Breakfast with Scot (2007) User Reviews (29)

Pleasant surprise!

[bradford-5 · 8/10 · 27 May 2008]

I just saw Breakfast With Scot last night at the Seattle Intl. Film Festival. I was fully prepared not to like it at all, as most gay themed films of the last several years have been so disappointing.

Yes, it is a little predictable, in the sense that you ultimately know how a story like this is going to turn out. Novelty for the sake of novelty doesn't help stories either, and this is a solid well told story. The small turns of the story were not predictable though. I particularly liked that this Canadian production did not reach for the obvious over the top emotional climax an American production would have. For example, it resolves Tom Cavanaugh's work conflict with far less drama then I would expect from a gay themed film. The script deflates the situation in an interesting and realistic way, recognizing that the film is foremost about the relationship between Eric and Scot, and not about Eric's closeted work situation.

The acting is really really solid. The cast feels like an ensemble, not a group of actors vying for screen attention. It takes awhile to realize that Tom Cavanaugh, with his usual non-showy performance, is the adult lead. Noah Bernett, as Scot, hits it exactly right. A very tough character for an actor of any age to get right. Some criticize the script, saying that the character is way too flamboyant for a boy this age. But that is exactly the center of the book, and the film, for this character to be so unapologetically out there and flamboyant that he challenges gays even more than straights. He's not supposed to be a typical gay kid. (In fact, part of that challenge is that he (and we) do not even know for sure what his ultimate sexuality might be.) As it is, he is sort of a child genius of fun fashion and cosmetics. His character is supposed to make us uncomfortable, and challenging to our assumptions.

Cinematography and production design are first rate. I heard that the overall budget was well under 4 million, if so, then bravo to the production crew, it looks like more.

A Xmas film worth watching again and again anytime anyplace. And those pancakes!

[Toadinthehole · 8/10 · 31 December 2009]

On a par with the Belgium film La Vie en Rose and influenced by it too I'm quite sure.

Camp movie, very amusing and emotionally engaging. The principal boy a gem. The two leading males unusual, off beat, not stereotypes and a great supporting cast with good cameos here and there. I particularly liked the boy bully turned protector and his cutting line on the stairs at the end which must have been such fun to say. One he'll remember all his life.

So refreshing not to see children being patronized, but appreciated for who they are and that scene with the well meaning school mistress saying "he needs to watch more TV to get "other" role models" just sais it all!

Yes this is a Xmas film, but one worth watching again & again anytime anyplace. And one for the kids too.

Good on you Canada. The Brits(of whom I'm one) couldn't make this kind of film if we tried as we're far too consumed, controlled and retentive. When I saw La Vie en Rose I thought the same. We're good at making costume dramas for export and kitchen kitsch but an Anglo Saxon Breakfast with Scot would have far too much salt & vinegar I feel.

Sweetest film. And those pancakes!

Great premise but a little too 'after-school special' at times

[JonathanWalford · 6/10 · 21 June 2008]

I haven't read the book so I only have to go on what I saw. The premise is great - fresh and funny. A masculine gay couple end up as guardians of their effeminate 11 year old nephew and try to make a man out of him. The story is less about changing the nephew and more about changing the gay couple, in particular the partner who is an ex-Toronto Maple Leafs hockey player. The movie was enjoyable, light hearted, and good natured but it lacked something -- it resembled an after-school special at times, especially towards the end. There are too many characters with bit parts that don't make enough of an impact in the film. There is a neighbourhood tough kid who inexplicably becomes a friend of the flamboyant nephew and co-workers who come in and out of the film but never really say anything meaningful. An awkward meeting with a school teacher results in her suggesting the boy watch TV to find other role models -- a very clumsy scene without cause or precedence. The writer and director needed to streamline the movie and identify scenes that needed to be pumped up to give the story some poignancy. I was never quite drawn in, brought to tears, laughed out loud or was worried that things might not work out. Its a sweet story but could have been better.

Warm, fuzzy and predictable

[sergepesic · 7/10 · 7 November 2011]

"Breakfast with Scot", the lighthearted Canadian comedy is a pleasant, Christmas movie. The only twist is the presence of the gay male couple, who show as much affection to each other as two neighbors. I know, the intention is not the offend the easily offended crowd, and to make it more mainstream. Whatever... Those who hate gay people will not bother, and the rest of us would expect little more guts, and maybe a sincere emotion or two, if it is not too much to ask. All that aside, it is a warm and fuzzy and charming movie,albeit quite predictable.The predictability is what you expect from this genre and the viewer gets over it. I did too.

Funny and Corny Gay Movie

[claudio_carvalho · 6/10 · 22 November 2012]

In Toronto, the Maple Leaf hockey player Eric McNally (Tom Cavanagh) breaks his shoulder in four pieces while training and is forced to end his career. Five years later, he is a sportscaster, working with his assistant Nula (Jeananne Goossen) that is the only person in the TV that knows that Eric is gay and lives with the lawyer Sam (Ben Shenkman).

