Hate Crime

I just returned from a screening of Hate Crime.

Badger pester and cajole your local art house, film series or festival to book this film. I went in expecting sort of the same tired, cliché driven gay theme film we are so used to seeing, especially from first time writer directors. But not only is it very accomplished as a film, the script is excellent, and ultimately not predictable, though several times during, you will be certain you will know what will happen next--and proved wrong. Most of the actors are new faces, at least for me, and all are good to excellent, primarily the leads.

Not only is the dialog impressive, I enjoyed how this director wasn't afraid of unspoken silences, and holding a moment or scene, letting it play out.

I saw this film as part of a niche festival in Scottsdale, AZ. And I am very grateful. Because had I not been notified by a friend, through word-of-mouth, I would not have known. That is my biggest concern. This film should be 'Out There' for all to see.

The production value is top-notch - as good as you would see in any Hollywood movie - and better than most that you would see on t.v.

The casting choices, and the acting, were perfect for the portrayal of the characters.

The story was well crafted.

And, most importantly, the messages were universal.

I personally believe that all would benefit from this film inasmuch as I believe that all would benefit from watching 'Angels in America'. Yes, the premise is based on intolerance directed against a very likable, same-sex couple, and the subsequent effects that reverberate through the lives of their respective families and friends as a result. But I did not see this as a gay film. The messages are cross-applicable and universal. I would hate to see this film pigeon-holed. Its messages are not delivered as ham-handedly as 'Angels in America'. It is easy to watch, enjoyable and thought-provoking.

I laughed, I cried, and I cheered out loud.

It is a situational drama. And hopefully in the end the audience will ask not only 'was this right' but: 'If placed in such a situation, for whatever reason, what would I do?'

I saw this film at the North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and found it to be very good (even if sometimes somewhat predictable). Within the first 15 minutes or so, I had figured out who committed the crime.

While I found the film to be of good quality, I also found it to be a bit disturbing.

It seemed to want to show real Christianity as a stark contrast to hate-mongering fundamentalism, and for that it should be praised. But while it took great effort to show that there are Christians who aren't filled with hate and intolerance, it seemed to glorify attempts at revenge. I found the incongruency to be quite disturbing.

It'd be a really good conversation starter.

This is a solid story from first-time director, Tommy Stovall. I like to be surprised with twists in dramatic films, such as this, and the first half of the film led me to believe that there wouldn't be any. Oh, but there was! I'm not one to spoil a good plot twist so I'll leave you all to see it for yourself, but know that it was a pretty decent twist. There was one point in the film where I actually cheered out loud in the theater because Stovall did such a great job of developing his main character, Robbie, played by Seth Peterson, he made you really love it when good things happened. One scene I particularly enjoyed was the church scene - CREATIVELY executed.

The story is a very serious topic - one that would generally make me uncomfortable watching, but it was put together well and for a small budget project, turned out great.

The only major criticisms I had were 1) the acting of the primary child actor was not fabulous - there's a crying scene that's hard to take serious because you can tell he's "acting" and 2) Robbie's colorful neighbor character didn't seem as developed as you'd have thought she should have been. She was cute and funny, but it seemed like she was missing an endearing scene or two to help build her relationship between her and her neighbors, who she considered family.

Seth Peterson, Farah White, Brandy Little, Cindy Pickett and Bruce Davision were particularly good in this film. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate this film a 7.5 to 8. Go see it, the subject alone and how it's dealt with should be seen by everyone. Hate is not a family value. Thank you Tommy, for making this film.

I saw "Hate Crime" on Netflix's Watch Now feature.

It's under the Gay/Lesbian movies section.

Loved the film.

I love when a film about a gay couple feels like the couple really loves each other.

Some films think holding hands is enough. I could see that Trey and Robbie loved each other.

Great cast. Even the less experienced actors held their own.

Tight directing and good cinematography for a first timer. You could see that they had a small budget but it didn't affect the look or performances.

I grew up in Plano, TX so I identified with the whole script.