ALL OVER THE GUY
SYNOPSIS:
Friends Jackie (Sasha Alexander) and Brett (Adam Goldberg) introduce Eli (Dan Bucatinsky)
to Tom (Richard Ruccolo), whose initial meetings are disastrous. But Jackie and Brett
believe they are right for each other, and as they themselves get caught up in
cupid’s game, the two reluctant lovers find a complicated, often painful road to
romance.
Review by Andrew L. Urban:
Dan Bucatinsky adapted his own stage play, in which the reluctant lovers were boy/girl.
The film’s boast is that it is not a gay movie, really, but a movie about
relationships. This is true, in that stereotyping is absent. But you can’t really
have a successful romantic comedy without sensibilities of one kind or another, and gay
sensibilities have to be part of the communication between the characters. The film works
as a relationship movie, with one straight and one gay couple in the mix. Lots of amusing
dialogue and sharp, truthful performances make this a potential for cross-over marketing
– if cross-over is the right word in this context. The story brings in the parents of
the two gay men, one set more damaged than the other. Some of this provides ballast and
grist, but some of it comes close to parody and stereotype. Nonetheless, enough interest
is generated by the characters to keep us focused and the well developed themes of
identity and sincerity work well to maintain attention. The storytelling structure adds
interest, with a gritty cameo by Doris Roberts as a receptionist at a STD clinic, where
she triggers the unraveling of the story.
Review by Louise Keller:
Fresh and good natured, All Over The Guy is a breezy gay comedy about two guys from very
different backgrounds who are looking for love. Dan Bucatinsky has switched the genders of
his main characters from his play Two Guys and a Girl to create this story about life,
friends and relationships. It's a well written script, fast paced and punctuated by
colourful insights into friendship, family and behaviour. Eli's intensity is countered by
Tom's fear of being stifled and although the film may be generally marketed to gay
audiences, there is enough appeal to cater for a broader market. I especially enjoyed the
development of the relationship between Jackie and Brett, who ground the film with good
humour. The scene when they meet in a furniture store, and Jackie happens to select the
only furniture item that Brett has designed is well conceived and thoroughly entertaining.
Watch out for cameos by Christina Ricci, Lisa Kudrow, and Doris Roberts – the latter
is an absolute scene stealer as a sympathetic, worldly receptionist in a STD clinic, where
Eli waits for test results. With its upbeat soundtrack, likeable characters and emotional
heart, All Over The Guy is an enjoyable diversion about commitment, whatever your
persuasion.
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CRITICAL COUNT
Favourable: 2
Unfavourable: 0
Mixed: 0

ALL OVER THE GUY (M)
(US)
CAST: Dan Bucatinsky, Richard Ruccolo, Sasha Alexander, Adam Goldberg, Doris Roberts
DIRECTOR: Julie Davis
PRODUCERS: Susan Dietz, Donnie Land, Juan Mas, Dan Bucatinsky
SCRIPT: Dan Bucatinsky
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Goran Pavicevic
EDITOR: Glann Garland, Mary Morrisey
MUSIC: Peter Stuart
PRODUCTION DESIGN: Fanae Aaron
RUNNING TIME: 95 minutes
AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTOR: Niche Pictures
AUSTRALIAN RELEASE: March 7, 2002
VIDEO DISTRIBUTOR: AV Channel
VIDEO RELEASE: August 7, 2002
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