PlatinumRead
Just so...so bad
Glucedee
It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.
Bessie Smyth
Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.
Fleur
Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.
bob_fnord
This movie really tries to be progressive. But adding a gay lead-character doesn't change the fact, that the writing is lazy and the acting is unconvincing..
Most of the characters are just teen-movie cliches talking in phrases. At no point in the movie so I feel like investing any emotions in any of characters. Lest of all the main character, Alex, who is really not that likable. To quote the movie: " You have your head up your ass so much; it's depressing"..Adding the gay layer to the story doesn't add much depth; it merely makes it seem like a 90's after-school special about 'It's okay to be gay'.. And the movie's view on queer people seems really stereotypical... It's like they are trying to be progressive, but really they are just reinforcing the gay stereotypes.
tabdancer
Alex Truelove is the protagonist I feel like we all need to see. He's brilliant, he's awkward, he's dorky, and he's just as confused as the rest of us. His story truly touched my heart and we very relatable. I've gone through a few labels, and I'm not even sure if I will stick with the one I identify with now. Him exploring his sexuality was something I don't think I've really seen in a movie or tv show before. I've seen people know their label and just have not come out, but this is the first time I've seen a character learn, and in a very realistic way. It was hilarious. I will admit Alex's friends are idiots and were part of the reason I didn't give this a 10/10. I didn't like Dell that much. The frog thing was kind of stupid. I also didn't like the whole frat party. But this movie was still very funny and uplifting.Alex and Elliot are now in my top 5 OTPs. They had this instant connection that was very real. Even from the start, you could see Alex relax with Elliot. It was obvious that he was the one for him. Alex and Claire were cute, but you could tell something was missing (no it wasn't sex). But major props to the actors for pulling off this amazing intimacy without being dirty. Overall, Alex Strangelove is the movie teens who are struggling with thier identity should see. I could see myself in Alex, and I know others did as well. It was a little rocky at times, like with the frat party and Dell's pretty homophobic comments (I hated that scene so much). It is still the coming of age movie young people should watch, especially if they are struggling with their sexuality. 8/10
clintstevens
A seemingly straight high schooler who apparently has never considered he might be gay (never mind the memory of getting a 'boner' in the locker room at summer camp as a young boy...hasn't every guy had something similar happen at some time in their childhood?) meets a gay guy at a party and after sharing a joint, is confused by the feelings he is having. So far, so good. He is a virgin and makes plans to have sex for the first time with his girl friend, planning an evening at a hotel. Still, so far, so good. He becomes buddies with the gay boy he met and as they sit and talk, he suddenly grabs the gay and plants a heavy-duty kiss on him, immediately regretting it. Not quite so good.This movie then turns into a fairy tale (no pun intended) when he decides he is definitely gay and confesses to his gf and friends. They all rally around him, supporting him 100%. His GF sets him up with the gay dude at the prom ("I'm passing the torch"...huh?) and the two boys stand in the middle of the dance floor in a heated embrace, kissing passionately while all the students either ignore them, or give them the 'thumb's up'. Utter Hollywood baloney.Sorry, I don't buy it. This is not the real world, as much as most people wish it was. The movie is filled with stereotypes, including the main character's nerdy friends, the school jock, the dying mother, the whiny, weeping girl friend, and on and on. There is even the stereotypical quote 'Maybe it's just a phase you're going through' uttered, not by the parents but by the spurned girlfriend. For those viewers who don't want to see a true story about coming out but would prefer a fairy tale, this is your movie. Otherwise do not be insulted by this Hollywood hogwash, especially if you've lived the painful result of coming to terms with being gay.
Brian Whisenant
Totally baffled by negative reviews for this. I watch a lot of LGBTQ films as a film fest programmer and this one is great. One of my favorite films of the year. Funny, poignant and sexy. Very well acted/directed.