The FLGLFF took place this past weekend, and boy was it was a doozie. The festival featured films from all over the world, including the films reviewed below. We are thankful that festivals like this are possible, and are looking forward to next year’s lineup.
While “G.B.F.” is essentially the lovechild of “Juno,” “Saved,” and “Mean Girls,” it exceeded my expectations in a big way. I knew going into the theatre that “G.B.F.” is a comedy designed for teens. Now, that’s not to say that the jokes won’t fly with an older crowd, but the overwhelming usage of “totes” and “amazeballs” may be particularly grating if you’re over the age of 20. However, keep in mind that it’s intentional. The entire film is comedy gold, mixing tongue-in-cheek humor with outlandish one-liners in an interesting and refreshing storyline. After being accidentally outed, lead male Tanner is chased by every popular girl in high school to secure the ultimate “accessory” – a G.B.F., or gay best friend.
The key here is that Tanner is not the sidekick, or the best friend: he is the central character. We see him go from being a nerdy comic book geek to a full-fledged popular boy, or a “plastic” for all you “Mean Girls” fans out there. Is the story similar to “Mean Girls?” Absolutely. But what makes the film stand out, is Tanner himself. Tanner experiences the discomfort of being outed as well as the process of self-discovery in a world where everyone is suddenly watching him. To a certain extent, many people within the LGBT community can relate, so about ten minutes in, the age barrier is shattered.
There is some sexual tension between Tanner and his closeted best friend Brent, and a good portion of the film centers on their relationship, trying to find the balance between friendship and romance. The chemistry between the two is hilarious, awkward and satisfying all at once. Brent’s mother, played by Megan Mullaly, had major comedic relief duty, but luckily, it didn’t feel forced. She wants Brent to come out to her so badly that she can’t help but make inappropriate, awkward sex jokes to get a reaction out of him. “Who’s got the poppers?” she asks in one scene.
The film, while juvenile and silly, was surprisingly quirky and funny, ala Diablo Cody’s screenplay for Juno. It features a great cast, with hilarious performances by Natasha Lyonne, Rebecca Gayheart, Evanna Lynch (best known for her role as Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter films), and even a small role from singer JoJo.
For an independent comedy, “G.B.F.” is as good as they come. It leaves viewers with a smile on their face and a completely new vocabulary. What more can you ask for?
