Search - Whole New Thing on DVD

NOT A "COMING OF AGE" MOVIE

GEORGE RANNIE | DENVER, COLORADO United States | 08/23/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This Canadian movie "Whole New Thing" is just not another film about a teen's "coming of age" and dealing with the fact that he is gay plus having a terrible crush on one of his teachers. Although the aforesaid is certainly a part of this marvelously directed and acted "little" film. Indeed thirteen year old Emerson is sent out into the cruel world of public middle school after being "home schooled" all of his prior life; there he comes to the realization that he is gay and subsequently has one of those life numbing impossible for it to go anywhere teen crushes on his forty something year old teacher while at the same time dealing with the violence, taunts and bullying that comes with being different and looking a little different in a school that is filled with the so-called "normal" students. The aforesaid scenario is definitely a part of this film; however, it is not, to me, the main focus of the film. To me, the real story of this film is the maturation of the grown ups that surround the 13 year old Emerson (which are, of course, his parents whose marriage is falling into ruin and the object of his affection, his teacher who is a lonely and very closeted gay man that likes to live dangerously by visiting public "johns" for sexual gratification).



As I stated before, this is a marvelously acted (especially by Aaron Webber as Emerson in what I understand is his first film--amazing) and directed film. The movie also is splendidly filmed--one really can feel the bleakness of the area that it is showing. (I assume it's Nova Scotia)



The bottom line is that this is a wonderfully intelligent movie that I, as an old fart, could relate to because, to me, it really is about us older folks coming to grips with our lives.

"

Entirely enjoyable Emmerson!

C. R. Swanson | Phoenix | 08/24/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ah, I love a chance to do a little alliteration in my reviews.



This Canadian film is very entertaining and very well done. The story of a young boy coming to grips (often), with his sexuality is handled with good taste and intelligence. The acting, particularly by Aaron Webber, is subperb. If he's not actually gay, he certainly does a good job of conveying some of what it means to be thirteen and dealing with such issues.



The sub-plot involving Emmerson's mother cheating on his father with a Cylon (inside joke), is less interesting, but still good. Frankly, that could have made for a decent stand-alone movie, but here it somewhat drags focus away from the main plot.



I'd like to see a sequel to this film, which is not something I say every day, especially not in the context of a gay film, most of which follow the checklist of gay movie cliches (ie: character dies, usually through suicide, character gets gay bashed or character gets AIDS).



>>> SPOILER WARNING! "

One to See

Amos Lassen | Little Rock, Arkansas | 08/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Whole New Thing"



One to See



Amos Lassen and Cinema Pride



"Whole New Thing" (Picture This Entertainment) is a gem of a film. It has an intelligent screenplay, strong characters and good acting, and beautiful cinematography. Everything about the film is solid and Aaron Webber as Emerson in his first movie is just amazing.

Director Amnon Buchbinder has created an independent film that ranks with the best. Dealing with the vagaries of family, love and sexuality, Buchbinder treats everything with great sensitivity. Comedy and tragedy come together to give us a terrific film.

Thirteen year old Emerson is being forced out of home schooling and his nest at home by his mother so that he be more open to academics. He has to attend a public school where he becomes a target for bullies. Up until now he has been comfortable with his free-spirited, eco-friendly parents. This venture into the public school system serves as a catalyst for Emerson, his parents and his new teacher. Emerson has entered a new world and his is about to get wounded. His parents and teacher will be forced to reevaluate themselves especially after Emerson develops a crush on his teacher, Mr. Grant. This scares the teacher who has been living a closeted life and finding sex at a highway rest stop. What we get is a look at idealism which accommodates reality and we witness closely the very thin line between fraternal love and romantic love, romantic sex and sex with lust and friendship as opposed to fraternity. These topics come together beautifully in a coming-of-age story which pulls Emerson both out of the closet and to his senses as to who he is. The fact that the main character comes to terms with his gayness is not really what this is movie is all about. It is really about individuals and their needs, their histories and their futures.

"Whole New Thing" is a rare, almost perfect little movie that in some way seems to contain the whole world. The story is universal and has something that all of us can relate to.

The characters are very, very real and complex. They are witnessed with humor, love and acceptance.

Again Aaron Webber is amazing His performance is gutsy, whether he be naked n the sauna and showing innocence and calculation at the same time. And the script keeps the characters in check all the way. The way that the 13 year old main character grows is a revelation. The idea of the film is one that put a viewer off--watching a young boy making moves on an over 40 year old man. But it is a film fitted with constant surprises.

The freedom that Emerson attains when he comes out to himself is startling and very well handled by Buchbinder. It is a good story that is brimming with real life situations and twists and turns. Part gay coming of age, part love story and part character study, it is a delightful way to spend some time watching. It touches topics not usually handled in cinema and for just this reason this is one t see.

"

A Bit of a Tease

Nicholas D. Butler | 10/30/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This film has an interesting premise, executed in a fashion similar to fellow Canadian director Atom Egoyan, but reads like a premium channel television show. Basically, it presses the envelope and asks a lot of questions before quickly ending without a resolution, hoping you'll tune in next week. (6/10)"