Say Uncle (2005)

A young artist (Peter Paige) desperate to replace the relationship he had with his recently relocated godson is targeted by a neighborhood mom (Kathy Najimy) as a potential threat to the community.DVD Features:Available Subtitles: EnglishAvailable Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)Director commentaryBehind-the-scenes featuretteStoryboardsTrailerSystem Requirements:Run Time: 91 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA Rating: R UPC: 807839002683 Manufacturer No: TLAD168 Product Description

Not What I Expected

Was not happy with this selection. Was hoping for humer. WOuld have liked to have seen a preview of this film b4 i purchased it. This was wasted money.
March 7, 2008

Disappointing.....

I had high expectations, perhaps too high, for this film. I loved Peter Paige in Queer as Folk, and I thought incorrectly that this movie would mirror his performance in his earlier work. Also, how could a movie starring Lisa Edelstein and Kathy Najimy go astray? There are several things I did not like about this film.

Let me first say what I did like about Say Uncle. I thought the overarching message of the film was quite noteworthy, that being gay men can actually love children for all the right reasons. The film highlights our societal predisposition that tends to connect a love of children and gay men with pedophilia, and gives the audience an alternate path that reconciles this prejudicial misconception with a much more fair and realistic truth. Hence, three stars.

Now what I didn't like. The acting was not what it should have been. I hate to say it, but it's true. The movie could have used an experienced director, because throughout the film the performances had a forced quality that lacked depth and fluidity. The movie could have benefited from a liberal editor, as well.

There are scenes in this movie that should have been cut, period. Exactly why did Paul Johnson (Paige) want to give his godson Morgan a nude painting of himself encapsulated in the outline of a hand? Extremely strange, regardless of any allegorical significance. On what planet would any parent in this universe appreciate such a gesture? Also, what's with Sarah (Edelstein) giving Paul a nude picture of her son dressed up in a cowboy hat and boots? If these types of parents actually exist, keep them far away from me. And let's not forget Paul's addiction to both donuts and playgrounds. Come on....

It was sad to see Paige squander an opportunity to make a good film, because I think he does have talent. I came away from this experience with a creepy/sad/bored frame of mind, ultimately disappointed with this movie. I think highly of the cast, but this film simply lacks wind....


November 17, 2007

Great

Great Movie Funny and Dramatic.

May drag a little but it is def. worth the wait. July 14, 2007

just plain weird

I'm still not sure if I liked the movie or not. It was just plain weird watching throughout.

Peter Paige (Queer as Folk) plays Paul Johnson who is a gay godfather of one of his closest friend's son. When the family finally tells him that they're moving to Japan within the week, Paul is shocked and is left in a daze. As a result, he loses his job and binges on donuts.

Naive, Paul seeks to replace his grandson by playing with kids at the local park. At first, the mothers receive him warmly, assuming that he is a stay-at-home father. However, one by one, they began to interpret his behavioral patterns as of a pedophile. No thanks to Maggie (Kathy Najimy), who tells others that Paul fits the profile of a pedophile. (By the way, she looks good with all that weight loss!)

Oblivous to love, his best friend, Russell, tells him that his innocent behavior towards kids will get him in trouble. Plus, he tries to tell Paul that he's in love wit him. In denial, Paul continues his close ties with children. In digust, Maggie seeks to raise an awareness in the community that there's a pedophile among them.

All I can say that this movie was just really weird. I mean, it really is a hard sell that someone could really be that oblivious about some of one's approach to children just might be deemed inappropriate by others. Plus, the imaginary thinking and painting/graffitti by Paul on others borders on cheesiness.

I do look forward to Peter Paige's future attempts at writing and directing. I just hope he will improve dramatically from this one. This was just a little too freaky for me. July 8, 2007

Peter Paige in a Black Comedy

"SAY UNCLE"

Peter Paige in a black comedy

Amos Lassen and Cinema Pride

We love Peter Paige. He was our alter ego in "Queer as Folk" as Emmett, the gay guy who never stopped being himself no matter the situation. He continues that in "Say Uncle" (TLA Releasing) his big screen debut film. Not only does he star in the film but he directed it as well and it is an auspicious foray into the world of filmmaking.
Paige plays Paul, a gay artist who has centered his life on his godson. When the family moves away taking the boy with them, Paul is beside himself. He begins spending time at a local playground but some of the parents find it alarming that a single man would want to spend so much time looking at the children and controversy ensues. Naturally the parents band together against Paul and are led by the always fabulous Kathy Najimy.
We do not have many comedies about gay pedophiles and admittedly the idea does not strike me as a good one. But surprisingly this is a very tender and funny movie. Paige is, as usual, superb as he reinforces the feeling that I had about him when I saw him on TV.
As a hapless loner after his godson and family move to Japan, Paige shows the gamut of emotion as he is labeled as a pedophile. Coming out of that depression, he decides to relive his happy times with his godson by visiting the local playground and he is warned to be careful by his boyfriend Russell (Anthony Clark of TV's "Last Comic Standing). Not only is Paul endangering himself but he is hurting the chance of a relationship with a guy who is sincerely interested in him. Russell warns him that "people might get the wrong idea". Paul responds by pretending that he has no idea of the idea that is mentioned, brushes the sand off of a little girl and takes another to the bathroom. As expected a group of local mothers led by Maggie (Najimy) steps in to do something.
I sometimes felt that "Say Uncle" was dealing with the issue of the persecution of gay people but instead I realized that this is where the movie lost itself. I could not understand the nature of homophobia here as it was muddled. Even with its faults, I loved this movie. There were great lines and a lot of wit. It could have been so much better but even as it is I felt as I had seen a really good movie and, of course, I recommend it. Some reviewers have been very hard on this movie. I can't understand why.
As I stated earlier, Paige gives a bravura performance but it could have been so much more and I think that the script is at fault here. Aside from the character of Paul, the other characters are poorly defined and those of us that know that Najimy is really out friend will have a hard time seeing her as an opponent.
January 14, 2007

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