Search - Circuit on DVD

Party hard?!

David Colvin | Oak park IL | 06/09/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this at the Reel Pride festival last November (2001), and couldn't stop thinking about it for days afterward. While it's been called a "wake-up call" to some members of the gay community it doesn't come off as didactic as it could. Instead you find yourself caring about the characters and wondering what will happen to them after the movie ends.

The only thing wrong with the film is the intended main character, i.e., the cop who leaves the repressive and hostile smalltown life for the wildlife of West Hollywood. While his character is not a static one, the changes that take place in his life seem to come as a result of his passivity rather than any active move on his part. This isn't helped by the bland and vanilla acting of Jonathan Wade-Drahos. Andre Khabbazi as the jaded Hector on the other hand brings much to his character, and so Hector becomes the one your heart goes out to. Wade-Drahos acting aside, this is a well-told story, and one that merits a wide release. Check it out as soon as you can. As for me, I can't wait for the video.

"

"A Film About The Dangers Of Drugs"

Terry Richard | Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada | 08/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Circuit" takes the lid off of the problem of substance abuse in the gay community, a problem many don't want to discuss. The film takes place during different circuit parties in the Los Angeles area, and the movie explores why gay men abuse drugs and the ultimate outcome of a dangerous habit. The script is surprisingly strong and the acting contains one of the best ensembles in a gay themed movie. "Circuit" also contains a ton of deleted scenes, director's commentary, and the trailer. The film runs over two hours. Highly recommended. "The New York times" calls it "...powerful...handled with intelligence and care."."

The Glitter & the Glitz

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 09/04/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

""Circuit" is a sad film about superficial men who need drugs in order to give life a lift. John Webster is a small-town policeman with whom no one will partner because he is gay. His police chief urges him to go to a larger city. Jonathan Wade-Drahos who is in a film this year with Ed Asner titled "Trim" plays the cop. His performance is a little stiff, without much emotional depth. Andre Khabbazi, who apparently stopped making films after this one, plays Hector Ray. He does a great job at being vapid with the classic line that he doesn't like women or ugly men. Khabbazi actually does give a super performance in the film. Brian Lane Green who was nominated for a Tony for Best Actor in a Musical back in 1989 plays Gill in what was apparently his last film up to this time. He does a decent job as the sensitive connection that helps John get established in Los Angeles. Kiersten Warren who was such a hoot on "Desperate Housewives" plays Nina. Her performance is not very deep either, but she's very pretty. Daniel Kucan plays Tad who is doing a video on the circuit party scene, and actually does some terrific acting, particularly in the deleted scenes. Paul Lekakis plays the blond Bobby Ross who performs a stage show highlighting his assets. What I liked most about Dirk Shafer's film is the 20 deleted scenes. It's an excellent study in filmmaking as you hear the director's coaching, see the shots from tight to mid to long shots that gives a real idea of what it's like to make a film. Overall, the glitter and the glitz are the major draw for the film. It does give us the important message that we shouldn't take drugs and look for some meaning in life. Taxi!"

Soft Core Afterschool Special

Blake Fraina | Connecticut | 09/16/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"A small town gay cop leaves Indiana for WeHo and ends up leading the debauched lifestyle of a "circuit boy." Interesting storyline, solid message and some okay performances are all marred by the unnecessary inclusion of artsy, overlong, softcore-style sex scenes (a la Queer as Folk) which distract from the plot and generally cheapen the proceedings. Despite the gratuitous, cheesy sex, a number of extraneous sub-plots and a corny ABC afterschool special ending, it's still marginally diverting.

Two and half stars."