User Reviews

Quick evaluation: this movie does reflect my experiences of the past 25 years. As a nearing-50 gay man, I can relate to nearly all the principal characters, both personally and as they relate to my friends and acquaintances. Yes, at various times in my life I've been the cute, promiscuous one; the lonely one; the gym bunny (no drugs, though); the (self-perceived) ugly one. . .all those have helped me to become a better, more self-actualized person. Seems there are too many self-loathing queens commenting negatively on this film here. . .maybe they can't see themselves in the characters, but if they were to be honest, they'd realize that they do indeed exist in one or more of these characters.

I enjoyed the film, laughed a little, cried a little. As I said, "been there, done that."

Greg Berlanti's film is worthy of a lot of praise in a society where gay men tend to only fulfill certain stereotypes. A character, Howie mentions how he would like to see gay men being represented as something other than the woman's best friend, the hustler, the aids victim or the sex addict and this film does tend to try hard to avoid these stereotypes. The script is brilliantly written and sparkles when it is at its peak. At its worst, it may be a little bit cliche ridden but hey..it also has originality ( I have taken "Meanwhile" and now its commonplace down ere!) and is not afraid to portray gay men as just a group of lads who are falling in and out of relationships, liek any other group of young men. However certain characters do tend to bring the pace down a little and it does sometimes seem to have the sentiment that gay men have got it so bad compared to everyone else in the world. Timothy Olyphant stands out here in an able cast, made up primarily of TV actors. My only grumble was the inclusion of the lesbian couple who seemed to only be there to represent the ladies and also to give Howie a meatier role. 4/5

That statement is part of what makes this is a terrific film about love, friendship and betrayal -- betrayal of friends, the people you are supposed to care most about and ultimately yourself. This is also a film about facades, lying and truth telling.

From the opening montage of `Gay or Not Gay' in a supermarket this is a film with many laughs and people that you want to care about.

A true ensemble cast, ostensibly headed by Timothy Olyphant as Dennis, is only part of what makes this a fine piece of cinematic work.

Dean Cain (Cole) as the pretty-boy actor at one point says about his obvious good looks: ‘It's my way in ... and then I have to prove if I have the #@%* to back it up.' Mr. Cain proves that he does have the ability to back it up.

Matt McGrath (Howie) as a man searching for love and doesn't realize he has it within his grasp, has a Mathew Broderick look that is very engaging.

The always-interesting John Mahoney is outstanding as the coach of the `Broken Hearts Club' baseball team that wears the uniform of his restaurant and bar where the perennially losing team goes after their pathetic attempts at playing baseball.

Colour becomes a character as embodied by Robert Arce as `Purple Guy.' He speaks only once in the film -- but it is worth listening to.

There are many outstanding actors -- many currently in television series -- John Mahoney (Fraser), Zach Braff (Scrubs), Chris Payne and Ben Weber who have both done time on `Sex in the City.' But it was particularly nice to see Jennifer Coolidge who will always be Stiffler's Mom in the `American Pie' films. Andrew Keegan as Kevin the `newbie' is exceptional -- learning about himself and life in West Hollywood whether he wants to or not.

This is very much writer/director Greg Berlanti's film -- these must be people he knows and so writes about. At one point one of the characters says 'they should make a movie about us.' Well, Mr. Berlanti did and it is quite an accomplishment because even though the characters are gay the lives they lead, the questions they ask, the problems they face and the joys they experience are universal.

THE BROKEN HEARTS CLUB: A ROMANTIC COMEDY (2000)

Aspect ratio: 2.39:1

Sound formats: Dolby Digital / SDDS

The lives and loves of an LA softball team, comprised entirely of gay men.

Greg Berlanti's heartfelt drama seems a little timid in the wake of confrontational entries like "Queer as Folk", but the former producer and co-writer of TV's gay-friendly "Dawson's Creek" makes an otherwise auspicious directorial debut with this familiar account of several gay friends looking for love and companionship in vanity-driven Los Angeles. As one character puts it: "Gay men in LA are a bunch of 10's looking for an 11."

