Review:

Film "Friends & Family" (USA 2002, directed by Kristen Coury)

Distributed in Australia on DVD & VHS by Magna Pacific Pty Ltd

Official Film homepage / International Movie Data Base listing

Review comments by John Frame for Queer Radio on 4ZZZ fm102.1 Brisbane, Australia. (9th June 2004)

This film officially opened the 2003 Brisbane Queer Film & Video Festival, where the mixed crowd of men and women all obviously enjoyed themselves. There was certainly plenty of laughter. At the time my own reservation was that I wasn’t convinced that the two lead characters were in a loving relationship – but after seeing the film again on DVD I am happy to change that opinion. The DVD also reflects what was apparent on the big screen – that production values in both sight and sound were excellent.

Friends & Family is a situation comedy particularly playing on the concept of parents who happily accept the sexual identity of their gay son –believing that he safely fits the respectable gay stereotype of an events caterer in New York. But in fact Stephen and Danny work as henchmen for the Mafia. When Stephen’s parents pay a surprise visit, the Mafiosi do their best to cover for him by acting as caterers and throwing a big reception in their honour. Meanwhile the Don’s daughter isn’t only planning to marry outside the Family – the potential parents-in-law are more than a little violent in their own right.

With due respect for the gay characters, and a fast moving pace, Friends & Family makes for light-hearted and satisfying entertainment.