Get Real

You will marvel at Steven's courage, empathize with his pain, and just simply fall in love with this complex and totally adorable young man. His love interest, another complex character, is also brilliantly played. Steven's next-door neighbor and (female) best friend is the only character who comes across as somewhat stereotypical (an overweight fag-hag type), yet her performance avoids the pitfalls that the stereotypical characterization could've created.

The quirky humor the director interjects throughout the film will catch you off guard at times - during the scene inside the park men's room, when the soundtrack started playing The Troggs' "Love is All Around", I had to supress an urge to laugh uproariously and at the top of my lungs (I first saw the film in a theater).

"Get Real" is a "must see" for anyone who knows what it feels like to be young, gay & in the closet, and also for straight folk who wish to understand the difficulties GLBT people have to face, even in our contemporary, allegedly "enlightened" world.


A funny, moving gay coming-of-age story   November 12, 2002
Michael J. Mazza (Pittsburgh, PA USA)
24 out of 25 found this review helpful

"Get Real" is a great gay coming-of-age story. This British film has a screenplay by Patrick Wilde and is directed by Simon Shore. It stars Ben Silverstone as Steven Carter, a teenage schoolboy who's looking for gay love and sex. He's only out of the closet to his friend Linda (played by Charlotte Brittain), who feels like an outsider herself because of her large weight. The film follows Steven as he deals with the joys, pain, and frustration of being a gay youth.

"Get Real" certainly touches on some controversial issues, such as teenage sexual activity and public "cruising" for sex. But I believe the filmmakers handle these and other issues with intelligence and sensitivity. Stephen is a writer, so the role of the student press is also a factor in the story.

Wilde's script has some really engrossing dialogue, and Shore directs his scenes with grace and skill. Classic songs are cleverly used throughout the film to underscore the characters' emotional states.

It's the outstanding performances of "Get Real" that really make this film excellent. Silverstone shines in the title role; he brings a rich blend of strength, vulnerability, impishness, and sexual energy to his character. Much of the film rests on his shoulders, and he succeeds totally. Silverstone has great onscreen chemistry with gal pal Brittain, who brings a nice dash of spice to her character. Other strong performances are turned in by Brad Gorton (as the school jock who is the object of Steve's affection) and Jacquetta May (as Steve's mother).

"Get Real" is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining film, but it is also a film which deals with serious sociological issues in a compelling and compassionate way. The film vividly explores the burdens faced by gay youth: homophobic harrassment from classmates, internalized homophobia, etc. But ultimately I found this to be an uplifting and hopeful film. Highly recommended, especially for high school teachers and counselors.


Wonderful film - my boyfriend thought otherwise   February 24, 2000
Richard Engelhardt (Boca Raton, FL United States)
21 out of 22 found this review helpful

This film is excellent because it illustrates gay love in a respectable way. This movie isn't about only sex, like "Edge of Seventeen", it's about true, innocent love, like "Beautiful Thing." Except, this film is 10 times better than "Beautiful Thing."

I loved this film because I could relate to it on a small degree. Everything the the characters do, I wish I had done with a perticular boy in high school. But fear kept me from doing it. This film was my way to live out what I didn't experience.

My boyfriend, on the other hand, was able to live out what he desired. When the film was over, he was very upset. The film was a direct parallel to his life. All the wonderful and exciting feelings of love mixed in with the bitter reality of physical and emotional pain hit a little bit to close to home for him.

Based upon our differing views, I can say that this film will touch the lives of many people that see it. It is inspiring to see two young men innocently in love with each other. The film shows the kind of love that many gay men aspire to have in their own life and it illustrates how stupidity and fear can cause complications in a relationship.


Out of this World-The Best Yet   August 15, 2000
Michael Streets (Elkton, MD USA)
21 out of 22 found this review helpful

From the first moment I saw the preview for this movie, I knew I had to see it. The moment I saw it, I knew I had to own it. As a gay man who went to high school in the late 70's I found myself completely enraptured by the touching, honest, funny and frank portrayal of the feelings and dreams that I had as a teenager. Ben Silverstone. What can I say? As Steven Carter, he is one of the most natural young actors that I have ever seen. Whether straight or gay, Mr. Silverstone captured my heart and mind from the minute he appeared on the screen. Charlotte Brittain, as Linda, reminded me of the one true friend that I had throughout this same period in my life. Finally I have to say that although not as endearing or engaging as Mr. Silverstone, Brad Gorton did a wonderful job of showing the complex emotions felt by his character, John Dixon. I knew a young man very similar to him and I must say that the experience of watching them and the ultimate resolution to their relationship was, for me, very real and not entirely unknown. I found myself laughing, crying and completely satisfied at the end of the movie. I must say that with hundreds of viewings of the tape with friends and alone, the resulting deterioration leaves me no choice by to buy the DVD. I also recommend, as others before me have, Beautiful Thing. A little more of a fantasy ending, but very enjoyable none the less. And after just this minute finishing "Edge of Seventeen" I would highly recommend it too! Look for my review when it becomes available from Amazon.com