Trick

There isn't a mystery behind what makes Trick, a gay romantic comedy, one of the funniest, freshest films of the year. Set over the course of one night in New York City, Trick chronicles the story of a young Broadway musical composer named Gabriel (Christian Campbell, Neve Campbell's little brother) and Mark, a go-go boy (Jean Paul Pitoc.)

After seeing Mark dance at a local strip club, Gabriel meets up with him on the subway. Totally infatuated with each other, the two begin a quest to find a place to, well, "get their schwerve on." Unable to use Gabriel's apartment because Gabriel's straight roommate has a girl over, the two trek across town to pass the time until they can find a place to "be alone."

What begins as a one-night stand eventually ends up with the two boys falling for each other. But that is the only predictable moment in first-time screenwriter Jason Schafer's script, which deserves additional praise for being a comedy about gays that doesn't become a social mantra for equal rights. This movie is a love story, not a political statement, and that may be the most refreshing thing about it.

In supporting roles, Clinton Leupp as a "truth-seeking" transvestite named Miss Coco Peru and Tori Spelling as an overbearing best friend/wannabe Broadway star give scene-stealing performances. Yes, I know I said Tori Spelling. Yes, I know she is a lousy actress on a lousy TV show. Yes, I know I just said she gave a great performance. No, I am not on crack.

But the real star power comes from the two male leads, who share the most romantic moments on screen this year. Who knew that such a moment could come from two heterosexual actors playing it the other way? Julia Roberts and Richard Gere could take some hints if they ever plan another God-awful, forced romantic comedy.

Go see Trick because, in the words of Miss Coco Peru, "It's beautiful and you're gonna love it!"

-By Martin Barna