Boys Life 3 (2000)

*Get the film on Amazon here*

"Boys Life 3" is a compilation of gay-themed short films, and as with any compilation, most of the films are good and one is okay:

"Inside Out" (1996) Directed by Jason Gould (****)
Jason Gould films in familiar territory, being the son of two celebrities. He plays Aaron, a struggling actor better known for his better-known parents. He gets set up by his friend Adam (Alexis Arquette) on a blind date with a closeted man, goes to the Church of Scientology, and is hounded by a tabloid photographer (Jon Polito). Gould makes some funny observations about being the son of Hollywood royalty, even bringing in real-life dad Elliott Gould. Christina Crawford shows up at a Survivors of Celebrity Parents support meeting, as does Jordan Ladd, daughter of Cheryl Ladd. I wish more of Gould's ideas had a chance to play out and become whole. He tries too hard to get a shot in at everybody, which does not work on a film that runs under half an hour. On the other hand, his light directorial touch is perfectly suited for his screenplay.

"Just One Time" (1998) Directed by Lane Janger (****)
Anthony (Lane Janger) wants girlfriend Amy (Joelle Carter) to sleep with another woman as part of his fantasy "just one time." She then turns the tables on him. This is a vibrantly colored short, to the point, and very funny more because of its actors than Janger's screenplay. Cute stuff, women like Amy can probably relate, and maybe should try this? Later expanded to a feature-length film.

"Hitch" (2000) Directed by Bradley Rust Gray (***)
Two men, one gay and one possibly gay, drive around in a Volkswagen bus in the desert. This film had a great aged look to it, but the overuse of closeups was jarring, and it began to bore me. The two leads were good, but the script felt too light.

"Majorettes in Space" (1996) Directed by David Fourier (****)
From France, this mockumentary ties in one heterosexual couple, one gay man, the production of condoms, the Pope, and the obvious fact that when a Cosmonaut calls his wife a "fat cow," he is using a metaphor. This is a very fast and freaky collection of images, and it not only works, but makes some kind of sense. Fourier is making a statement about AIDS and protecting oneself sexually, but he does not take his point and belabor it.
*BAFTA*
-Best Short Film (won)

"$30" (1999) Directed by Gregory Cooke (****)
Teenage Scott (Erik MacArthur) is presented with thirty dollar teen prostitute Emily (Sara Gilbert) on his birthday by his father (Gregory Itzin), and she eventually figures out why he is not interested in her. The film is a good effort, with MacArthur and Gilbert scoring major indie film points, and they have a really nice chemistry. Emily's character is not delved into much but then again, this is not her story. Cooke's direction is fine, if not a bit awkward here and there, and Christopher Landon's script is smart- except for the predictable inside joke concerning Emily's choice of TV viewing habits. A solid entry in the collection.

"Boys Life 3" is recommendable based on all the films, with "Majorettes in Space" being the best film.

Stats:
(2000) 79 min. (* * * *) out of five stars
-Directed by Jason Gould, Lane Janger, Bradley Rust Gray, David Fourier, Gregory Cooke
-Cast: Jason Gould, Alexis Arquette, Jon Polito, Elliott Gould, Christina Crawford, Jordan Ladd, Lane Janger, Joelle Carter, Sara Gilbert, Erik MacArthur, Gregory Itzin
(Not Rated)