User reviews

Overall, this was an enjoyable watch. Both Garrett Clayton (Brent Corrigan) and Christian Slater did a good job ...but James Franco's over-the-top acting made this seem cheezy and unbelievable. Furthermore, while they seemed to have a good budget for top-name actors, the production of this seems rather "unpolished."

I originally gave this 6-starts; then took off another star once I found out the real "Brent Corrigan" is NOT a fan of this film and he feels "they got it wrong." So while it may be "based on true events" ...it seems to be very loosely so.

This film tells the story of a young man who goes into gay pornography at the age of seventeen. Initially he is enticed by the fame and attention. Due to his greed and inexperience in life, he gets into more trouble than he can imagine.

I didn't know what "King Cobra" was about until I watched it. It tells a captivating story of how things can go wrong. It is a little sad that he gets trapped in the situation after he becomes famous. The course of action he follows in life unfortunately goes wrong repeatedly. I actually feel very sorry for Christian Slater's character, as I don't think he deserves the outcome in the end. It is also a pleasant surprise to see him in a gay movie, and he's surprisingly very convincing in his role too. I enjoyed the film.

The strange but true story of Porn legend Brent Corrigan is told in this well made drama from director Justin Kelly ('I am Michael'). Sean Paul Lockhart took on the name of Brent Corrigan as a 'porn name' when he dipped his toe in the world of smut. He was taken under the, very keen, wing of Stephen played by Christian Slater in a well executed performance. He was a talented man who had a liking for young lads and the moment he saw Sean he was smitten. He also had a canny head for business and stood by the rule of not mixing the two together.

We also have the back stories and the story of a rival firm where the star was not making the kind of money that Stephen was and how the envy turned into, what some would cal 'affirmative action'. Those that know the story will not be surprised, I did not and must say this was compelling and gripping in equal measure.

The acting is all first rate with some well observed period detail but this is the very 'near past' so not too much effort really needed. The action – if one can call it that - is all simulated and mostly not seen so nothing to put one off ones dinner. The real strength is the story and the performances and they are all more than up to the task. This is a film with gay interest but it is predominantly a thriller and on that scale it scores both highly and readily – hence easy to recommended.

I saw the preview for this movie and thought it might be worth watching since it was based upon a true story.

Be warned: the trailer basically gives you the entire movie plot. There is really nothing else learned other than whodunit.

Let's talk about the nudity aspect, which seems to have gotten a lot of attention.

Most basic cable channels show a lot of male nudity and it so commonplace now that it is no longer shocking. Of course we could factor in foreign films but that wouldn't be fair as male nudity in many other countries isn't viewed with such prudishness. I'll never understand why women can be completely naked and then it is a big deal to show a man naked, but I digress.

For this movie there is no full frontal male nudity, as if to state that the movie makers valued substance over gratuitous nudity. They didn't but never the less, a movie about gay porn has most men running around in their underwear.

To me, that isn't a big deal as I was hoping for fully really characters. But there again, I was disappointed. The characters were never fully fleshed out and from what the real Brent Corrigan stated, there is a key person who wasn't even written into the script. The real Brent Corrigan was invited to join the movie and didn't - not even agreeing to the use of his name and finally leasing it to the movie makers.

Then there is the issue of the vibrant colors you see in the posters. That is not a representation of the actual movie. This movie appears to have been filmed in a couple of suburban homes with very basic lighting.

Overall, there is an indication that this movie was critically praised yet after actually viewing it - there was nothing new learned and it was so sanitized that you would think it was a Lifetime movie.

In conclusion, James Franco - if you think anyone believes you are actually straight, keep trying because no one believes it. And that doesn't mean you are a good representation of the LGBTQ community because you aren't.

KING COBRA is a fast-paced movie tracing the real-life events in the life of Brent Corrigan, a gay porn actor who was illegally performing under age, and who got all tied up in a murder mystery story. I got into this movie naïvely, not actually knowing anything about the history of the true events, not even knowing that James Franco and Christian Slater were involved!— and I was pleasantly surprised.

As to be expected given the premise, there is a lot of male nudity... All throughout the movie exudes a sense of hedonism—one gets the impression that the whole cast had a lot of fun making this little movie. The acting is really good throughout and the main actor, Garrett Clayton, does a good job as appearing "twinky" while also being believably serious when it is called for. James Franco's character is quite reminiscent of his role in SPRING KILLERS.

The real life story of what actually happened surrounding Brent Corrigan is truly compelling, which makes for a good plot. The progression of the story is well executed, but perhaps the ending was a little abrupt. All in all a fun movie. So, go and watch KING COBRA—it's not a masterpiece, but certainly a great little diversion, with a few genuine suspense moments.

