User Reviews

This was one of the worst films I have ever seen. And I'm 54. There was a point in the 1970s that I saw over 500 films in one year. I've seen thousands I'm sure. But, this. Wow. There is dialog so pretentious, so unbelievable within the first ten minutes that we found ourselves thinking, "Well, maybe it will be a cult film, or campy" but the whole thing became so overbearingly amateurish we had to give up. The dialog was so lame and awful...the pacing (well there wasn't any) so bad, it became uncomfortable to watch. It became very obvious this was a group of people who got together and raised enough money for this vanity production thinking that 1)filmmaking was easy; 2)acting was easier; 3) writing and direction was simple. Even ad-libbing is difficult. There is nothing here. I rented this on Pay-per-view cable (PPV) and actually went to the trouble to ask them to give me a credit for the $4 today. My advice: Don't watch for more than 5 minutes or you'll have to pay. As a person who has written some small doc films and worked in editing, etc throughout the years, I understand the creative process. I give a lot of leeway toward a film. In my life, I have probably walked out of two films in theaters in my entire life. If I had seen this in the theater, it would be on that list.

Contrary to my initial assumption, "October Moon" really isn't a horror movie. Not that there aren't some rather disturbing moments, but the film plays itself out more like a psychological drama in the vain of "Fatal Attraction" (yes, the comparison is inevitable) or "Unfaithful." The climax of the film verges on "slasher" territory, but ends up being more depressing that actual scary.

The film centers around Corin, a thirty year old professional, and his younger, party-loving boyfriend Jake. The two have been together for awhile. but it is obvious that all is not rosy in their relationship. While Corin has settled down and likes to spend quiet evenings at home, Jake still loves the "bar" scene, and often views his relationship with Corin as holding him back from enjoying his youth. At work, Corin is able to confide in his boss and good friend Nancy (Brinke Stevens) about his relationship troubles. She listens with a caring ear and seems to be the only person to really understand him. Due to an increased work load and his unstable home life with Jake, Nancy decides to hire an assistant of sorts name Elliot to help Corin with some of his duties. At first, Elliot is awkward and somewhat nerdy, but likable nonetheless. Corin learns that Elliot lives with his over-protective mother (Judith O'Dea) and is engaged to be married to long-time girlfriend, Marti. Corin begins spending some time outside of work with Elliot, inviting him home and to various outings. Before long, Elliot begins to develop feelings for Corin and realizes that he is a homosexual. This causes severe mixed emotions in him; his mother is deeply against this lifestyle because he husband left her years earlier for another man. With no real support for his new feelings, Elliot's feelings for Corin begin to become a dangerous and disturbing obsession, resulting in a dark, depressing climax.

"October Moon" is truly a character driven story and because of this, may cause some viewers to lose interest. No real action occurs until the films final moments, but the build-up is almost more intense. Elliot's behavior does become more and more disturbing and where the film excels is in its believability. The characters actions and reactions are realistic and because the characters are developed extremely well, it is easy to sympathize with their individual situations. Even at the end of the film, it is hard to really blame Elliot for his actions; he desperately just wanted to be loved and accepted, and like many gay men, the emotions that came with falling for another man, when his entire life he had been told how wrong that was, were almost too much to handle. The writers takes careful steps to ensure that Elliot never becomes a despicable character and it works to the film's benefit. While there is some clichéd and dialogue steeped with stereotypes, overall, it does an adequate job of moving the plot along and creating interesting characters.

The biggest flaw present in "October Moon" is certainly its low-budget, resulting in extremely amateur looking production values. For example, the picture looks dated and often times is no better quality than you'd get with an old hand-held camera. The sound fades in and out in many spots, making conversations hard to comprehend. These issues don't necessarily make this a bad film, but do, at times, make it hard to take seriously. The acting really is a mixed bag; the actors portraying Corin and Jake are adequate, but often times some cheesy dialogue interrupts their performances. Jerod Howard is effective as Elliot, but some particular scenes seem to put noticeable strain on his range. Horror veterans Brinke Stevens and Judith O'Dea are both serviceable, but criminally underused. What is really distracting about the performances is that in some scenes, the actors are brilliant, but in the very next scene, verge on being terrible. The climax is rushed and, while somewhat effective, doesn't pack the punch that it really could have.

Overall, "October Moon" is an interesting, engaging little independent film. Like so many other low-budget films out there, it is very apparent that the filmmakers actually cared about the final product and did the best of their ability and resources to make a decent film. While those expecting gore and non-stop action will likely become extremely bored with "October Moon," it is an effective that not only cares about its characters and presents a believable portrait of obsession and desperation, it subtly makes a statement about expectations, relationships, and the consequences of intolerance. It's a slow burn, but "October Moon" is an effective, creepy film that puts substance before style; the end result and a memorable portrait of love gone wrong on many levels.