Essentially the tale of a Queer sports team comprised of staff and management at a popular restaurant run by elderly patriarch John Mahoney ("Frasier"), the film's paper-thin narrative is roused by a combination of lively dialogue and well-defined characters, played to perfection by a terrific cast, culled mostly from the New York stage: Ben Weber is the 'Plain Joe' whose inability to attract a boyfriend is due more to his lack of self-esteem than absence of personality; Dean Cain (Superman himself!) is a hunky aspiring actor who leaves a trail of broken hearts in his wake; punk-style Zach Braff portrays a gym-queen, wilfully blind to the dark side of gym culture; Matt McGrath and Justin Theroux are ex-lovers who can't seem to let go of one another; and Andrew Keegan is the cute new kid who stumbles into this disparate group whilst struggling to come to terms with his burgeoning sexuality. The unofficial pack-leader (Timothy Olyphant) is smart and sassy, and increasingly aware of the personal opportunities he's sacrificed in his relentless pursuit of casual sex with strangers.

The actors invigorate a fairly routine scenario, though Olyphant (whose demonic good looks have typecast him in too many villainous roles) dominates proceedings as a young man standing at the crossroads of his life, seeking confirmation of his own personal value. Mahoney is funny, wise and dignified as the Shakespeare-quoting softball coach, and Broadway singer-actor Billy Porter gets some of the best lines in a role that otherwise amounts to little more than comic relief. Beefcake is provided by supermodel-turned-actor Michael Bergin ("Baywatch: Hawaii") and Christian Kane (semi-regular on TV's "Angel") in cameo roles, and the lovely Kerr Smith appears briefly in one of the movie's best scenes. Watch out, too, for a memorable appearance by Jennifer Coolidge as a 'helpful' hair stylist who brings the house down with a single line of dialogue! However, a subplot involving Weber's sister (Mary McCormack) and her attempts to become a mother with long-term partner Nia Long is underdeveloped to the point of redundancy (memo to gay movie makers: if you're gonna include lesbians in these otherwise all-male offerings, do 'em properly or not at all!), and Cain's much-publicized 'kiss' with Keegan is coyly hidden by the angle at which it's filmed, a hideous cop-out (the eminently straight Olyphant has no such qualms - he kisses his male co-stars with reckless abandon!). Shot on location by cinematographer Paul Elliott (AND THE BAND PLAYED ON), the movie has the look and feel of a widescreen TV show, dominated by closeups and medium shots which invalidate Berlanti's use of the scope format.

Gay cinema doesn't really need another romantic comedy, but while "Broken Hearts" doesn't offer anything new, it's salvaged by snappy editing, a quickfire pace, and first-class performances by some of America's finest young actors. And thanks to a clever, throwaway bit of name-dropping, the movie offers fleeting confirmation - at last! - of the role played by sex-god Antonio Sabato Jr. in the fantasies of hormonally-charged gay teenagers everywhere! Been there, done that...

This film gives gay men a meaning beyond stereotypes and the roles usually seen in gay movies. The theme is universal: friends stand by you to assure you that you are OK as you are.

Some of the dialog is hilarious, and the characters ring true even though many of these people are played by straight actors. There is an amusing glossary of gay terms given on the screen from time to time so that straight audiences will understand the lingo of the gay subculture.

The touching elements in the film include the loneliness of what one character describes as "10s looking for 11s." The recognition that a person can be gay and average is the only antedote for this loneliness.

We follow a group of young gay men, under the matronly supervision of John Mahoney, connecting and disconnecting as they try to find themselves in a world that doesn't seem to care who they are. It's a story of human beings. The fact that they are gay is incidental -- and this is a major step forward in gays being depicted in movies.

We watched this film when it first was released. On second viewing, thanks to the IFC channel, "The Broken Hearts Club" looks a bit dated since more daring films and television series have come out of the closet recently. It must have been a courageous undertaking by its director, Greg Berlanti, in 2000, at a time that gays were not as prominent as now. The director shows a positive side of the gay life that is not seen often, in that all the characters have values and integrity, something not often seen in mainstream films.

