The Writer's Poke

How cute does this film want to be? If it's just a story about two male sex workers, then maybe I would like it more than if you try to layer in the Shakespeare. Gus Van Sant admitted that some viewers found the "Shakespearean dialogue" used in the Bob (William Richert) scenes jarring. I am among those viewers. I just didn't find it necessary. Also, I don't need to be told that the plot is "loosely based on King Henry IV." So what, really? It's not obvious, and I'm more confused about why Scott (Keanu Reeves) wants to live this "lifestyle" until he comes into his inheritance. Does he really expect that people will simply "excuse" him for being a male prostitute until he's 21? The scene that I appreciate the most is when Mike (River Phoenix) opens up to Scott. He tells Scott that he loves him. That's the best part of the film. Since Scott isn't gay, nothing happens sexually, but they do embrace. The other part of th...

Kids don't get the parents they want or need; that seems to be a common idea, and the Buckman kids certainly didn't have the best dad. On the other hand, maybe parents don't get the kids they want or need. Everyone seems to be something of a disappointment to everyone else, and in the end, everyone may be too self-centered to be the person that others need them to be. Is that the message of this film? Gil (Steve Martin) doesn't want to turn into his dad Frank (Jason Robards). He wants to spend time with his kids. He wants to be a good dad. Even though he tries hard, he still isn't able to have perfect kids. That bugs him. Frank knows he wasn't the perfect dad. That might bug him, too, but in a rare heart-to-heart, he tells Gil that parenthood never ends. His 27-year old son, Larry, is kind of deadbeat with a gambling problem. Frank wants to be there for him and makes him a deal. Larry, however, isn't able to change. He just takes off. Frank can't do anyt...