Could've been a good film based on a true story but a poor script and weak acting ruined it. Cute guys kept me going but that was about it. Best bits were in the trailer.

I watched because I like crime shows. This one was set in the gay porn industry and a young man (very well played by eye candy Garrett Clayton) made famous by it and his unscrupulous producer. The movie was combination story about the young man's ascent in the porn industry, murder of one of the protagonists, a rival producer and his lover. 2 central plots around each of the 2 producers lives that converge at the murder.

I thought all the male actors were good in this especially Clayton that is convincing, starting the movie off as a naive youth and in the end maturing into a clever man - nicely done. It was off beat for sure but I liked it.

I think male nudity would have been gratuitous. Franco held in balance the crime story and male sexuality well in this movie.

When I looked at the cast, honestly I wasn't sure what to expect.

To my great surprise the cast delivered big time. I was very impressed with Slater, Franco and Ringwald (I wish she had more screen time). There have been numerous movies about women in porn so for me it was 'nice' (not really the word) to spend time on the other side of the fence, learning that the issues many women face in the industry are mirrored by men in gay porn as well.

As for being a representation of the truth, after a little reading, I feel it stayed close enough, but with additions and omissions that is pretty normal for a 'based on' movie.

I do believe its worth a look (particularly for the performances) but it won't be for everyone.

Much scenery chewing from Franco and Slater. No resemblance whatsoever to the actual Brent Corrigan or Cobra Video. Save your time and watch a Corrigan porno instead.

There isn't much anything special about this film that describes a bit of the superficial world of the gay porno movie industry. Based on real events, "King Cobra" doesn't add anything more than other films on the topic. The highlight of the movie is the good performance by the entire cast but from the beginning, we already sensed a tragic end, we just didn't know which character.

Well what is it? Is it just business? Or is something more ... lethal/creepy/dangerous? Now one thing is for sure (apart from this being based on a true story that I was not aware of, so can't judge any merits or whatever concerning that part): the movie will be appalling to some. There is no explicit/vivid intercourse, but the fact that men are getting it on with men ... you have to be ok with the theme.

No judgement on my part, unless you are homophobic in real life. Let's not get into that and let's not do a shaming game either. Movies are here to be watched for those interested. If you are not interested, do not watch. Everyone wins - same goes if you are able to watch without any prohibitions. Everyone wins - all the time. Apart from maybe the characters who get exploited ... or have other things done to them ...

You have this cast, a story that you can turn gold without even needing to try, and this is what you deliver? If they focused more on Sean's childhood that lead him to porn and how he was kept on a leash by "Stephen", you could have had a much better movie.

"I like to think that I'm gay in my art and straight in my life - James Franco.

In another recent missed opportunity James Franco proves once more that he is talented but highly pretentious when it comes to his craft. With recent films like - Milk, Howl, Wild Horses and most recently I am Michael; Franco again argues that he is shaping his view of what he considers art - His directorial work is more of the same, contemporary period literature that sometimes never translates well to the screen. In King Cobra, we see the same results all too familiar by now.

Sean Lockhart (Garrett Clayton) decides to meet with gay porn producer Stephen (Christian Slater) in the hopes of becoming a star within the industry. Stephen instantly believes Sean has the makings of a star and soon begin to work together producing videos under the pseudonym "Brent Corrigan" - Quickly rising to fame Stephen takes complete ownership of Sean not allowing to him to leave or work freely with others - Or raise his pay.

Meanwhile, two aspiring porn producers Joe (James Franco) and Harlow (Keegan Allen) in debt try to produce a film with the rising Bret Corrigan, only to be stopped by Stephen; who wants 80% of the profits made.

Director Justin Kelly (I am Michael) once again struggles on two themes - who is this movie for ? - And what this movie is about ? - with a similar theme related back to I am Michael about the struggles of homosexuality and what it means to be a gay man - or how it feels to find acceptance from your loved ones - this is briefly touched on, but not strong enough to make us care or connect with anyone in this film.

To his credit, Kelly who also wrote the screenplay tries to craft a story leading to the incident we already know is coming - Establishing the motives and reasoning behind Sean's decision to later venture off on his own - the end of his partnership with King Cobra - and perhaps a message about the industry itself. With all this juggled, King Cobra falls under the weight of being just another "based on a true story".

For his role, Garret Clayton plays it slow and naive. A deer in headlights unsure of his prospects and goals. Christian Slater also good does his own interpretation of his character, playing him with aggression and lust. James Franco is fine in his role, but ultimately feels and still looks like James Franco playing a part - with Keegan Allen being the standout of the film.

King Cobra is a darkly entertaining exploit that although retains the true story element - would rather have style over substance.

