When we think of romantic comedies, we think of Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, or Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.
Girl-boy affairs all.
Now, director Jim Fall brings us "Trick," a '90s-style romantic comedy starring two straight actors playing two love-struck gay men.
Where Fall succeeds is making a film lightheartened enough for all folks -- straight or gay -- to embrace, a welcome departure from the issue-laden and dark gay films of the '80s.
We follow Gabriel, a 20-something musical theater writer, and Mark, a go-go boy who connects with Gabriel after his nightclub show and suggests they find some privacy. But their attempts to be alone fail one after another, giving them time to get to know each other and to explore their feelings.
Christian Campbell (TV's "Degrassi High," "Malibu Shores," "Seduced by Madness"; brother of Neve Campbell of "Party of Five") will win your heart over as Gabriel, the innocent with Grand Canyon dimples. J.P. Pitoc, who's active in the New York theater scene, plays the well-muscled Mark. This is Pitoc's first film, and although his screen appeal withers next to Campbell's, he turns in a performance that makes the viewer wonder about his motives and if the movie is going to take a dark turn.
Tori Spelling, the do-gooder Donna in "90210," plays Katherine, Gabriel's childhood friend-turned-actress who depends on him to run lines with her and listen to her endless theater chat. Spelling is surprising good and gets the biggest laugh of the film when she throws a hissy-fit in a diner after Gabriel chastises her for intruding on his and Mark's evening and then dominating the conversation.
"Trick," which opens this weekend at Plaza Six, will draw you in, not for its dramatic storyline but for its mix of true-to-life and over-the-top characters.
Partial nudity and a handful of swear words. Rated R.
-- Jan Biles' phone message number is 832-7146. Her e-mail address is jbiles@ljworld.com.
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