Friday September 14, 2001

Grade:

B-

Hollywood films love the idea of a soulmate - that two people are destined to end up together. By perpetuating this myth, the happily-ever-after ending of romantic comedies is guaranteed - because no matter how many obstacles are thrown in the way of the star-crossed lovers, their fate will be the same: happiness, matrimony, utter bliss.

"All Over the Guy," actor-writer Dan Bucatinsky's new film, recycles this very Hollywood version of love - albeit with a gay twist. Eli (Bucatinsky) and Tom (Richard Ruccolo) are destined to be together, although neither really wants to admit to it, and they are both struggling with less-than-perfect childhoods.

Eli's parents are uber-shrinks who meddle and psychoanalyze their son ad nauseum, while Tom's folks have quite a fondness for alcohol. Tom, too, seems to have inherited his own thirsty gene, and his struggle with alcoholism acts as one of the major stumbling blocks for the relationship. The figures of the parents are generally stereotyped and somewhat extreme - obviously exaggerated for comic effect, but Bucatinsky and director Julie Davis stretch the audience's credibility a little too far.

Tom and Eli are more nuanced characters, though we are often reminded of Eli's neuroses and Tom's commitment phobia. Their straight friends Jackie and Brett (Sasha Alexander and Adam Goldberg, respectively) - who themselves hook up and act as a straight parallel to the gay men in their lives - are effectively employed as foils to the leading men. The banter that ensues in this foursome is often witty and amusing.

In fact, many moments of the film are amusing, and witty, and heartwarming (trying desperately to avoid using the word "cute" but somehow it is so fitting), but ultimately "Guy" is hampered by too many obstacles, too many needless (and often incomprehensible) delays in the union of Eli and Tom. First it's alcoholism, then Tom's sister, then Eli's clinginess, then Tom's fear of commitment, and on and on.

All the while, the two men get together and then fall apart repeatedly, creating this push-and-pull with the audience's emotions that proves more frustrating than satisfying. It's not just that there are so many obstacles, but that they are muddled and the reasons behind them are simply not clear.

Still, the film is enjoyable. Its catchy dialogue ("you do the math," initial speak) and touching romantic moments pull all the heartstrings that Julia Roberts normally lays claim to. Lighthearted and fast-paced, "All Over the Guy" proves it is more than just another gay flick.