Just a quick post to say a few words about a film that I recently watched and found that I really really enjoyed.

The Conrad Boys is an independant film from 2005 by a young chap called Justin Lo who bravely undertook the responsiblities for writing, producing, editing and starring as the lead character within the film. Several reviews online seem to think that he did the first two really well, and fell slightly short on the final aspect. I would agree with this and would say that some parts were a little wooden, however it was nothing that would serve to spoil your enjoyment of the film, and a trivial niggle I should think. The music that was composed for this film by Chelsea Lo (I am presuming a relative) was also rather pleasant and currently has me humming along to it everywhere I go.

Captivating newcomer Justin Lo stars as Charlie Conrad, a 19-year-old history buff with the world on his shoulders. Following the death of his mother, Charlie sets aside his college plans to raise his highly imaginative 9-year-old brother Ben (Boo Boo Stewart). Isolated from his peers, Charlie accepts his responsibility yet secretly yearns for the freedom and romance associated with youth.

Charlie suddenly gets his chance when he meets Jordan Rivers (Nick Bartzen), a charismatic drifter and fellow lost soul. The two of them hit it off immediately, and they soon embark on a tumultuous romance that gives Charlie a taste of the freedom he’s been craving. Just as their relationship intensifies, however, Charlie’s long-absent father, Doug (Barry Shay), returns to town with his own plans to take care of Ben.

Caught in a struggle for Ben and eager to hold on to Jordan, Charlie must finally search his soul and make momentous decisions regarding the future of his family. Written and directed by first-time filmmaker Justin Lo, THE CONRAD BOYS is a deeply personal and heartfelt story that will stay with you for a long time to come.

[Taken from www.theconradboys.com/story]

Normally I am not a big fan of so-called ‘gay’ films as I don’t think we do them too well (the obvious exceptions to this which is springing to mind are the amazing Beautiful Thing, Eating Out and Latter Days) – normally such films border on pornographic and are of terrible cinematographic quality. However I found The Conrad Boys to be a fresh film that I really found myself falling in love with. Cute is probably the best way to describe it.

Should you ever find yourself looking at your DVD collection in despair for something to watch, then order The Conrad Boys from here (or any other good DVD stockist – be warned, the link I have provided is for REGION 1 players only!) and your woes should all disappear as soon as the postie comes a-knocking :oD