Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom (2008)

Based on the popular LOGO TV series "Noah's Arc", this romantic comedy movie continues the story of the second series. It explains what happened after the car accident with Wade Robinson (Jensen Atwood), which was a cliffhanger. Noah Nichols (Darryl Stephens) and Wade have reconciled since the series abruptly ended and they and the boys have assembled on Martha's Vineyard at Wade's family vacation home, an ocean-side mansion, to celebrate their wedding. Noah and his Arc: Alex Kirby (Rodney Chester), Ricky Davis (Christian Vincent), and Chance Counter (Douglas Spearman), retreat to Martha’s Vineyard for Noah’s intimate marriage to Wade. Whether they will actually tie the knot (or jump the broom) is anybody's guess, and they don't actually seem too sure about it either.

While Alex’s husband Trey (Gregory Kieth) video chats from home to babysit their newly adopted Ethiopian child, Chance brings his husband Eddie (Jonathan Julian), and Ricky is accompanied by 19-year old Brandon (Gary Leroi Gray) for some lighthearted dating. But as the four couples hole up and attend separate parties, each relationship begins to unravel. Alex’s pill-popping throughout the weekend, compiled with surprise drop-ins from Noah’s boss Brandy (Jennia Fredrique) and closeted superstar rapper Baby Gat (Jason Steed), don’t help Noah and Wade work through last-minute jitters. Appearances by two moms, Noah’s (Suanne Coy) and Wade’s (Tonya Pinkins), also make for some fun and tense situation comedy.

This movie has all the verve of the series, so if you are already a fan, the romantic tale will not disappoint. It's funny, sexy, warm, moving, and it feels real--a study in relationships, friendship, courtship and love, with lots of eye candy. The editing of this movie is tight and it's packed with everything fans loved about the series. Characters have all aged well and have no trouble going back into their "Noah" characters. Baby Gat steals the show, but Wilson Cruz is absent. It is a little short with a runtime of 101 minutes and the storylines could have been more developed. Adam S. Goldman and Julian Wass composed the music. John R. Gordon and Patrik-Ian Polk wrote the screenplay derived from Q. Allan Brocka's story. Patrik-Ian Polk directed.

And, There you are (2007)

Ray Dalton (Roy Kirkland) is a successful gay businessman, sharp dresser, drives a Lexus, and never meets a stranger. Love seems to be the hardest thing for him to acquire. Ray gets much advice from relatives, friends and even professionals, but continues his search for the one right man. He only dates straight guys who have girlfriends, which obviously makes his quest virtually impossible. Maybe if he just stopped dating straight men with girlfriends, he could find his one true love, but for Ray they're just too tempting. But how will he ever find true happiness when he's looking in all the wrong places? Realizing that his attraction to straight men is an emotional dead end, he does visit a psychiatrist, a real weirdo of a "hipster shrink". You'd think he'd learn his lesson after two encounters, because nobody in their right mind would behave the way this character does in real life, although the film is supposedly based on "actual events".

Gay life is not for everybody and this movie makes a good point of that. This quirky “slice of life” comedy is packed with great characters, sexy men, and even a few girls. There’s always another man around the next corner, and this lighthearted film is a gay comic dating adventure, where the straight men aren't so straight, but it doesn't make finding love any easier. It is obviously tongue in cheek humor with sub-par acting and a predictable plot. Lots of good looking shirtless straight guys is the basic theme. Technical flaws include the loudness of the songs. The credits roll is glacially slow, and the DVD extras include 25 minutes of out takes and Roy's loud music video. Expect a light funny independent low budget movie with lots of shirtless straight men and you won't be disappointed. Roy Kirkland wrote the screenplay and Doug Sebastian directed.