Geography Club (2013)

Awesome Movie

A brilliant film that helped define a genre

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Geography Club is an exceptionally motivated film. It's messages are simultaneously subtle and prominent--and there are many that audiences can take from it. It's appeal, whilst obviously aimed towards adolescents, is genuine. It never feels cheap, never ham-fisted and doesn't try to be something that it isn't. The performances from it's cast are exceptional, and I feel inclined to note in particular Ted Ovilares whose incredible and heartbreaking portrayal of Brian Bund was perfect, and Cameron Deane Stewart who played a very identifiable and relatable Russell Middlebrook. It's funny, it's fast, it's beautifully filmed, charming, feel good and inspiring pure and simple.However, the film's biggest flaw to me-- as a person who's read the novel-- is that it barely scrapes the surface of what the characters and their development, and their relationships were. For instance, Russell and Kevin's relationship, whilst sweetly and endearingly portrayed in the film, was simply not explored nearly enough to be able to understand the depth of his feelings for Kevin (and vice versa). In the book, (SPOILERS) the reason why Kevin and Russell's break up at the end is so heartbreaking is because they were still in love with each other afterwards, they both wanted different things as characters--Russell was prepared to be out whilst Kevin was not--and they knew that it couldn't work despite their feelings for each other. In the film, it's just not very satisfyingly portrayed. The characters aren't as layered as they are in the book.What I'm trying to say is that there is so much more to these characters than what you see in the film--which really only barely scrapes the surface of them. Their motivations behind their decisions and their priorities-- what is important to them and what (and who) they care about is what makes them and their stories so compelling. I understand that liberties have to be taken when adapting content to the screen, and while the way the characters are seen very much fit the narrative direction the film chose, I just didn't feel as if we spent enough time with them to truly understand their relationships--their growth or deterioration, and feel what they're going through. What's simply missing here is a sense of narrative resolution.This being said however, Geography Club is a must see film for adolescents. I can almost guarantee that there will be something or someone in the film that any viewer will be able to identify with and or relate to. It's fast, it's funny, it's inspiring and it's flawed, but I cannot recommend it more. It's such an important film that I am sure viewers from all walks of life will recognize its importance.

I sat down to watch "Geography Club" without having read the synopsis, just thinking this to be another one of those teen comedy movies. I was surprised when I found out what it actually was all about.Surprised, yeah, but not in a bad way. This movie is actually rather entertaining, but at the same time it is quite compelling and riveting. This is the kind of movie that you get swept away by, because the story is realistic and the characters even more so.The story is about Russell (played by Cameron Deane Stewart) who is coming of age and is struggling with his sexuality. Standing at a crossroad of his sexuality, facing a very difficult social situation by outing his gay sexuality. He gets into a secret relationship with Kevin (played by Justin Deeley) who is on the college football team. Caught between his own morals and his friendship to Gunnar (played by Andrew Caldwell), Russell lives a double life.Now, don't expect to be flat out laughing yourself to tears from this movie, because it is not that kind of comedy. This movie is more of a subtle comedy that is very realistic and tied to events that we can relate to in one way or another.The movie is nicely told and directed by director Gary Entin. But even more importantly, it is so nicely acted out on the screen by every one on the cast list."Geography Club" is a very nice movie that you should take the time to sit down and watch.

Geography Club is not your typical high school movie. It's inspirational and funny at the same time. The movie is based on Brent Hartinger's best- selling novel Geography Club. This movie will always be relevant and It's a must see for teens and young adults. The topic of LGBTQ is serious topic in society and I love how the movie displayed it light heartily. The movie is teens discovering who they are and standing up for what they believe in. It's all about courage, friendship, trust and love. The movie does the book great justice and all of the actors/actresses play their characters perfectly. Geography Club shows the importance of teens being supported in the LGBTQ community.

Geography Club is an inspirational movie that every LGBTQ youth should see. It's based off Brent Hartinger's novel of the same name and follows Russell Middlebrook as he learns to be proud of his sexuality and unafraid of what others think. Cameron Deane Stewart lends a quiet grace to the character of Russell and makes you hope that things will work out for him and his secret quarterback boyfriend Kevin, played by Justin Deeley. Their sweet romance was one of my favorite parts of this movie. When Russell and Kevin get caught kissing by Min, a fellow classmate, she invites them to join the 'Geography Club' which is the code name for a secret meet-up of fellow gay students. Min's girlfriend Terese is played by Hairspray's Nikki Blonsky in a role unlike anything she's done before and Alex Newell, from The Glee Project and Glee, puts in a heartfelt and humorous performance as Ike, a boy who's desperately trying to convince others he's "80% straight." As the movie goes on, Min wants to drop the 'Geography Club' façade and invite all students to join their school's first GSA but the others are unsure. The film doesn't shy away from showing the heartbreaking things that gay youth must deal with, including bullying, ignorance, discrimination and disappointment. Teens watching it will feel less alone and realize that other people are going through the same things they are. Geography Club sends out a message of tolerance, respect and love to its audience. The stunning performances from the young cast and the engaging, realistic storyline make Geography Club a must-see.