Much has been made about the fact that this is like a regular teen romance, except with a gay protagonist. I have to disagree. It’s still a “coming out” movie, just with a softer touch. Nick Robinson (who’s been catching flack for being a straight actor) plays the basically well-adjusted teen with loving parents and supportive friends. His secret struggle involves an email correspondence with another closeted student. He spends much of the movie searching (and fantasizing) about who it might be. When he’s outed, things get predictably complicated. The approach is in line with most teen flicks, but lacks interesting dialogue, comic moments or fun characters (except the drama teacher). It’s ultimately positive and does have some heartwarming moments, but breaks no new ground for gay adolescents or teen flicks. And for a film that’s all about inclusion, there are no Asian or Hispanic characters.
(3 / 5)