The film is an excuse to bring together a group of young men trying to cope with their lives in that environment. There are different stories that mesh well together. At the center of it all is Dennis, a photographer that seems to have his feet well planted on the ground and knows what he wants. The friends are united by Jack, the restaurant owner, who has taken most of the guys under his wing, at his bistro and as a coach them in the softball team.

We watch the different situations and how the guys react to whatever comes their way. The acting is good, in general. Timothy Olyphant makes an impression as the serious Dennis. Zach Braff, a film director, himself is good as Benji. Dean Cain is the fickle Cole, who loves a variety of lovers, rather than quality mates. John Mahoney appears as Jack, the older influence on the group in an impressive performance.

What director Greg Berlanti succeeded was in presenting young men that appear not to be clichés as in other films of this type. The film is pleasant without breaking new ground.

I know people have their problems with this movie, but I happened to catch it at the perfect time in my life. I think every young gay male should watch this movie and see that there is life after coming out. It's nice to see a gay movie that isn't a GAY movie. The main characters all happen to be gay, but that is not the focal point of the movie. There is no sub-plots about AIDS or dealing with same-sex marriages or disapproving parents. The movie starts when all that stuff has already happened. It really makes you think. Two thumbs up! The cast is superb. Although not superstars, the movie has some well seasoned actors; including Fraiser star John Mahoney. Zach Braff does an excellent job as does Andrew Keegan, Dean Caine and of course Timothy Olyphant. Kerr Smith also has a small cameo but well worth it. This movie begins to break down the stereotypes of gay men and comes up with some great gay lingo that my friends and I have adopted.

The day I was finally able to admit to myself that I was a gay man I rented this movie. That first viewing changed my life. It helped me envision a life a hoped was ahead of me. During my first year of being out I watched this movie so many times and still watch it about once a year.

The first time I saw it I thought it was one of the best movies I had ever seen. Time has dimmed my view of it but it still a must see for any newly out (newbie) gay man.

The script is well written. Some of the direction is a little off but it was a low budget film. It is also fun to see all these mainstream actors like Dean Cain, Timothy Olymphant and Andrew Keegan playing gay.

How un-promising does a gay male Sex In The City sound? This one took me quite by surprise. It's a frequently very funny romantic comedy, that only occasionally dips into cliche. Why America remade Queer As Folk when they already had this is beyond me. Is "Queer as folk" ever an expression over there? Anyway, this includes Frasier's Dad and Superman amongst its gay baseball team, so it's good in my book.

As a mature (61) gay man, I enjoyed the hell out of this film. At least there was a diversity of stereotypes. I guess it would be boring to show that most gays lead "regular" lives in all kinds of workplaces. The angst was, thankfully, less "Dawson's Creek" and more universal. The experienced straight actors helped it flow along nicely, a cut above the usual sloppy, Indie-style gay movie. The Lesbian subplot should have been expanded--or left out! I recommend this movie to all young lesbians and gays facing a still altogether ignorant homophobic society---but one that has improved since I was their age. Kudos to the people behind the camera too!

We're queer!

We're here!

Now, let us tell you about it in excruciatingly annoying detail.

THE BROKEN HEARTS CLUB is not a movie about gay men. It is a movie about guys talking about being gay men. And talking and talking and talking. And they don't talk about their lives, but about their lifestyles. These aren't characters, but representations of characters. Watching THE BROKEN HEARTS CLUB is like watching one of those instructional films from high school; you expect there to be a stern-voiced announcer introducing each character: "This is the promiscuous urban homosexual male in his natural habitat, the dance club. Please note how he dances in artful slo-mo, a sure indication that he is on the prowl for sex." The film even has these cutesy title cards inserted between the sequences, offering little definitions of gay terminology: newbie, gym bunnies, etc. These aren't people; they are specimens. It's like the film exists to teach straights just how "real" gay guys are: The result is condescending to straight audiences and patronizing to gays.

