Gem of a movie

You're right, it really does deserve more love. I like what you said about the character of Dean. His goodness had a certain delicacy. You could see that he'd been closed off to the world, that he was still living in grief but was open to love right from the beginning. I loved what he said shortly after meeting Morgan when Morgan bragged about his former basketball prowess, something like "Oh, if you do say so yourself." It was a teasing comment but you could see this first glimmer of attraction -- he liked Morgan's cockiness. I never felt like he wanted to hold Morgan back. He just wanted him to be safe and to feel that their love was enough. When they fight, after Morgan
says that he doesn't need anyone and he will get what he deserves, Dean says, "Maybe you already have." That could be taken the wrong way, especially in a fight, but it showed Dean's cockiness -- like what about me? Aren't I a prize? Isn't this love "winning"?

Another thing I really appreciated about this film was how they handled their romance & sexual attraction. I expected them to draw it out. Is Dean straight? Could he possibly be interested? These are the questions in Morgan's mind and the viewers as well. They show Morgan in his dress clothes, reflected in the mirror. Then he shows up in a tee shirt but Dean is wearing almost exactly what Morgan had on before he changed. He probably even wore cologne! It was a great visual clue. Then, very quickly, Morgan said, "Just get to the part where you tell me you're straight or not interested." Dean takes that slow slip from the beer bottle and says "What if I'm neither?" And Morgan's grin was perfection! It was just a refreshing surprise that the whole movie wasn't about whether or not someone could actually be interested in Morgan. They presented a character who, having taking care of his sick mom, had a high level of empathy. You could see how he'd be attracted to Morgan's confidence and energy. I believed Dean when he told Morgan that he thought he was sexy. The filmmakers really conveyed something important about Morgan's continuing sexuality (and sexiness.) They addressed that early in the film which I was glad to see. (Unlike in the film "Surprise Surprise" where the handicapped man was treated as if that aspect of his person was irrelevant.)

So, I have a question? You know how Morgan was uncomfortable with PDA? This seemed incongruous, at first. Then we hear that he's been out since 7th grade when he dared the kid to kiss him and slipped him the tongue. He says he was "really putting it in everybody's face." At first, I thought this was a flaw in character continuity but then I wondered if that was actually the reason he refused PDAs. Since he had been putting it in people's faces which he saw as somehow running his Dad off. So this open precocious kid closed off. If so, that makes the final kiss quite important and Dean's effect on Morgan is even more cathartic. What do think? Was it a cheap plot device or was it a subtle hit at Morgan's inner fears / past?

Yea, I caught this film on Netflix. It disappeared for a time and then showed back up again so I was quick to watch it. I hope the same happens with "Kawa" which also disappeared before I got around to it. I really hope they add some more LGBT films soon as I've watched nearly all of the ones that are watchable. I paid to rent "Children of God" on amazon last week and regretted it but I also rented "Plan B" and loved it. I wish Netflix would add "Shelter" and maybe some old faves like "Real Thing." I still haven't seen "Beautiful Thing."

Ditto. I also did not like the best friend-- another stereotype, played by a bad actress.

This is a sweet and very touching film. One feels for the characters, and if Morgan appears overly driven it is understandable how desperately he wants and needs to prove to himself that he is still capable of achievement. Living with a severe handicap is so challenging and those carping critics who were irritated by Morgan's behavior just don't get it. But the real revelation is Dean, a guy saddled with sadness but great dignity and compassion that he employs to ultimately triumph over his own demons. And I do not understand the complaints about the acting of Morgan's mother. She came across as the typical unpretentious, working class mom who desperately wants to help her son, only to be rebuffed until Morgan's ultimate denouement.

This film is an absolute joy despite the occasional theatrics and melodrama of Morgan. It nonetheless rings true and we really feel for the characters.