Boys to Men (2001)

BOYS TO MEN is a compilation of four shorts that vividly recreates the different phases in the lives of gay men. The first short: CRUSH, directed by Phillip Bartell, recreates the early stages of sexual awakening with refreshing nostalgia and sweetly natural performances from its young stars. Tina (Emma A. Tuennerman) is a small town 12 year old growing up in suburban Illinois who meets a new boy in town, 16 year old Robbie (Brett Chukerman), and instantly develops a crush on the newcomer. Eventually, Tina realizes that the object of her desire is gay and helps him to meet the man of his dreams. In THE MOUNTAIN KING, directed by Duncan Tucker, a young gay hustler meets a closeted stranger on a remote beach and attempts to pick him up in this erotic combination of gay fantasy and realism. ....LOST, directed by Dan Castle, is a brief examination of anonymous unprotected sex, and the very real danger of AIDS in the gay community. Finally with CONFESSION, directed by Carl Pfirman, the last stages of life are examined in a poignant glimpse of an elderly gay couple struggling to cope with their own mortality and spirituality. Joseph (Bert Kraemer) is dying and asks his longtime lover Caesar (Tom Fitzpatrick) to send for a Priest (Christopher Liebe) despite his own spiritual misgivings. These four short films weave together nicely to create a sensitive, erotic, and touching glimpse of modern gay life.