Ironically, the filmmakers think that by pointing out the clichés and the stereotypes that are inherent in films about gays that it somehow adds insight and poignancy to all the clichés and stereotypes that the film itself so blatantly trots out. Okay, the film doesn't have the straight woman who uses her gay friend as a pet (i.e., MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING), but it does have the gay man who is expected to act as a sperm bank for his sister's lesbian partner. It is a situation that is an oddity, but almost mandatory in gay films; it's like they are trying to prove that gay men can procreate just like "real" straight guys. Again, how patronizing. And there is the mandatory (but irrelevant) drag sequence and the moment of tragedy to show that all gay men are "family." And, of course, the mandatory references to musical divas -- Bette, Barbra, Liza; and especially Karen Carpenter, whose voice is mysteriously missing from the soundtrack. They apparently couldn't get or couldn't afford the rights to her recordings, so they settled for other performers doing weak renditions of Carpenter songs.

I think that it is safe to say that all the actors are straight, because they all play their characters so gay. Not quite swishy and lispy, but a bit arch and obvious. It is like they are appearing in the movie as a stunt, to prove that they can bravely play gay convincingly. Of course, the best way to play gay convincingly is by not playing the part gay at all.

But worse is that these characters don't even represent an interesting array of stereotypes. One is a hunk and one is a nerd and one is black and one is neurotic and one is just coming out, etc., yet, they are all just slight variations of the same one-note character: the promiscuous gay boy looking to settle down with that one true love -- Mr. Right instead of Mr. Right Now. And that isn't even a gay cliché. Indeed, the film goes out of its way to identify with so-called chick flicks: i.e.: "If this were STEEL MAGNOLIAS, you'd be Shirley MacLaine!" They're "real" men, but they're "real" women, too.

The film is harmless and it certainly means well, to the point of being utterly irritating. But the film is just so easy to pick on, because it brings nothing new to the table. The time where the mere presence of a gay character was in itself a revelation has past. Likewise, demystifying the gay lifestyle is hardly new either, thanks to shows like "Will & Grace" and "Queer as Folk." There is simply nothing inherently interesting about being gay; what is needed are films that offer interesting characters who just happen to be gay.

The Broken Hearts Club is one of the most genius films I have ever seen. I love the way each character is conveyed differently, proving the homosexual male stereotype wrong. This movie is very warm and heart-felt bringing a connection to the viewer and the characters.This film is smart, and a well put together comedy that will definitely have viewers laughing, crying, smiling, fussing, and cheering until the very end. I recommend everyone have an open-mind and see this film. There are few films that I would say won my heart after seeing it but The Broken Hearts Club did just that. This film shows that homosexual males go through many similar situations that heterosexual males also go through . This movie sends many different positive messages to it's audience. I definitely respect this film 100 percent. The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comdey deserves a standing ovation.

Heart-warming, terrific glimpse of the lives of a group of friends. It begins and ends with the same two sentences: (paraphrased) "I can't remember when I realized I was gay. But I do remember when I realized it was okay: When I met my friends." This movie is a testament to the value of friendships, and while my own group of friends is a bit deeper than these guys are, I think we all share experiences with them. Some lovely points are made in this film.

A group of fickle, flighty gay men talk about their non-existent love lives while roaming the streets of Hollywood, CA. Aside from John Mahoney (as the only responsible adult in the bunch), the characters are jaded twenty-somethings who all speak in the same bitchy idiom. Their love lives are "non-existent" simply to skirt the still-controversial issue of showing two men in bed together. The film doesn't have the courage of its convictions and, though some of the one-liners might provoke a stray chuckle or two, the loosely-hinged plot isn't absorbing. This, coupled with a low-budget and an uncharismatic cast, makes "Broken Hearts" a chore to get through. * from ****

OK, so the movie may p**s a bunch of people off because of the subject (GAY) or because it looks like a bunch of hotties that just want to mess around (isn't that what all gay people do?) My offering is, isn't that what most people do, gay, straight, or bi? The film works because the characters are real, the druggie, the pretty boy who sleeps with everything and anyone, the one who has the wonderful marriage to the guy who is screwing around. Don't we know people like this all the time?