Gay porn producers in a tug-of-war over participation of new "twink" star Brent Corrigan (born Sean Lockhart), leading to murder. Director Justin Kelly also penned this dramatization of real-life crime case, an adaptation of Andrew E. Stoner and Peter A. Conway's book "Cobra Killer: Gay Porn, Murder, and the Manhunt to Bring the Killers to Justice". Features a great deal of simulated sex, but to what avail? Kelly appears to be testing the current boundaries of mainstream cinema, but it's a stultifying non-experience with uncomfortable or amateurish performances. Absolute junk. NO STARS from ****

As a true crime troll, I've known this story from when it occurred, reading most if not all of the materials of the actual crime and circumstances from most involved. The film does a pretty decent surface scan of the story, as usual, a great deal of the deeper development is lost on movies who keep it "R" and whom also try to stay within a short length. When a true story is involved anything less than 2+ hours is gonna cut out a lot of the deeper character meat (I mean all involved have deep stories that brought them to where they are) not to mention a lock of as much nudity as you'd expect in a movie about the Porn industry for goodness sake. Some chests, speedos and a few quick limited butt shots are not quite the TandA you'd hope for. I'm not talking about full frontals, I just think they should have included a lot more booty if your setting is the booty business .lol

Th e acting was superb on pretty much all fronts and I found no fault anywhere. Slater was just amazing, and I felt sorry for him, I felt sorry for all of them in truth. Brent being the least though as he was the fire in which they all eventually burned. I'm not saying I admire Brent or his hetero counter-part Traci Lords...BUT, in the end they both proved one thing, not everyone under 18 is innocent, naïve or without the ability to manipulate, plan and execute conceived life paths with the skill of a 50 year old wolf of wallstreet. Both of them have also proven what most people loathe to admit, and that is this "Generalization of Age" as a standard for perceived "level of sincere innocence" is beyond ridiculous. That discussion may make folks uncomfortable, but then the truth often does on many issues.

The film itself stuff stayed acceptably within the bounds of the real events, and though a deeper development of the characters would have been appreciated it still managed to hit the surface points, and does you give you a pretty accurate knowledge of what happened, even if it is only the surface. This is a common occurrence though, with everything from Anna Nicole, to Star 80 just about any other bio-pic adaptation you will find out there, so it commits no sin that any other GOOD film has done with such issues when trying to balance a "regular length film" does in truncating a deep true life event like this.

I'm happy with the film in general, and am glad the story is at least out there to be seen and can lead viewers to then go analyze the many issues it raises. Glad to have it in my collection and I applaud the performances by all involved, especially Slater, Franco and the 2 objects of their affection.

The still very much active Sean Paul Lockhart, aka Brent Corrigan's career and the scandal associated with it is the subject of the film King Cobra. Disney twink actor Garrett Clayton plays Corrigan and I'm sure Clayton probably has a limited future with the Magic Kingdom. He joins a list of players like Shia LaBoerf, Miley Cyrus, and Lucas Gabreel who've appeared in less than wholesome projects. I don't see any more Teen Beach movies in Garrett Clayton's future.

Subsequent to the story told here, Sean Paul Lockhart has gone to mainstream entertainment and gay stories of the non-pornographic nature. I know a few gay adult film stars who have other lives and have diversified their interests and entertainment roles like Lockhart in order to survive. A lot don't survive for one reason or another.

One of those who didn't is Christian Slater playing the producer who discovers Clayton and makes him a gay porn star sensation in the middle Bush 43 years. But this relationship which has some resemblance to Liberace and Scott Thorsen goes the same way with Clayton chafing under Slater's dominance.

His name Brent Corrigan was trademarked by Slater making him unable to work under what has made him a star in the gay porn world. At the same time Clayton reveals that Slater used him before his 18th birthday and that trashes Slater's career as well.

There's a parallel story of James Franco and Keegan Allen also a porn producer and his Trilby like star told and they want to have Clayton's services with the trademark name. Therein lies the seeds of the tragedy that takes place.

James Franco created this project and I wish he'd just come out of the closet already. Are you fooling anyone?

The gay porn world is certainly part of the gay culture, no getting away from it. Some say this is exploitive. I'd say no more so than Boogie Nights and you see how much acclaim that film got.

I hope this leap into most adult type material augers good things for Garrett Clayton.

I have to admit that, I usually don't watch those kind of movies. But, I decided to watch it, because I saw the trailer on the recommend videos on my YouTube. The plot of the movie was average, actually I didn't even knew that it was based on real events. The storyline was average too, I hope they described correctly the real events. The characters were kinda interesting and well-developed, but not really likeable. Overall, it was an average movie that I don't think I would ever watch it again. Of course, there were many sex scenes and nudity. It wasn't an intense movie, only the ending scene was kinda nice. Last but not least, the casting was fine and the acting was average.