Review of All the Rage (1999) by Tim N — 31 Jul 2011

The movie ad says it's a "gay satire" but it would only satisfy homophobic conservatives because the main character (Chris) is so narcissistic, egocentric, and selfish. The movie has a fatal flaw. Chris played blandly by John-Michael Lander is buffed and coiffed in a "manufactured" way but is he likable enough to talk to and is he that good in bed to go off on a second date with? Without these detaiils, the audience is left to fill in the blanks and in my perspective, he's simply eye candy, nothing more.

There's more gay stereotypes in his BFFs in a relationship, Dave and Larry (Jay Corcoran and Paul Outlaw respectively). Get ready for more stereotyping in Stewart (David Vincent who provides the best acting here) and the lonely pscho John (Jeff Miller). The only scenes that I liked were the satire of the therapist Dr. Diva played by a look-alike Lee Grant (too bad Grant wasn't hired since she would have eaten up the scenery).

Not a likable protaganist and not a likable movie but give it a llittle credit for trying. I was interested in this movie since it's based on a stage play and because of all the angst, it is better suited to the stage than film which is unforgiving in stereotypes.