Day four of the Vancouver Queer Film Festival meant another double-feature. This time it was two very different movies which also happened to be part of this year's Youth Focus Series. This series saw 22 movies going through the classification process which allows youth under the age of 18 to attend specific showings (normally film festivals do not go through the classification process which carries age restrictions and the reason why a membership is required to attend most screenings).First up was the delightful Ready? Ok! starring Lurie Postin as 11-year old Joshua whose simple goal in life is to be a cheerleader. Somewhat ambiguous is Joshua's sexuality although indications are he may also be gay. I particularly liked the rather cavalier attitude Joshua takes to the whole situation - for him it is simply a matter of what he wants out-of-life and those that question him or stand in his way are of no consequence. It is his single mother Andy (Carrie Preston) who, upon advice from the priest at the Catholic school that Joshua attends, that tries to steer Joshua away from his cheerleading ambitions and in the hope that he will not be gay. In one of the more powerful and touching scenes, the gay neighbour Charlie (Michael Emerson who plays Ben on television's Lost) finally convinces mom to let go and let nature take its course.
Ready? Ok! is full of great performances from the entire cast which includes the child-like Uncle Alex (John G Preston) and a very funny Tara Karsian as the school's headmistress Sister Vivian. I have always been a fan of Michael Emerson's work in Lost and it was great to see him in something different. This is definitely a must-see and I will be surprised if it doesn't take home the prize for audience favourite this year! It's a real shame this one is not being repeated at the Festival but definitely watch for it on DVD. 4.5 out of 5.
Next up was another of the Youth Series, but one that was so different from the first of this double feature night. Shank.
I must admit after seeing this one that I was a little surprised that it ended up with what I understand was a 14A rating as it was very graphic including graphic violence, sex, full-frontal nudity and even a rape scene. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a prude and all of the elements were certainly not gratuitous, I was just surprised.
This is the story of a young closeted gang member in modern day London. Cal (Wayne Virgo) is conflicted with his homosexual feelings to the extreme, acting out his own internal homophobia. After meeting Olivier (Marc Laurent), a visiting French student, a relationship develops and deep dark secrets are revealed.
There was much to like about Shank but there was also some real problems with it as well, not the least of which was the number of times the audience laughed at points in the movie where there was no humour. I at first thought this was a nervous laugh given the graphic nature of the movie but when it happened more than a few times realized it had more to do with the direction and writing than any tension in the audience.
The rather surprising ending, when a couple of deep dark secrets are revealed, seemed a bit contrived, but I'll certainly give the writers credit in I (and the rest of the audience) didn't seem them coming. 3 out of 5.
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