice guy, Zander, online. A couple of guys who who actually want romance instead of just sex. They seem perfect for each other. Then comes the mix-up. His roommate, Cameron, by accident, put his own picture on Blaine's profile. Ergo Zander (horrible fake-southern accent btw) thinks this wonderful guy, Blaine is stereo-typically hot. (Blaine isn't exactly ugly, kinda cute actually, just not gay-porn-star hot) Then, as anyone would expect, they are going to meet in person. Blah, blah, blah...

But seriously, Zander couldn't tell right away by Cameron's voice, diction, and overall shallow attitude that he wasn't the same guy on the phone? Plus, Zander actually meets Blaine at the same time and talks to him...

Is Zander stupid, hard of hearing, or just really oblivious? We all sound a bit different on the phone, but come on writers, few people are that stupid. It seriously bugged me throughout the movie and I am one to forgive some things where gay cinema is concerned. (Really good "gay" cinema is almost non-existent frankly.)

Also, Blaine's best female buddy sucked. I wasn't even sure why they were friends, she was about as supportive as a stranger. Hell, even his shallow roommate had more compassion and sense than her (don't remember her name...no wonder). If your're bored and want something to pass the time, rent this, stream it, whatever, just don't expect much. With a bit more filming money, a few script and direction tweaks it would have been much better.

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