Humpday

Reviews

Humpday: Wonderfully, Uncomfortably Awkward

Bromance: it's a trendy topic.

Bromance: it's a trendy topic. Between Brody Jenner's reality show, Paul Rudd and Jason Segel's I Love You, Man, and practically anything Judd Apatow touches, it's clear that platonic man-love on film is here to stay. Sundance darling Humpday takes the notion to an entirely new level, but not in the way you might expect. It's not overtly graphic — Bruno is much, much more in-your-face — but the squirm factor here is just as high. The uncomfortableness comes not from the explicit content (there is only one scene of brief nudity), but more from the raw, emotional dialogue and shockingly realistic acting.

I went into the screening expecting a film similar in tone to John Cameron Mitchell's Shortbus — lots of indie actors, a sprinkling of sex scenes, a few off-beat laughs. And, while all of that is true, this movie feels wildly different. In fact, if I had to compare it to one other film it would be, weirdly, The Blair Witch Project. Topically the two couldn't be more different, but from the way each are shot (documentary style) to the way the characters interact, both give you a feeling that you're in on the action. As my friend said, "I feel like I'm living these scenes." I couldn't agree more.

To hear more about the plot of the film and what I liked, read more

Video

Humpday: Takes the Bromance to Its Logical Conclusion

I can't wait to see Humpday, director Lynn Shelton's new film about old college friends who decide to enter an amateur porn filmmaking contest and to have sex with one another on film.

I can't wait to see Humpday, director Lynn Shelton's new film about old college friends who decide to enter an amateur porn filmmaking contest and to have sex with one another on film. Did I mention they're straight men? Shelton has said that the film is about how straight men can turn anything into a competition — even if it means having to do each other.

The film hasn't come out yet, so I'm only going on reviews and the director's comments, but I'm a little disappointed that the sex doesn't arise for the two men out of confused affection for one another, but rather because of a contest. To hear why I think we need more films about men loving each other (or lovin' on one another) and why it's good for women, read more

Ewan McGregor

2009 Sundance Spotlight: Adam, Humpday, I Love You Phillip Morris

While I won't be heading to the 2009 Sundance Film Festival this year, I will be sorting through the humongous pile of festival entries to share with you some of the films I think look most promising.

While I won't be heading to the 2009 Sundance Film Festival this year, I will be sorting through the humongous pile of festival entries to share with you some of the films I think look most promising. From quirky documentaries (like Chris Rock's) to talented young filmmaker debuts to a potential runaway hit, Sundance is filled with entertainment possibilities. Here are today's selections:

Adam
Boy, do I love me some Hugh Dancy and I've been waiting for this actor to land a juicy, leading role. Well, my prayers have been answered with Adam, in which he stars as a fellow who's a little bit different. The movie explores the idea that "truly reaching another person means bravely stretching into discomfiting territory — and the shake-up can be liberating." Dancy's co-stars include Damages's Rose Byrne, as well as Frankie Faison, Peter Gallagher, Amy Irving, and Mark Linn-Baker. I can't wait to see this one!

For two others, including that jail movie with Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor, just read more