Hooked

What a waste of an attractive lead. The big failure was in making the protagonist so unlikable that you don't root for him. You just want him to go away. I could write an essay on how terrible this movie was; but what I really came to mention was the insulting reference of Borderline Personality Disorder, where he (the character - though really the script writer) explains that this is the reason he stole an item from a store (!) and is "fcked up." Uh... no.

Sadly gay storylines appear to be very limited. Here is yet another about gay prostitution. I don't believe this movie did anything to convince us that Max Emerson is a writer or a director. Yes, he is cute but you can only ride that so far. The movie itself was, like I said, a story that has been done several times. Can gay writers create a story that that deals with something other than being gay? A great story with a gay lead character would give us both a story and the chance to see a gay character living a day to day normal life. Unfortunately some of the biggest contributors to gay stereotyping are gays themselves.

I've watched waaaaay too many "struggling gay teen" movies lately, but this one was better than I'd expected. The characters and dialogue seem bizarre and unbelievable....except I have personally dealt with gay homeless teens who acted and talked the exact same way. Sadly enough, the plot is totally plausible for way too many gay youth in our country. And unlike lots of other "artistic" indie films that drag along at a glacial pace, this one actually moves along at a decent clip. Add in the fact that Conor Donnally and the rest of the cast are nice just to look at, and it's a fairly engaging flick that's worth a shot.

Beyond sleazy. The lead character is just putrid. Not even Casper Andreas' big nipples can save this film, although they tried. They really tried.

Very strong but imperfect film about the struggles of homeless gay teens, focusing on Jack (Conor Donnaly), who is battling mental illness and drug abuse and keeping his head above water as a sex worker. He's in a very nicely done loving relationship with another homeless kid (Sean Ormond, who's maybe written as a bit too perfect). One of Jack's clients is a married man (Terrance Mann) who hires Jack to comes to terms with his "urges" but treats him with respect Jack doesn't find with other clients. They have quite an adventure. I'll leave plot points at that. Go watch the movie. Pretty strong debut by Max Emerson, who wrote and directed. Compared to much of indie gay cinema, the film is very well-made. Cinematography and production values are more than competent. The three primary actors are excellent, and Conor Donnaly is remarkable. I hope and expect to see more of him in the future. The supporting cast is by and large good, though there are a few cringe-worthy performances more typical of a lot of LGBT films. The main stories -- Jack's relationships with his BF and his benefactor -- are pretty compelling and held my interest. The secondary story line of the older client's coming to terms with his sexuality and his marriage is poorly written and weakly executed. The older man's "journey" is unrealistic and forced and both his and his wife''s reactions to his "dealing with his urges"/addressing his sexuality are simply not believable. His relationship with Jack isn't even dealt with after the movie's climax and is disturbingly unresolved given promises he's made. That's really the only major flaw in the flick. Overall, though, definitely an impressive first effort by the writer/director and his lead actor.

Just saw Hooked on iTunes and will keep this brief. It looks good, nicely shot but that's easier to achieve these days. The subject matter is honourable, LGBTI youth homelessness is an important issue. The central relationship is sweet and unique. The film's biggest flaw is some awkward acting, occasionally from the main couple but particularly from Terrance Murphy who plays the conflicted Ken - so wooden! Katie McClellan who plays his wife probably gives the most naturalistic performance in the film. There's certainly far worse queer cinema out there but there is better too.

Hooked showed me what LGBT homeless youth need to do to survive. The kids are kicked out of their homes through no fault of their own. They are abandoned by their own families at a young age. They become abused. They don't even realize that they are victims. Many of are protected by bubbles and don't recognize the extent that this goes on. Everyone needs to see Hooked. LOVED IT since it was a good mix of drama and comedy.

A great idea and positive message that lacked direction and intelligent dialogue.

It was a really good movie. It was nice to see the two main characters Jack and Tom have that connection especially with such a deep movie that this was. I hope with this type of movie that there will be more like it so that awareness can be made about lgbt homeless teens and exactly what they have to go through to survive. For this to be max's first movie that he directed all I can say is bravo max keep it up.

When I was a young man just out of college I experimented with some gay escorting and I found it to be a fascinating life experience. Later I became a gay adult video producer/director, so I know that world from both sides of the table. For those reasons, I'm always drawn to movies that explore the male escort/client relationship and the hidden world in which they operate. "Hooked" doesn't really offer any genuine insight nor unique perspective into that secretive world. Jack's interactions with his male clients are predictable and stereotypical, but at least somewhat realistic. However, the only scene with a female client - who forces him to wear diapers and talk like a baby - appears to be lifted straight from "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo". Ridiculous. I understand it was probably included as comic relief in an otherwise serious movie, but I believe it was a misstep that went too far. I was very impressed with Conor Donnally as the lead character, Jack. Not credible as a 17/18 year old, but I'm willing to overlook that. Of course, he's exceptionally handsome and hunky, but more importantly he was clearly committed to each scene - even the superficial and weak ones. It's all about the spark in his eyes. He definitely has the "x factor" and I hope to see him in many more features to come. The other stand-out performance was by Jay Alan Christianson as Date-Rape Dan. (Apparently he's uncredited in the movie. I'd like to know why.) He was fantastic as a creepy, coked-up slimeball client. I don't think anyone could have delivered a stronger performance. I try to support as many gay oriented films as I can, but I have to be honest. "Hooked" is just okay overall. Ultimately, it's superficial and it missed a golden opportunity to explore the serious dramatic potential of the gay escort/client dynamic. Speaking of missed opportunities -- Donnally is shown shirtless in many scenes, but only shirtless -- never more. Obviously, I didn't direct this movie! I'll remember "Hooked" for the beauty and spark of Donnally and the brilliantly menacing performance of Jay Alan Christianson.

I mean, I wasn't expecting much. Unintelligent dialogue and sloppy direction. Max Emerson is pretty but that's about all, sadly.