(2014, 80 min)
Country: U.S.
Director: Jeff London
Studio: Radioactive Cactus Entertainment
Language: English
SYNOPSIS: David is turning 50 and having a mid-life crisis. Along with relationship and career problems, he realizes that life hasn't gone as he had expected... and he only has about 35 years left. Fate takes a turn when he meets Shane, a man 15 years younger, who shows him that age ain't nothin' but a number. Maybe his future happiness is right in front of him.
Best Day Ever is based on a true story - one shared by director Jeff London and co-screenwriter James Handshoe.
REVIEW:
Aging can be a powerful and stressful component of life. A statement that seems to especially hold true for gay men. Best Day Ever, directed by Jeff London and written by both London and his partner James Steven Handshoe, takes on this idea in the form of a beautiful love story.
We first meet David (Mel England) just as he is about to turn the big 5-0. He confesses to his best friend James (Peter Stickles) that he isn’t exactly where he thought he would be professionally and personally at this life-marker. A good deal of this doubt is imbued in him by his current boyfriend Greg (Nate Moore). After giving David a tough love talk, James persuades him to meet his cousin Shane (Tom Saporito) in hopes that they hit it off. At first meeting, the two are slightly unsure of each other, but begin a relationship journey nonetheless. When things seem to be at their most intense, David seeks help in the group’s unofficial patriarch Ace Lundon (played by himself). As genuine love is revealed, David’s questions are answered and his priorities begin to realign.
London and Handshoe’s script is extremely strong in pathos, humor, pacing and reveal. London’s direction feels effortless and full. Watching the film I had to remind myself that there were only five actors in the cast and a few locations, as it felt like so much more. He appears to have guided his actors with a strong and supportive hand, giving them room to build natural, powerful performances.
England is completely on point with his portrayal of David. He arcs from a whirlwind of issues muddling his thoughts to self-realization with precision and subtlety. We are always aware of the particular element of struggle (and there are more then one) as he naturally builds from moment to moment. Stickles shines in perhaps the trickiest role as his James is called upon to inspire and assist in executing the change in David, in addition to responding to the mirror of impending aging himself. His scene at a kitchen table gathering took me by surprise with its poignancy. Moore, portraying Greg the unsupportive boyfriend, shows nuanced skill. He excels in playing the duality of the character – a rat race/A-list gay on the surface, while providing us with many small flickers of self doubt and disappointment surfacing throughout his scenes. Saporito as Shane is the absolute heart of the picture. Constantly referred to as shy and introverted, he surprises all as he reveals his ability to open up as a genuine, giving person and, in reality, becomes the strongest person in the story. Saporito gives in to his instincts with the role, a decision that pays off greatly. While Shane is the heart of the story, Ace Lundon is the spine. In two short scenes, the wizened Lundon dispenses love, kindness, levity and (sometimes bossy) motivation to the David and his crew.
All elements combined, Best Day Ever tells a lovely story with a raw vulnerability imbuing the film with compassion and empathy, as well as a clever sort of charm that comes with characters becoming identifiable, real people accepting the struggle of life on life’s terms.
Sounds like a formula for a great day. The best ever.
-- Review by Sean Chandler (http://www.seanwchandler.com)
