ChicRawIdol
A brilliant film that helped define a genre
Haven Kaycee
It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film
Fleur
Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.
Scott Stowell
Simply one of the poorest movies ever made. I made it through 35 minutes and threw in the towel. I read enough summaries and reviews to know that it might be a realistic plot but it was horribly put together so it did not matter. Perhaps with a different budget and director the movie would garner 1 star. I felt like I was watching a first year film student's attempt at being artistic and he/she miserably failed. The lighting is beyond poor. I was so bored I counted the minutes until the first scene where the lighting was sufficient to recognize character faces (22 minutes). The sound editing is just bizarre with random scenes with no sound and then bizarre sound effects thrown in for god knows what reason. Sound levels are all over the place and most of the dialogue is inaudible. If I could give it a negative star I would.
chizzy
I picked up a copy of Denied because it features one of my actor contacts. I didn't know what to expect. Lee Rumohr stars as Troy, a 20-something jock with a torturous attraction to his seemingly straight roommate. For the most part, Rumohr delivers a good performance -- far better than this sophomoric production deserves. Matt Austin is hit and miss in the role of Merrick, the object of Troy's affection. To Austin's credit, he gets saddled with moments of cringe-inducing dialogue the likes of which very few actors could sell. Sarah Kanter, Matthew Finlason (battling demons of his own), Nathalie Toriel and Stefan Brogren round out the supporting cast.The entire piece has a voyeuristic look, almost like seeing through the lens of a low-rent documentarian. For some, the natural lighting and sound will serve as an interesting change from the typical Hollywood fare. Uncompromising realism. For others, it will serve only as a cheap distraction. Additionally, director David Scott lets much of the story play out in long takes--often master shots--either for effect or due to a tight shooting schedule. The end result isn't very cinematic. I couldn't help but think that, assisted by a good dramaturg, this might have worked better as a stage play.Despite its many flaws I'm giving Denied a neutral rating rather than a negative one, if only for Rumohr's sincere effort. Finlason and Toriel are good as well in their respective roles. But when all is said and done, the journey is inconsequential.
Simple_chic_84
Well It wasn't THAT bad of a movie the storyline was really good but many of the technical aspects were not the greatest. Poor lighting Poor sound. some bad camera angles. You would Think it was a project of a high school student. If it wasn't so technically bad it was would be really good. i mean some Parts I thought were good Hence where the spoiler warning comes in.Merrick's Quote "Your not homosexual Your Merrick Sexual" Troysniffs Merricks shirt (i think its his shirt) the kiss at the end And a side note Matt Austin Makes a much Better Power Ranger.
gfipps
A very surprising and engrossing movie. It transcends the gay, coming of age theme and provides insights on human relationships at a much deeper level. The relationship of the two leads is just one of several presented. Its interesting that the most "honest" and interesting relationship in the movie is between the lead and his former high school girl friend.The poor production quality does interfere, but the movie has a great style and cinematic symbolism. Most of the movie takes place at night, in dimly lit rooms, etc, echoing the darkness in the relationships, but there are the scenes in bright daylight where the characters seem to be able to better reflect on the realities. The acting is excellent with a very "real" feel.