This is the worst piece of garbage I've ever seen. The acting by the two main guys isn't bad but the guy playing the crazy straight guy who becomes obsessed is over-the-top and cringe-inducing to behold. And as an extra layer of smelly crap within crap, the scene where the gay guys teach the straight guys how to have fun is offensive to gays everywhere. Way to reinforce stereotypes. Was this movie made by the Republican party? If you were a gay filmmaker, why would you put in a scene to show that straights are "squares" and need to be taught how to have a good time? AND that said time would be a (warning! shocking twist ahead!)...a DANCE PAR-TAY!

I did like the scene where the janitor in the background sneaks a swig from his mop bucket, that's the only reason I'm giving this mop-bucket-of-a-film one star instead of none? Haven't seen the sequel, maybe next time I want to botch a date I'll put it on as she goes running for the hills. Or maybe I'll just stick with the original to do the job.

October Moon was seen by myself and several friends at the North 94 Club Kenosha, WI-- showing this past Sunday Oct 2, 2005. Many of the cast members, including the producer, and go-between were present. These folks were as down to earth as it gets. Many times when people think of a gay film, thoughts of 'queeny princesses' pop into mind. This movie was directed and acted out by some of the most loving, wonderful, down-to-earth folks that there are in the Midwest. Everyone should see this awesome film. Since it was only done in one week......I have to say it receives a 10 from me on plot, story-line, actors, costumes, scenes, sound, visual, etc. God blesses the gay folks that really put their heart, soul, and mind into meaningful projects like October Moon! I also wanted to add that the illustrative Christ scene compared to the mothers' ignorance (in the movie) was a delightful touch. Who lies to who?, who destroys peoples lives?...many ignorant and narrow-minded straight people--that's who! Also, the passion (and reality) of gay life between the two lovers was spectacular, and I must state that because we live in a day and age where social constructs push us gay folks toward failure....we must stand up and be counted for as human beings! We too deserve a chance at long lasting relationships like the straight world! Praise is due this most delightful work my brothers and sisters regarding this most magnificent gay film project!!! I wish you the best...and know that it will go far. Good luck at the Gay-Film Festival Milwaukee! Everyone should vote in favor of this most wonderful cast! God Bless!

This movie started out slow and it seemed like it was going to be another stupid low budget movie. But it got better and better until my friend and I were clutching pillows from the suspense.

I liked Sean Michael Lambrecht best as an actor in this movie. He played his character with a surprising amount of depth, and became eminently likable because of it. He's cute to look at, and he endears himself to you.

Yes, there was lots that could have been better. But the characters grow on you, the acting gets better as it goes on, and you end up on the edge of your seat.

The ending stayed with me for days, and I have been analyzing everything the characters did and didn't do. Rare that this happens to me with a movie, so say what you will about the budget, but this was a surprisingly fun movie to watch.

Here's Fatal Attraction for the gay set with a few additional twists. The basic premise holds some definite potential but it's soon stamped out by severe reality-killing amateur acting (Sean Michael Lambrecht and Jeff Dylan Graham being the worst offenders there) and mediocre writing, and ends up basically coming off like a rushed production job. The character of Elliot is potentially interesting but he's not fleshed out to the point where his sexual transition or obsession is at all convincing.

Shot on video with the lowest production values you're likely to stumble across (I stumbled across them on Netflix), best I can say here is that the filmmakers tried but failed to come up with something a little different, though it's nice seeing Judith O'Dea again after such a long absence from films. Other than that, this offers very little of value and is instantly forgettable. I will not discount the director's future endeavors on behalf of this weak effort but will just advise him to sharpen up on his writing and hire better actors next time. It's also fishy that there are currently five glowing reviews for this film on IMDb. Even more fishy is that four of them were submitted in the same day!

I really enjoyed this movie. It was edgy, heart-warming (at times) and disturbing (at times). It took some unexpected turns and kept me guessing where it was going to end up. I feel the individual performances were strong. Jerod Howard, Jeff Dylan Graham and Sean Michael Lambrecht each made their character their own. My emotions were all over the board on this one... just the way I like a film. Watch the 10 minute mini-feature in the "extras" section to find out some of the motivations of the director and cast. Jerod delivers a great performance even when dealing with a personal tragedy during filming. My guess is that he used that tragedy in his character. Because of October Moon, I am a new fan of all three main actors (Jerod, Dylan and Sean).

Jason Paul Collum both wrote and directed this little film that resembles a gay 'Fatal Attraction' without the benefit of a tight script, good actors, suspense, or sophisticated effects and camera work. Sadly it boils down to a fifteen-minute story spread out over an almost interminable 2 hours.

