Rites of Passage

The theme is old by now: estrangement between a gay son and his father. However, this issue is only a part of a complex web of surprises that creates a very entertaining thriller. This is a beautiful film, not just about sexuality, but about relationships. My wife and I were captivated with the story, sitting on pins and needles waiting to see how it would end. Highly recommended.

It's a pity that RITE OF PASSAGE is not more widely available and never received the praise it deserves. This is a complex film - an unusual mix of thriller and family drama. Queer cinema fans will like this one because of the matter of fact presentation of the sexuality of the leading character Cambell (intelligently played by Jason Behr.) Although this is Behr's film, he's in terrific company throughout, especially with veteran Dean Stockwell as his tough-as-nails dad. Watching these two come to terms (as well as Cam's brother), is the film's main dramatic thrust. The thriller elements are far from ignored, however. There are plot twists and turns a-plenty (only one of which seemed a bit contrived) and the story is a virtual roller-coaster of emotions. If you can get it on DVD, Behr and Salva provide an insightful commentary track and give you a glimpse of some more plot devices (and some super performances) left on the cutting room floor.

This was a very good film. The characters are very well developed and you also feel a certain emotion for each one. My particular favorite was the lead character, Campbell Faraday (Jason Behr). This film holds a lot of tension and there are quite a bit of twists also.

If you are in the mood for a good thrill ride, go rent this movie.

**** out of **** stars.

Also recommended: The River Wild

This movie draws you in then blows it providing plot complications of the "Oh come on!" variety. Someone as telegenic as Jason Behr would not need to write to a felon to find a shoulder to cry on. All he has to do is open his front door and select from the crowd waiting there to do him. Any one of them would put up with any amount of whining he needs to do.

I was in a writing class once and we were asked to write a story called "The Father." That was the only requirement. 12 out of 13 people handed in a story that ended with a father-son hug and the exchange: "I love you son..." "I love you dad." Ugh! It's a scene that facile minds find endlessly satisfying but it's very, very lame. Perhaps this movie gets filmed over and over again because emerging gay teens require their generations hottie in the role of the gay son.

I've never called my brother "Bro." Does anybody?

Victor Salva's Rites of Passage is about six men; one (Billy) has died of AIDS; one (D. J.) is a lawyer; and the other four are liars with secrets to hide. Two of the four (Del and Frank) are father figures, and then there's Cambell, Del's queer, estranged son who in attempt to win a father figure's approval becomes an accomplice in a prison break.

Also there's a 500-thousand-dollar MacGuffin treasure trove buried in a sawmill, but it's mostly about lies, macho secrets, and striving to gain your father's approval.

Writing, directing, and acting are all all right. Sound mixing is a bit distracting, especially over-board with crickets and chirps, and I don't think they would be intentional or symbolic of anything.