Shelter

Finally a movie to relate to...does not have the stereotypical gay characters that so many writers feel they need to exhibit. If the majority of the general public saw gays in this way they may actually understand that we are just people trying to live our lives & be happy...like them. Everything about the movie is exceptional; storyline, acting, cinematography, music, art, everything that brought this movie together. At times a bit predictable but still great. The love the main characters have for one another is very believable thanks to Trevor and Brad's superb acting. They way they look at, touch and hold each other is remarkable for two straight guys. Honestly one of the best gay-themed movies out there. It gets pretty tiring to see boy-gets-girl at the end of 99.9% of the movies made. Finally a movie where boy-gets-boy...and a happy ending too. This is the first movie that I actually felt the need to see all the bonus features on the DVD. Few movies have ever moved me enough to purchase but this is definitely one of them. A real down-to-earth show.

Shelter was touted as being the next Brokeback Mountain when I first read reviews. I wouldn't say it's quite to that level but it is a nice story. I also like the fact that it's a gay themed movie focused on a love story without the need of nudity (much to the chagrin of some I'm sure). It's this type of movie that I feel will have a more positive influence on society's acceptance of the gay community.

It's a story about a young guy who is either closeted or unaware of his gay nature until that one special person comes into his life. It shows his struggle of accepting himself while also showing the fear he experiences while contemplating what effect the revelation of his discovery will have on his family...especially his relationship with his nephew who has come to revere him as a father. He tries to force a heterosexual relationship but ultimately can't escape his emotional and sexual attraction to someone he's known throughout his life. It shows the level of emotional stress that he faces not only with his sexuality but also with the support that he must provide to his family. The complexity of the emotions is a struggle that many of us in the gay community can relate to.

I've actually been purchasing this movie as gifts because I think the story is very well presented.

Shelter was a wonderful movie. Although a low budget independent production, the writing and acting was great. It is a story to inspire hope for those in situations similar to those the characters face. For once we have a gay themed movie with a positive message. No one dies, no ends up miserable. It is a story about people making the choice to be happy.

I respectfully disagree with most of the other people who have commented about how great this movie is. My personal opinion is that the bar for gay cinema has been so lowered that this passes for greatness; it really doesn't.

It's true that the film doesn't indulge in gay stereotypes: that is, there's no campy/effete/flamboyant character to epitomize what it "is" to be a gay man. The gay men in this film drink beer, and they surf.

But all the other stereotypes are there in spades. Zach's best friend, another surfer dude, who laments "Oh, why wouldn't you come out to me? I'm your best friend!" (Listen to how he refers to his gay brother and decide whether you want to be defined by your sexuality like that from then on.) Zach's sister, who naturally doesn't want to raise her child around some "fag," but who changes her mind after one impassioned speech. And Zach's ex-girlfriend, remarkably tolerant of the fact that the guy she last slept with has moved on to sleep with guys.

Zach himself is not a gay stereotype; instead, he is an "indie movie" stereotype. The troubled kid with a heart of gold who loves his family and his nephew sooooo much that he refuses to ever call his sister (mother of the nephew) out on how poorly she's raising the kid. In almost every scene she's in, Zach's sister is busing imposing upon him to take care of Zach while she goes off galavanting with her new boyfriend who, oddly, doesn't like her kid. The exceptions are one scene when she's loudly making out with the new boyfriend while her son is asleep, and when she's imposing on Zach to take the kid for six months to a year while she moves to another city with the boyfriend. (For some reason, the ENTIRE CITY PROHIBITS THE INTRODUCTION OF CHILDREN INTO ITS BORDERS.) Zach never once complains, but instead sucks it all up, giving up portions of his social life and definitely giving up his dream of going to art school on a full scholarship.

Indie movie film vibe, I get it. But this movie isn't as great as everyone makes it out to be.

discovering yourself, coming out, a sweet love story and the variability of "family" -- truly well acted, a first rate production that could find a wider audience.