Defying Gravity

What is it about frat boys that makes them so delicious? I mean, if God made homosexuals, then she made frat boys to give homosexuals somebody to fuck with. Fraternal love is one thing, but the possibility of the love that dare not speak its name rearing its head within the confines of a secretive, trusted, order of bravado and testosterone...well that's another. Forbidden sins are always so much more fun. From my own personal experience I have learned that it's the apple that spoils the bunch which is the sweetest. Defying Gravity (1997) has a bit more substance than the shallowness I had hoped for.

I was drawn to this film the moment I read the description. The tag line is really more accurate, "Some pledges are for keeps." Griff (Daniel Chilson) and Pete (Don Handfield) are fraternity brothers who have fallen in love with one another. While Pete openly accepts this and moves out of the frat house, Griff is still reluctant to come out. When Pete becomes the victim of a hate crime, Griff must make a moral decision to come forth with the truth about himself in order to apprehend the people responsible.

This film also deals with racial issues among students in a profound way that delivers a realistic portrayal of something with which many of us can relate. I am reminded of the ways that the educational environment brings people of varying backgrounds and cultures together like a great equalizer. College can be a dangerous and a safe place for young homosexuals to come out. That age period is a time when one falls in love with the idea of beating the odds, and all things are possible.

Though it may have benefited from a better budget, this is a good film. The acting is well done, and the story is believable. Check it out.

Happy Endings,

Matthew