Search - The Houseboy on DVD

Not such a gem.

groomRN | Illinois USA | 08/17/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This movie had it's moments, and it was worth watching once, but I wouldn't call it a "gem". Hard to see where that adjective fits in, but to each their own.

Not bad, not good, just an average gay themed movie."

The lead actor is very good

Patrick | Wisconsin, USA | 08/21/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I think people are WAY too hard on this movie. It deserves more positive reviews particularly because of the lead actor, Nick May. He does a fantastic job creating a character who you can really sympathize with. He's this young kid who gets tangled up in a 3 way relationship with two older men (believe me, there are lot of old guys out there looking for that) and he realizes that nobody really cares about him. The two older guys go to visit their family and ditch him on Christmas. The boy ends up finding himself turning to sex just to get some affection. He tells his hookups he's going to kill himself just hoping that somebody will care enough to tell him not to do it. I really felt bad for this character. His parents disowned him and his sister is horrible too. The actor does a brilliant job of making this character feel like he's all alone in the world.



There are a couple of horrible scenes in the movie that should have been left out. One involving a Santa and Mrs Clause jumping around and another involving an orgy. The orgy was just exploitative. Probably to try and get more people to watch the movie. Which is a shame because it takes away from the serious subject matter.



Anyway, I hope Nick May finds more work because he's a really good actor."

Somewhat dark, emotional story of BoyToy left "Home Alone"

Bob Lind | Phoenix, AZ United States | 08/03/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ricky (Nick May) is a cute twinkish 21 year old who is "The Houseboy" (2007) to a gay couple in New York City. Or, more accurately, he is their frequent bed partner, or "toy" that they use to try to convince themselves that their relationship is as solid as it was when they first met ten years before. When the couple goes to one of their parents for Christmas, Ricky is left alone to housesit and care for their small menagerie of fish, bunnies, hamsters and feral cats.



What they don't know is that Ricky overheard one of them lament that he wanted a "new toy" for Christmas, which devastated the young man, who had recently become estranged from his family after coming out to them. Already depressed by being alone during the holidays, and devastated at the thought of being tossed aside by the couple he thought loved him, he plans to commit suicide in their home on Christmas Eve, so that they will discover him when they return. In the meantime, he hooks up with anonymous tricks he meets on the internet, agrees to go home with a kindly older man, and has a couple of dangerous liaisons with a rough-trade hood he met in a park. The one bright spot of his week is meeting Blake (Blake Young-Fountain), a guy his own age who seems genuinely friendly and real, but is put off by Ricky's premature push toward intimacy.



Despite some delightful eye candy, the film's overall impression is darkly emotional and somewhat depressing, at first. Stick with it, however, as there are some surprises in store. Acting is adequate, the direction a bit sloppy in parts, but, overall, this is a noteworthy dramatic film that won some kudos at gay film festivals, though a bit uneven for my taste. Not rated, but likely would have been an NC-17 due to some full nudity, graphic drug use, and simulated sex. DVD includes some outtakes. I give it four twink-ling stars out of five."

Disturbing and in a very sad way, kind of pathetic

Stewart M. Mawdsley | Canada | 12/17/2008

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This film is an aimless story about a guy recently disowned by his family. Sadly, that's the only thing about the character that inspires sympathy. The one facet in which this movie succeeds is showing a young guy with absolutely no self respect and his series of increasingly dangerous and drug addled trysts while he plans to kill himself on Christmas eve. Yes...it's that depressing.



This movie represents everything that's wrong and stereotypical about gay cinema - dark, depressing and self-absorbed characters. Poignant only in its depravity."