CAMPUS CRUSH: Review

I was never a fan of Queeriosity Projects for I find most of the works tasteless while highlighting one of the most lamentable landscape of gay life -pure carnal sex. You may never agree with this or might call me a prudish bitch, but hell its probably just me.

But as you may already guess, this time its different (since am devoting my time writing this review) after watching their new flick Campus Crush.

Let me begin by saying that this film is not made to enter Cannes neither Oscar, so one must admit that the movie is made in a budget or should we say technicalities and qualities parallel to that certain budget of small time film makers that is the independent movie industry of this third world. So stop making rants about it saying it is mediocre, lucrative or pointing out acting defects etc. It was flawed. Plot was unrealistic. But all in all, it is believable.

The plot was a kind of fictional one with the most realistic content buried. There's the value of friendship, family and the different aspects of gay life. Most parts are simple with symbolism in it. Gender issues are addressed in a very subtle way that does not ruin the whole playful atmosphere of the film. To focus on one thing that I love most, is how they depict the subject of gender equality. Gays seem to be all campaigning for fair treatment from heteros yet within the circle itself there is a hierarchy of power following the criteria of beauty, body and money. Good looking gays like Edge and his circle of peers look down to people like Chamyto, calling them losers and other names for reasons such as they pay to get laid and never get the chance to get on the pants of those like them. Where is gender equality there?

Going back (and before I totally digress)I really love the photography employed so I must really commend the DOP (though I really don't know who he/she is)

In terms of acting, which most gays here in cyberspace seem to complain about the film, objectively it is quite passable. Starting with Joeffrey Javier, I think the boy did an incredible better job than the previous "Boylets." The role is perfect for that such innocent face that despite being wrapped in a nerdy outfit, the sex appeal is bursting once he flashes that boy next door grin. And frankly, he just need to stand there, do nothing and it would be fine. What can I say, am a fan! (I was really wondering how can I see him in person or better work with him in a project. I work as production assistant for a certain network in QC, but I guess he's still too far to be working for a mainstream project. But who knows, I already worked with Coco Martin and he came from the Indie?)

Chamyto is a total spice of the film. What a relief! I say, if this guy work his ass harder, he might be next to Ricci Chan in terms of comedy with substance (if you know what I mean). Chris's mother reminds me of Queer as Folk's Debbie (if you remember Michael's proud mother) though I wish she could trim down those lines packed with high energy.

It was funny that the location was my alma matter (PUP) so I can relate well. Chris's house if I'm not mistaken a boarding house near the main campus and the masscomm building.

I promise I wouldn't tackle any of the technicalities, though I guess I could give a few notes, so pardon me. The audio in some part were really hard to discern and the mixing of the scoring and ambiance weren't successfull (imbes na under lang yung ambiance totally nawala po siya). Also the lighting in some few scenes but I wouldn't go very specific so as not to sound giving a lecture in Film Making 101.

Having said all that, it was a cute-feel good movie and I must say congratulations to Queeriosity for a job well done!