Eating Out 1 & 2: No reservations needed

Reviewer: James van Maanen
Eating Out Rating (out of 5): ****
Eating Out 2 Rating (out of 5): ***½

I approached the original Eating Out with some reservations -- not the kind you make for dinner but the sort you get from reading very nasty critical reviews. What a happy surprise, then, to discover a gay movie that tackles thorny questions (sexual identity, the bi-guy syndrome and women who are just too attracted to gay men) but does it all with such a devil-may-care attitude that prudes had better run for the hills. There are so many very funny lines--more, almost, than you can keep up with--and if the cast does not approach the higher reaches of sophisticated comedy that might turn this into a first-class romp, they are all so attractive, energetic and game that they manage to carry it off nonetheless. Bonus treat: one of the hottest, most intelligent and enjoyable sex scenes to grace a gay (or straight) movie, all of which is done nudity free (well, there ARE bare male chests), using just two telephones and three people--one of whom is not even present.

Supposedly, Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds is the first sequel in the (relatively short) history of the gay movie genre. Following a pattern that unfortunately has few exceptions among sequels, it is not as special--funny, witty, hot and original--as was its predecessor. However, since EO2 is still better than most of what passes for gay comedy, there is no reason not to see and enjoy it. If the "tongue" sex here is not up to the level of the previous "phone" sex, it's still both a hot and funny scene. The film's pointed smack at groups that claim to "cure" homosexuality is timely, trenchant and amusing--and the finale offers the same special combination of in-your-face stance and sweet n' silly charm that distinguished the original.

It's this odd, delightful blend that sets apart the Eating Out franchise: a peculiarly gay attitude that makes no apologies or special provisions for its otherness and places sex, and the longing for it, in a prominent position--the rest of the world be damned. That the moviemakers and their cast pursue this with such abandon, gusto and genuine sweetness is the key to its success. A word must also be said about the special "unveiling" scene that this sequel offers. This occurs early-on in an art class and should take your breath away. According to the "extras" in the DVD, the moment received a deserved ovation when the film had its first gay festival screening. You'll understand why (and probably rise to attention) when you see it.