Search - 9 Dead Gay Guys on DVD

A Classy Little Cult Film

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 08/20/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"NINE DEAD GAY GUYS is a hoot! Director/Writer Ky Mo Lab has concocted a tale of two Irish lads (Byron played by Brendan Mackey and Kenny played by Glenn Mulhern) who have come to London to find the 'streets paved with gold' and instead find that the only way to support their wayward habits of drinking and bumming off others is to play the gay pub route, making money giving sexual favors in the johns. In this dubious line of work they encounter the subterfuge of London's seamy side and come upon a murder that has to do with 'Queen' (Michael Praed), an Orthodox Jew named Golder's Green (Simon Godley) who is obsessed with 'size'9 (a fact which eventually leads to the path of the man directly and indirectly responsible for the deaths of nine gay guys), and a supporting commedia dell'arte bunch of oddballs. The cast of highly original and hilarious characters includes a Lesbian pub owner Iron Lady (Karen Sharman), a cab driver Dick-Cheese Deepak (Abdala Keserwani), a dwarf (Raymond Griffith), and others. The photography is appropriately smarmy, the sets and production design are some of the best color manipulation you'll find anywhere, the musical score fits the plot, and the use of over titles at the right moments punctuates the comic book atmosphere of the piece. Excellent acting from everyone involved, a spiky and uproariously funny script and a general sense of great British satire make this film about what could be construed to be a shady topic simply an all out good time to watch. And there is even a touch of tenderness at the ending, which makes a major statement about corporal vs. spiritual love. Excellent!"

Dark comedy that never really delivers the laughs

Get What We Give | Georgia | 06/23/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Nine Dead Gay Guys is an interesting little film. I don't know that I would qualify it as pure farce or pure dark comedy, but it quite well could be a mix of both. Unfortunately, it never rises above silliness in its attempt at humor, leaving the viewer wondering where the laughter is.Straight Irish lad Kenny follows his also straight mate Byron to London upon Byron's assurance that he's gotten lucrative employment. Much to Kenny's chagrin, there is no job, Byron was lying. Byron lives as a squatter in an abandoned building drinking himself blind and earning money to pay for it by providing sexual services to the men at the local gay pub.Shortly, Kenny gets sucked into the whole "gay for pay" scheme. The plot revolves around Kenny and Byron trying to hunt down a supposed stash of cash in the bed of a gay man called "The Queen". However, as they move on their merry way to find the money they accidentally leave behind a trail of dead bodies.All of this could have been much funnier if the script and direction had been tighter. The lead actors are up to the task and are quite likable and talented. However, the sum of the parts does not provide a really cohesive storyline.It's really just a fair film that could have faired better, I think, with a stronger hand directing the action and a more competent hand at editing.Pleasant, but not really worth bothering."

A campy and irreverent search for a hidden stash of cash

gac1003 | 06/01/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Young Irishman Kenny decides to follow in the footsteps of his best mate Byron, who left to make his fortune in the big city -- London. He finds Byron shacked up in an abandoned building, but worse, he learns that his best mates been earning his money not in some blue-collar trade but as a hustler at the local gay bar. In spite of this, Kenny decides to stay on with his mate and soon finds himself drawn Byron's life, as his money quickly runs out.But things take an unusual turn when words spreads that The Queen has been murdered. Stories abound about a hidden trove of cash tucked away in the gigantic bed she shared with her lover, Golders Green, an Orthodox Jew. Determined to find the money, they set off around London in search of Golders' house, leaving a trail of accidental deaths, a desparate dwarf, and Kenny discovering the truth about himself. Writer/Director Ky Mo Lab's first film is irreverant, ballsy, campy and just plain fun. The dialogue is sharp and funny, and delivered incredibly well by all the actors. Glen Mulhern and Brendan Mackey are wonderful as the duo of Kenny and Byron. They come across as genuine friends, willing to help one another out in a pinch. The featured actors are equally fine, including Vas Blackwood, Steven Berkoff, Michael Praed, and Karen Sharman. But, Raymond Griffiths almost steals the entire movie as The Desparate Dwarf who only wants someone to have sex with him.The movie doesn't take itself too seriously, which makes it even more enjoyable. A great film that will have you laughing out loud."

Finally an Irish Comedy for the Rest Of Us!

J. Brennan | San Francisco, CA United States | 02/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a great movie! While the story is based in London, it is about 2 Irish guys abroad. How the Irish view colors their view and experiences. How well Irish-English describes bizarre situations. How others respond to the Irish.



Looking to get out of Ireland, seemingly the North, to make a buck, our fellows live off the city, and discover new ways to get by. What follows is a very light and funny story of how different ethnic groups clash in even little ways as they melt in the pot, and the inter-relatedness of it all.



I watch lots of 'gay' movies, and so many of them stink. This one sails, avoids political correctness, yet is never mean spirited. If you do not get Irish humor or social commentary, skip it. Otherwise, you will have a great time!"