So the guys in the film remind me of my husband's crowd. And the main character reminded me of when I said, NO MORE to the bar scene and just screwing around to be screwing around. I especially liked the scene with the movie star where he says, "Wait ten minutes before leaving and make sure nobody sees you." How many times had I been told that line of bull? Several. So who am I, probably Purple Guy. The movie accurately portrays all those jerks who line the walls on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights claiming they want a relationship when all they want is to get into a Newbie's pants.

Story of friendship. romantic bitter comedy. a version of Sex in The City. and the right cast. its basic virtue - the state after its final credits. it has the comfortable name of emotion. but it is more. a mixture of unusual portrait of a community, vulnerable, powerful, ball of personal stories and confessions and sport and vulnerabilities. and this does it special. like a sort of fairy tale. without the happy end. a realistic portrait of a way to live. and to define reality. like the map of a fortress . in which the love has different nuances. a film about an universe. admirable, fragile, strange, pink and profound male.

I'm watching this for the 1st time & cannot believe how awful it is! Can't American filmmakers turn out at one least decent gay film??? Can they not bother to rent Get Real, Beautiful Thing, etc???

They should have just called this film "How To Be A Professional Gay In 5 Easy/Cliched Steps."

This film was nothing but cliche after cliche. Seeing the old man in bad drag was nothing but embarassing, the unnecessary drug overdose, film referencing to the point of obnoxiousness, a completely horrible score with bad renditions of Carpenter songs (for pete's sake, USE the Karen vocals, not some cheap knockoff!).

If I remember correctly the actors were practically all homophobes and did nothing but trash gay lifestyles while trying to promote the film. Why did they even bother???

Also... Why do they each keep calling each other "hag"? It is so annoying!

Fag hag? But isn't that a straight woman..not a gay man??? Poor writing, poor direction, poor film. 1/2 star out of 4 (and that is only for Zach Braff).

This is a movie, with the right direction, could make a great television series. Think about it, a diverse cast, granted some common stereotypes, but we all need to indentify with someone. A great location for a series, West Hollywood, where else would the gay man for the US Heartland want to be? And actors who throughout the movie developed quite nicely. It was a shame it had to end.

This movie had it's cliches, it's stereotypical gay characters, but what is wrong with a movie, in which it creates an atmosphere, in which you truly can forget your own worries, and somehow become "good-looking by association"?

This movie will be as close to any gay, big-budget Hollywood production you will see in a long time. Rent it or buy it for simply the J Crew guy. Man, I wish we got to see more of him.

The first studio film to feature an all-gay lead cast since The Boys In The Band isn't everything it tries to convince you it is, but it's really enjoyable all the same. Succeeding more in its comedic moments than when it tries to get too serious, I found that the director never really developed his characters enough for me to really feel there for them in their more tender scenes. However, it IS very very funny and there was nothing standing in my way of thoroughly liking it. Great cast with very appealing personalities.

Fine comedy drama, debuting the directing talents of Greg Berlanti (a producer on the TV show "Dawson's Creek").

A funny script manages to feature gay characters that aren't there just to be the best friend of the female lead, or the victims of Aids, etc. - therefore doing its part to kill the general, smaltz cliches.

One problem with the movie however, is that it seems smugly satisfied with itself for being a gay movie that's not about being gay; this is untrue though - the majority of the conversations in the movie revolve around the subject of being gay. They attempt to redeem this by talking about talking about being gay, as though to claim this is tongue-in-cheek in-jokes - or some such.

Anyhow, all that aside, a fine movie with marvellous performances all round; particularly from Timothy Olyphant and maverick John Mahoney.

A joy!

It's not the deepest movie, or even the deepest gay movie, you're ever going to see, but it's a nice enough way to kill 90 minutes, and it does explore some themes about gay life that I, at least, have never seen before: our tendency to ghetto ourselves from the rest of the world, and our seeming inability to grow up.

Dean Cain and John Mahoney (Zach Braff and Timothy Olyphant hadn't yet done Scrubs and Deadwood, respectively), as the only recognizable stars in the film, do very nice jobs as the West Hollywood equivalent of a Chelsea boy and the boys' fairy godmother, respectively. Billy Porter, who WOULD be a recognizable star if there was anything even remotely resembling justice in this world, is absolutely wonderful in his role.