Broadway Damage (1998)

A gem of a film

I found this picture ten years after it was released and it is as fresh as if it were made this year. The plot is not new, but the fact that it is handled with loving expertise by director Mignatti makes the story seem fresh and new. The acting is excellent and the production values are good. The entire cast works on the same professional level. The original songs and soundtrack are refreshing. I'll admit, it may take a romantic to love this film. I've watched it several time, and like all good cinema, it only gets better with repeated viewing.
May 6, 2008

Ultimately Successful

Probably not the most original, maybe not the most convincingly realistic, possibly a bit long on angst and overwhelming with positive turns of events at the end, but this is a film that I enjoyed watching.

I have seen a number of films lately that work to be artsy and deep. This film has the sense to be what it is and doesn't apologize. It's kind of a modern musical, and overwhelmingly successful with the music as it's chosen and placed within the film. I found myself looking for the soundtrack, which I'm sure would be worthwhile too.

How many modern films can say they are inspired by and adapted from musicals? It works here, and the dialogue, too, is interesting, witty, and just plain fun.

The pacing is good, the characters are interesting and well-developed, the relationship and friendship (and rodent and insect) problems are nearly universal, and it's all tied up with a bow in the end, accompanied by an appropriate anthem. Good fun. It's worth your time. December 4, 2006

A Cute Film

Was this the greatest movie ever? No. But it is a very cute and entertaining movie. I watch it whenever I need cheering up. There is a lot of humor and a happy ending, so it does it for me. August 28, 2006

Maybe......"THE GRAND GESTURE"

C'mon, World, wake up and REdiscover this little gay gem of a movie. There are so many out there that easily deserve their 0- or 1-Star; surely this little pearl deserves more. Yes, 1997's "Broadway Damage" is probably one of the most underrated and least known "gems" of gay filmdom........why not discover its delights yourself?

So, just what is it about this production? Well, hey, there's no weird, dreary storyline; it's lite and fun......with guys who are not afraid to kiss. Yes, Michael Shawn Lucas (as Marc) has a body "to die for" and, c'mon, when he's also as earnestly sincere and sweet as he is, who wouldn't wanna wind up with him. And it would be very hard to forget Aaron Williams (as Robert), playing an endearing "little puppy" of a guy, who'll bring down Marc in the end. In fact, both male leads wear their sincerity on their sleeves----kinda refreshing to think there might still be guys like this out there.

Above all, if you can't stand the sunny sincerity of a Broadway musical (but without all the singing), then stay away from this cuz it definitely tries to be sincere.......and succeeds at that in spades. Along with this there's really great cinematography: brite and colorful (how'd they do it with what must have been a piddl'in budget?). Hey, and there's that soundtrack to fall in love with, too. How Director Victor Mignatti put all this together, with no more money than he likely had, is anybody's guess and is a minor (scratch that), major miracle. How does a guy like this then just disappear from directing for the next 8, 9 years????? Sad, sad, sad.

In closing, one thing to possibly question is if maybe, just maybe, Director Mignatti should'a rethought the title. "BD" might resonate more with NY City-ers, but his own within-the-movie phrase: "The Grand Gesture" might have had more meaning to audiences at large (would the latter, as a title, have drawn in more viewers/buyers who'd fondly remember this film?). Ah, well, Monday morning "after-thought-ing" is always easier, isn't it? Besides, any way you look at it, Marc and Robert are gonna wind up being one of the favorite couples you'll meet in your home film library from time to time.....I betcha!

PS: You know what? I'll even bet this film is one that other favorite film couples, such as Aaron & Christian* and Cedric & Laurent,** would wanna have in their home video collections.

(((* "Latter Days" / **"Just A Question Of Love")))
September 21, 2005

Fun, smart, romantic, FUN.

"Broadway Damage" is the most adorably classic, campy, sassy romantic comedy I've seen in years!

Lead role, Robert (Aaron Williams), is absolutely cute as a button and his witty Broadway-style songwriting will make you blush and smile and get up and sing! Fellow lead, Michael Shawn Lucas, plays the role of Marc, an aspiring (not so successfully) Broadway star. The two are precious in a 'perfect ten' sort of way, and are accompanied by their quirky "fag hag," hilarious, gay-ball-busting best friend Cynthia. I have to admit I'm a softie for this actress, Mara Hobel, who was also a star in "Mommie Dearest" ("No more wire hangers!"). Brilliant. Just campy brilliance.

The production is brilliant, the characters and acting impeccable, and most of all, the climate is over-the-top, Broadway-inspired, campy bliss with the rooting of a classic romantic comedy. Ingenious, this one, and I guarentee it will leave you smiling and wanting more, especially if you're at all exhausted with the consistent formula of gay cinema. Pick this one up; it's charming and zany, and you won't be disappointed!
August 4, 2005

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