With the issues of same-sex marriage and Immigration looming large in the Nation’s psyche these days, screenings of the feature film “I Do” (which toss a searing spotlight on the subjects
end up being quite timely.
In this instance case, there are a couple of surprising plot twists, however (the well-written drama is not a rip-off of “Green Card” for sure).
“I Do” is not your standard “boy meets boy” – “boy gets boy” – bill-of-fare either.
Although the plotline is complex, the filmmakers managed to avoid a handful of pitfalls that the less-experienced often make.
For example, the screenwriter (David W. Ross) wisely crafted a script that is bound to be a crowd-pleaser with wide appeal across the board and not just in the LGBT community.
In part, this was accomplished this by fleshing out four strong characters (gay and straight) that audiences - can not only relate to - but be inclined to root for as well.
The filmmakers also side-stepped “stereotypes” to their credit as well.
To stay in the U.S. legally, Jack (David W. Ross/Eating out 3) convinces his lesbian friend Ali (Jamie Lynn-Sigler/The Sopranos) to take vows down at the local City Hall.
Things get a little hairy when Jack is hit by two curve balls.
Shortly after INS Officials make an unexpected visit one night in a bold-faced effort to establish his “union” is a sham (and illegal) he falls in love with a Spanish architect.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to “buy” that gay relationship for two reasons.
The affair happened too quickly, for starters.
Also, I found that there was very little “chemistry” between the two characters on screen to justify pursuing the relationship on screen. A fling Jack had with a handsome boy-toy earlier in the flick was a whole lot steamer between-the-sheets (Ross has a great physique, by the way) if you ask me!
Another problem with the film for me was the ending.
It appeared to me that the Ross couldn’t find a suitable way to close the film, so he elected to inlay a voice-over which ended up sounding quite preachy.
Since there wasn’t any ‘thread’ of his thoughts earlier throughout the course of the film, it didn’t make sense, either.
It was a lazy writer’s way of tying up all the loose ends in my estimation.
“I Do” is a comedy drama that is well-produced with a professional sheen to it.
I expect that after a brief run on the Festival circuit it will be picked up for distribution quite quickly (if it hasn’t been already) and go on to delight open-minded audiences around the country at Boutique-style film venues.
David W. Ross is bound to soar to super stardom about the same time if my instincts are bang on.
3 stars.
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