Search - Theft on DVD

Wigs and things in a small Texas town

Tim Brough | Springfield, PA United States | 03/24/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Gentle, unassuming bar worker Guy suddenly finds himself in the middle of a conflict he never asked for when he discovers he is the owner of a small-town gay bar in the heart of Texas. But the local Evangelist nut-case has designs on the property. Thus is the basic premise of Paul Bright's "Theft," a fairy tale that involves drag queens, leathermen, small town prejudice and bizarrely twisted family ties.

It is a fun romp through a tough topic. Bright, whose initial film Angora Ranch has become a sleeper hit since its DVD release, has crafted a script that mixes topical barbs with goofy comedy. Once Guy realizes that he has inherited the Golden Door Bar, George/Sister Hosanna (David DeLuca) convinces him to stand up for the community, even when the Bible Thumping Hypocrite Sister Susannah (a spot on Cynthia Schiebel) begins attacking The Golden Door and those who would patronize the place. Of course, like most bashers, the sister has other agendas and is more than willing to cast stones. As the community pushes back, she pushed harder...and so the fun carries on.

This is a positive movie about gays, and has less to do with Christian Bashing than it does with making a statement about Christian Hypocrisy. The dueling "Onward Christian Soldiers" scene illustrate this point wonderfully and still gets a laugh in the process. It's hard to say more without giving away the best parts of the movie, but as he did in "Angora Ranch," Bright's script takes on gay topics without getting too overtly cliched all while staying positive. It presents leathermen as non-threatening (the total reverse of Cruising) and dreams of a world where this smalltown gay bar would thrive and foster a sense of community...AND take on crazy church ladies.

PS. Watch the credits to the end, and have a BIG laugh at Paul and "Sister Susannah's" exchange at the opening of the extra featurette."

Absolutely dreadful

Dave from Central CT | USA | 11/18/2008

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This film is horrible. A complete waste of time. (Normally I'd cut some slack to a low-budget production like this, but the director actually has the audacity to say--in the bonus feature--that anyone who comments negatively on his film is a bitter old queen. Well, I'm not that--I just know a really bad film when I see it.) And I'm sure the director's friends will say that my review is not helpful."

"THEFT" IS SWEET AND KIND WITH GENTLE SURPRISES

RAYMOND NELSON | ST PETERSBURG FL | 09/30/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Who are the TRUE "Christians" here in this flick? Wise are they who unselfishly care about others and are open to thoughtful contemplation. There is genuine goodness in this dvd if you take the time to ponder and address the possibilities. Though "THEFT" has a faux veneer of superficiality, it is NOT superficial; neither is being gay superficial.

The sacrilegious nature of some of the script may pose an uncomfortable challenge to some, but it is not mean-spirited (whereas a number of the "Christian" characters ARE)."