Trick

Not having seen the film when it was originally released, I caught up with it on IFC. The film is surprisingly light, as the director, Jim Fall, has avoided the usual cliches when dealing with the subject matter.

Mr. Fall was very lucky to find this cast, indeed. The three principals, Tori Spelling, Christian Campbell and John Paul Pitoc play very well together. It's a fun film to watch anytime at all. All types of audiences will enjoy this tale of romance, missed opportunities, and fulfilling a dream.

All this, and N.Y.'s Greenwich Village in the background, who could ask for anything more?

I was a little wary of a movie about two guys trying to find a place in New York city where they can be alone and have some sex. A comedy? I thought it could be very boring. I'm so glad I went to see this one! It is funny and romantic, and it ends in a smart way, and I can only say: Thank you, guys! That was fun!

Gay romantic comedies seem to fall into two different categories: either they deal with AIDS specifically, or they don't. TRICK falls into the latter category. Films in the former category tend to be too heavy-handed to be good (save JEFFREY and LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!). Here, screenwriter Jason Schafer focuses not on AIDS whatsoever. In fact, it is never mentioned once. Instead, we watch as two men (wonderfully played by Christian Campbell and John Paul Pitoc) try to have a one-night stand. The only problem: they have no place to go. As these two men desperately try to find a room, fate interferes, allowing them to get to know each other before consumating the relationship. Tori Spelling is terrific in a supporting role, but it is the two leads who must manage this film, and they do with astonishing realism. It's a modern-day, gay fairy tale. It's the type of film that makes you laugh, cry, and feel good in the end. Hollywood could learn something from this small independent feature.

Trick is a story of a late 20 something gay kid played by Christian Campbell who has been going through a breakup and after a bit of a drought is not having any success. Right now he'd settle for a one night stand of hot passion.

Especially after seeing J.P. Pitoc up on the stage of that gay bar doing the bumps and grinds, it's the man of his dreams. Fate is seemingly kind to him when he leaves the bar and he winds up on the same train as the object of his affection. Pitoc gets off at the same stop, eye contact is met and it's off to Campbell's place.

Which he shares with his straight roommate Brad Beyer and has a female friend played by Tori Spelling who just bounces in whenever she needs to use or borrow something.

When they go to Pitoc's world, Campbell is a bit put off by the partying world of the go-go boys. Will they ever get down to the slap and tickle?

Despite the emphasis on sex and one night stands, Trick is really a delightful romantic comedy with a gay twist. Tori Spelling by dint of her name recognition from 90210 is top billed though she's really in a supporting role. She's very funny in the role of the gay man's best straight woman friend who really wants to dominate the lives of the gay people around her. Also a bit sad.

Both Christian Campbell and J.P. Pitoc have gone on to some substantial careers on the big screen, small screen, and on stage. Pitoc made his film debut here in Trick. Both of them are cast well and I do love the eternal theme of the film that people can be quite a bit deeper than original impressions may make.

After a leisurely start, we get some great comic sequences. My favorites are ones I'd call "intimate piano," "drag queen fury," and "coffee shop confrontation."

Like other recent gay-themed films such as BEAUTIFUL THING, OBJECT OF MY AFFECTION, EDGE OF SEVENTEEN, and GET REAL, this film is very personal and doesn't get caught up in homophobia or AIDS. It doesn't even give us coming-out angst. It is just a sweet, old fashioned romance but with gay characters.

I highly recommend this film. It may become a mainstream charmer. I certainly hope so.