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One of the best new films exploring gay male identity, love and relationships, and likely will be a worthy addition to many personal "favorite gay films" lists, although the fact that the film is set in a town, and to some extent a culture, where, at least for a large part of the story, many in the town have not yet evolved in their views of LGBT people and issues, created some (ultimate unnecessary) anxiety for me early in the film, and at parts throughout, as to whether the film would be a throwback to older, more stereotyped and limited representations and stories of gay life, although those anxieties were not only relieved by the end of the film, but, as I suggested, the film is an extremely valuable addition to the new wave of gay cinema.

The writer, director, casting director and cast, cinematographer, set designer and other members of the film-making team also do a great job exploring rural, small town life, with its traditions (religious and otherwise...) superstitions, and class differences, and the interplay among the individuals, families and community who inhabit the town, along with the welcome (or rejection...) given to a stranger who comes there, and who many perceive as a threat to the social fabric of the town, and the support (or lack of it...) the townspeople and characters show to each other, ultimately examining the struggle between bigotry and ignorance, on the one hand, and the struggle to overcome that bigotry and ignorance, and replace it with support, respect and love on the other. Most of the townspeople are not financially well-off, but make just enough to get by, working in occupations connected to fishing and the sea, and the way they relate, individually and as a community, to each other (and to themselves, in regard to what is the true definition of a man, of an individual's self-respect) in light of a newcomer who is more financially well-off, and his artistic and suspected sexual/relationship interests, are additional themes of the film, which play out so well in a beautiful, interesting and captivating way, often evoking strong emotions, and at times offering an inspiring catharsis (and perhaps a few tears, in reaction to some sadness, and much beauty.)

And there are many other highlights of the film beyond all that, including the amazingly beautiful setting, in a rural, seaside Peruvian village, the cinematography, musical score, performances, plot twists and turns, the mix of fantasy and reality (and moments where it's unclear to what extent fantasy exists as an aspect of the story's reality.) This is a truly unique and creative film, and one of the most rewarding experiences I've had at a feature film in a long time.

Another one of those magical experiences watching a film, where all the elements come together in a way where a "small" film can say so much, and move the viewer in such beautiful and meaningful ways, while offering an entertaining time, as well. The performances from young and adult actors, soundtrack, sets and scenery, dialog, story and plot, etc., all were pitch perfect. Examining what for many are those very difficult middle school/junior high school years, the film shows the painful challenges of that time, yet also shows the possibilities in negotiating those challenges, when there are concerned friends, family members and teachers available (as long as that concern is informed by accurate knowledge, skills and abilities)and kids find the encouragement to live an authentic life. Moving along both sides of the line between what is and what could be, in an environment that is at times all too real and at times seemingly an invented world (as in films like "Big Eden," and "Local Hero") "Night Fliers" is a real treat.

Short films don't always get the attention they deserve on some audience review sites, or from audiences in general, but often a short film can do in a matter of minutes something more entertaining and expansive than a feature film of much longer length. I feel that this film is such a work - the feelings, emotions, and desires of both of the characters are portrayed in both covert and overt ways, along with the joy, challenge and, at times, awkwardness of each young man's exploration of sex, sexuality and sexual preference. Simultaneously both frank and direct, and humorous and tender, the situation, action and interaction, plot and climax of the film are all developed in a way that was, for me, extremely entertaining and enjoyable. I look forward to further work from those involved with this film, which was screened in the 2008 Frameline LGBT Film Festival in San Francisco, as part of the "Worldy Affairs" program of short films.

Though "enjoyment" is probably not the first word that comes to mind to describe the viewing experience of this film, since the subject matter of the dance/theater piece at the heart of the movie is sad and tragic, and much of the interplay between the artists who work together to create the dance/theater piece is rife with conflict, I found this documentary greatly enjoyable (in a powerful, moving and engrossing sense...) on several levels, some of them unexpected, which then added to my overall enjoyment. The film is at once all of these things - an exploration of the creative process, with elements of visual art, dance, theater and storytelling, a film version of a powerful modern dance piece, and one of the most suspenseful "will they make it/won't they/let's put on a show!" step by step accounts of the project, as the various artists involved in the project at times clash in their personalities and creative visions, and at other times cooperate together in magical ways toward success. If you do have any interest in the creative process as it relates to art, but happen to feel that you're not a fan of modern dance, and that latter feeling leads you to consider passing on the film, to do so probably would be a big mistake, for the film can be appreciated on so many other levels beyond one's interest or lack thereof in modern dance. If you are interested in modern dance, especially Pilobolus in particular, the film is a don't miss, as it is for those who are fans of Maurice, as well as anyone interested in the history and/or artistic explorations of the Holocaust.

When the film was introduced as another coming out story, I was less than enthused, since although coming out is an important and (unfortunately) enduring subject to cover, it's been done often (both well and less-than-wonderfully) before. I was amazed, though, at how well this film dealt with the topic, but more importantly, what a thoroughly enjoyable film it was - the acting, story line, situations, characters and most of the all the humor - often conveyed thru the dialogue and really funny film techniques - was all first rate. Add to all this the fact that this was the straight director's first feature length film, and it is truly an amazing achievement. One of the most enjoyable screenings at this years Frameline SF Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.

A relatively quiet and simple movie, but in a good way that leaves the viewer with a nice, somewhat melancholic wistfulness.

The movie excellently captures the world it portrays (one summer holiday season with the owner, staff and guests of a Catskill hotel that has seen better days). As others have noted, Maureen Stapleton makes the movie worthwhile on her own, and it's a special pleasure for anyone who has an appreciation for the history of such resort hotels, and the role they played giving many entertainers a start in "the old days."

The Nat King Cole song of the same title captures in song much of what the movie captures on film.

This is a good film for fans of William Powell, Betsy Drake, Jean Hersholt, and/or films about Hollywood or the road to success. Inspirational in that "we're gonna make it" way, however corny that can be. The plot twists are good, if melodramatic, the "schemes" hatched by the characters to achieve their objectives are clever, and there are some good musical numbers, although these are far fewer than in the musical, "Bandwagon," which is based on the same source. I found it a very pleasant evening's entertainment.