The story involves on Corin (Sean Michael Lambrecht), a 30-year old ad exec in a five-year bumpy relationship with 23-year old party boy Jake (Jeff Dylan Graham). Corin's boss and friend Nancy (Brinke Stevens) understands Corin all too well, appreciates his relationship, but in attempting to relieve his work duties hires an assistant Elliot (Jerod Howard), a gender confused nerdy lad who is engaged to his lifelong chum Marti (Tina Ona Paukstelis) in a push from his mother (Judith O'Dea) to make things 'right'. Elliot is befriended by Corin, brought into Corin's and Jake's friendship, and Elliot and Marti and Corin and Jake begin socializing. Elliot falls for Corin, comes out of the closet to the extreme dismay of Marti and his mother, and despite Elliot's friendship with Corin and Jake, he begins to stalk Corin. Corin's rebuff of his advances leads to disaster and the film tumbles downhill from there.

Yes, some may view this weak little foray as being full of statements about love, obsession, relationships, and friendships, but all of that has been said far better before and without the seemingly tacked on genre of a horror film. The acting from the women in the film is good, but the men are blunted stereotypes. Everything about the film screams low budget. One annoying factor - a music score that sounds like lessons on electronic keyboards and obscures a lot of the dialogue - turns out to be a blessing in that the weak script is covered frequently. Most viewers will utilize the fast forward button to get through the repetitious dialogue and race for the end, a predictable, stagy tableaux that really doesn't resolve anything. Not worth two hours of your viewing time.

Giving it was a terribly low budget, I like the storyline I didn't mind the actors at least it wasn't one of those soft porn gay movies that all gay movies are usually about yuck, but all in all I enjoyed it good job guys

After 40 minutes we called it quits. Poor acting and boring story line. Gay characters were dull and the supposed straight man was a joke. I didn't recognize Elliot's mother but I remembered her name from a horror movie back in the 60's...Night of the Living Dead. Her acting was bad back then and she never improved. Don't waste your time on this TURKEY! And, unbelievably, they made a sequel of this trach 2 years later!

Having myself seen my fair share of independent movies of both the gay a straight persuasion, I can honestly say that October Moon is definitely a shining example of honest story telling with fictional edge. Recently I saw the movie "Ice Men" and have to say it was pretty awful....definitely expected more considering director Thom Best (Ginger Snaps, Queer as Folk) has done better in the past. The characters were flat and predictable and the acting was at times reminiscent of "Showgirls". With October Moon, this was definitely not the case. I found the characters believable and the writing to be an honest portrayal of people in general. The movie has a wonderful flow and holds your attention from beginning to end. Collum has shown a great deal of personal development in writing style and direction from previous endeavors. Apparently his work with TEMPE and as assistant editor for Femme Fatale has matured his talent and craft. I definitely recommend this movie, its storytelling at its best.

This film contains many of the elements so many 'wannabee' writers strive for. The suspense and horror infused with comedy and a slant of 'old school horror genre'. The story seems to surround the viewer with a credulous feel but only on purpose. This film carries a viewer through the darkness of obsession, whilst maintaining that excellent subtext of "love what one has for it could be gone in an instant". That precise combination is something so difficult that many writers only hope to have accomplish and achieve such a balance. The filmmakers intentionally obfuscate the viewer to immerse them in this journey, making this a very gripping story to watch unfold. The overall feel in the film from scene to scene is beautifully played out for the audience, and inherent to the very horrific ending. Watch this film with great pleasure. Do not listen to the mindless and vapid chimes of those who refuse to embrace a different journey. This is a film worthy of every moment and beautifully presented. It is deeply encouraging for those of us who strive to create such a journey in film and succeed in sharing it with the world. Our hats off to a brilliant story, superb actors and a flawless cinematic experience!

I saw the movie in Racine, Wisconsin. I thought the movie was wonderful! The relationship between the main characters and their dynamics with the other not so nice characters kept the movie interesting and moving. I can't believe the ending...not at all what I expected. You almost had me feeling bad for Elliot. The way his mother treated him was horrible and gave me an insight into what it must be like to have the great fear of coming out to your parents/ loved ones. Although nothing excuses his behavior! Great movie...definitely one I plan to add to my collection. Please don't let the 'gay horror' thing scare you away. This is a horror, and love story like any other. I recommend seeing it wherever you can. Congrats and good luck Jason Paul Collum!

While billed as a gay horror flick, I would like to point out that the problems and issues experienced by the film's main characters easily translate to anyone. Most of us have experienced the pain of unrequited love, the fear of unacceptance, and the insecure flailings of figuring yourself out. These very human themes are dealt with in a very honest and direct manner, all while adding a touch of cinematic horror and psychological suspense.

And while the budget was low, it is not a distracting or apparent element. Mr. Collum has made a first-rate horror flick with a heavy dose of reality. October MOON is a wonderful example of what one person can do with hard work, passion, talent, and skill. I am immensely impressed.

Having been a fan of Mr. Collum's other films, October MOON is the best and brightest, so far. I expect, and look forward to, much more in the future.