Flight of the Cardinal

"Flight of the Cardinal" was one of the best movies I have seen in the film festival circuit in awhile complete with all the pickings of a great, suspenseful plot wrapped up nicely with an important message. Robert Gaston creates a thrilling, suspenseful world that had me gripping for more by the time it reached its third act. There is something for everyone in this film: suspense, drama, and even some comedy. People in my theater were gasping and laughing throughout the film, which, to me, speaks to the breadth of talent showcased by the actors in the film, especially in regards to David J Bonner. It also features some great shots of the beautiful North Carolina scenery that personally made me want to go see the area for myself. It was also refreshing to see some new actors in a gay film, regardless of what their sexuality may actually be, which brings up another great point about this film.

Despite not being completely concerned with the sexuality of the main character (Grady), I think that this is a film that gay film festival circuit goers (including myself) found refreshing; it's rare to see a film in that circuit these days with the strong potential of going mainstream. I believe that those involved with this film deserve some applause for taking the risk of doing this and succeeding at it wildly.

Another really pleasing thing about the film is its great use of dramatic irony - something that we really don't see much of these days. Despite the fact that we, the audience, are greatly aware of Beetle's (played by Bonner) foul intentions, we are forced to watch Grady (played by Beschler) and the rest of his friends at the lodge continue to place themselves in harm's way as they are led down a dangerous path due to Beetle's powerful charisma. All of this is creatively played out throughout the first two acts until we reach the high-pitched climax at the end of an exciting story.

I highly recommend watching this film if you have the opportunity to! I'm personally looking forward to seeing it again at an upcoming festival and hope to see it available to purchase soon! I also can't wait to see more from the writer and the entire cast!!!!

Bravo!!

"Flight of the Cardinal"

A Weekend at the Lodge

Amos Lassen

Beetle Hobbs (David J. Bonner) lives is a small town that is very confining and he wants out. When he meets Grady Wilson (Ross Beschler), he sees a chance to get away. Grady has movied to the Smoky Mountains to run a resort and Beetle gets a job working for him. Robert Gatson takes us through a suspenseful experience as the film keeps us on the edge of our seats. There is more than suspense—there is comedy and drama as well, fine performances, beautiful cinematography and a wonderfully literate screenplay. Past meets present and futures are at risk and a group of friends come together for a weekend at Grady's lodge. Grady decided to give his life a new start by taking over the lodge. His boyfriend, Andy (Matthew Montgomery in yet another excellent performance), is coming to visit for the weekend along with two other friends, Karen and Rye. Grady has plans to ask Andy to marry him but tensions come along with the guests and the weekend turns out not to be what was expected. When the group realizes that there is someone else staying at the lodge this weekend—Beetle, a small time drug dealer who is now homeless and Grady allows him to stay in exchange fkor a shift's work. Beetle has a plan and as we learn of Grady's past, Beetle begins to develop an idea which he can use. Gaston both wrote and directed the film and he gives us a treat. I love the way things slowly come to light, bit by bit and the same is true of the way we get to know the characters, bit by bit. This is an amazing experience in filmmaking and while the film will leave you shaken, it also leaves you with a sense of having seen something really worthwhile. Beetle was able to cash in on the fact that Grady acted strangely when his guests come to visit. As Grady's character falls apart, Beetle's solidifies and this is the emphasis of the film. Gaston concentrates on his characters, all of whom turn in excellent performances. I think the fact that we really never get to know how Beetle feels about anything adds a great deal of mystery to the film. I love a film that leaves me thinking and that is what happens here. The fact that Beetle is a character that is both weak and strong allows him to remain an enigma long after the film is over.

This was one of the films at the 2010 NC Gay and Lesbian Film Festival that I looked forward to seeing--a LGBT mystery-thriller set in the NC mountains sounded like it had plenty to offer--but was disappointed with the results.

First, neither I nor the friends I saw this with can figure out why this was considered a LGBT film. The main character is gay, but aside from that there's nothing really else to set this movie aside from the mainstream.

Second, there was a decent story somewhere under all the poor acting and odd dialog. There were people in the audience laughing at what I can only conjecture was the sheer ridiculousness of some of the scenes. And the characters themselves... most were so flat it bordered on hilarity, while Beetle was so unctuous that it was simply over-the-top.

Lastly, having been to the beautiful North Carolina mountains, it seemed like none of the cinematography took advantage of the scenery. That's a shame, because it could have added a lot more to this film.

I have to agree with other posters, this movie was not worth the price of admission.

I saw this as the closing film of QFest (which is the LGBT film festival in Philadelphia). The film is a disappointment. It's a thriller set in the mountains of North Carolina. I think this was a first time director which you would normally excuse but QFest also showed Undertow which was shot by a first time director as well that won 2 awards at QFest (including audience favorite) in addition to an award at Sundance. It's like a Porsche trying to drag race a Neon. QFest was extremely stupid for showing this as a closing night film instead of Undertow. I think the actors tried their best at what they were given but the movie didn't flow or fully explain Beattle and why he did what he did. I am not sure why Robert Gaston used Matthew Montgomery in the film given he is simply a mediocre actor and his facial expressions and acting made me want to laugh in the serious parts. This film is not worth paying full price or matinée at all. If you have to see it, get it on Netflix. Don't rent the DVD or else you will be wasting your money.

Robert Gaston's feature is one fun ride. Having screened it in NC I found it a good grab on the slice of life that might be in a town like Ashville. Not a truly gay film it is more a thriller that happens to have gay characters. While not exploited to the max, the scenery is wonderful, anyone who lives or has grown up in the NC area will appreciate the out of doors images. Gaston refuses to give into conventional gay themed movie formula and uses his stars to his advantage. I hope to see this film play around the film festival circuit. It deserved viewing by as many eyes as possible. Will keep you guessing until the end. Fun all around!