When the drug addicted girlfriend Julie of Sam's brother Billy (Colin Cunningham) dies from an overdose, her son Scot (Noah Bernett) is sent to the social care. Sam contacts Billy that is in Brazil, and tells that Julie has assigned him with the custody of the boy and the insurance money. Billy is tempted by the money and promises to return to Toronto in the end of the year and Sam convinces Eric to lodge Scot at home.

Scot was raised by his mother and is a sissy. The lives of Eric and Sam turn upside down with the boy and Eric gives his best efforts to give a father's influence to Scot.

"Breakfast with Scot" is a funny and corny gay movie, with a predictable story. It is funny to see the gay Eric trying to educate Scot as a man since the boy is also gay. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Uma Família Bem Diferente" ("A Quite Different Family")

Absolutely Fabulous!

[iam-28 · 9/10 · 28 December 2008]

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Best LGBT genre movie in the past few years..., Sep 21 2008 By Joe E. Mcparland "cojoeman" (Windsor, Canada) - See all my reviews

As a long time collector of contemporary LGBT genre movies, I rate Breakfast With Scott at the top of my list. I have practically worn out my DVD copy! This movie was screened as a special selection in the 2007 Windsor International Film Festival. The sold out house gave the movie a deserving five minute standing ovation at its conclusion. Aside from the wonderful message of tolerance, acceptance and adaptability, this gem of a movie will have you - as it had me - in tears of laughter and tears of sorrow. Laurie Lynd's direction of Tom Cavanaugh, Ben Shenkman and,of course,show-stealer - Noah Bernett, is nothing less than magical. I could not agree more with the Globe and Mail's DVD cover endorsement of the movie,"Absolutely Fabulous!"

Pleasant Gay Themed Film But SitCom Like

[drpakmanrains · 6/10 · 30 August 2010]

Having discovered this film as a result of viewing and later purchasing "The Blossoming of Maximo Olivares", and "A Very Serious Person", both excellent LGBT themed films, I had high hopes for "Breakfast..", especially after the many glowing reviews on this and other websites. The story has great potential, about a gay male couple who become caretakers to one's brother's girlfriend's 11 year old son after she dies of a drug overdose. One of the men is a former hockey player who has no interest in becoming a parent, even temporarily. But it is his eventual relationship with the boy, well played by Noah Bernett, which becomes the film's central theme. Much of the happenings are predictable, especially the climactic sequence. I feel the main problem with the film is that the director, in trying to keep the film from being too heavy, relies on sitcom like comedy and some broad characters, who seem more like types, used to make points, rather than fleshed out human beings. It isn't boring, and it is rather pleasant, but it could have been so much better if it had more depth and a less loud soundtrack trying to emphasize the comedy. Watch "A Very Serious Person", and then see if you agree with my review more than before.

Loved it!

[porgiamor · 10/10 · 20 December 2008]

Great film. Good dialog - much better in English than french. I was really impressed with the opening shots of the movie in which the title Breakfast with Scot appears on the side boards of the hockey rink. Very inventive. Also the ending credits with the pictures on the fridge and matching names was very memorable too. I guess I would call it a chick flick for all types of chicks, male and female, gay and straight. Based on this movie, these Canadians are portrayed as bitchy, compassionate, unpredictable, charming and sensitive and hilariously funny people. Good ensemble cast. Tom Cavanaugh's performance was spot on. Noah Bennett was very expressive and showed real depth of acting range. Wonderful script also. Very refreshing take on parenting and what it means to be in a modern family. Relationships take work and this movie depicts the real life stress involved in keeping every member of a family content. Each character has to compromise. Great movie for the Holiday season. I wish more movies like this were made today.

Reluctant gay guy becomes happy father.....

[ohlabtechguy · 7/10 · 2 February 2021]

Several plot lines that didn't seem plausible.....like the sissy boy taking up hockey or foster dad, Eric, suddenly loving the kid after being immensely annoyed and bothered by him. But it's a comedy so I can accept a fair amount of non-ordinary reality. Favorite parts were when Scot insisted upon calling Eric "gay" in public settings. You knew how ultra embarrassing it was for straight laced, and still in the closet, Eric. Movie ended on a Hallmark note. Would have loved to have seen a movie where Tom Cavanaugh played another gay character, where his romantic relationship with another adult gay character was the central focus. Decent movie......worth watching once.

Too Cute and Contrived to be engaging

[max-850 · 4/10 · 15 May 2010]

I wanted to like this movie. Tom Cavanaugh is a good actor and deserves better writing. From the get go I didn't believe these two guys were a couple. There was no chemistry between them. The pathetic exchanges of affection seemed designed for an after school special. If it's a move not for kids then why make a movie suitable for kids? Seems like shooting itself in the foot. The writer seemed to be trying too hard to be cute and the obvious reaching for jokes kept it from being engaging. I didn't believe one bit of it. It was so obviously fake that I had to clean house while it played out and I hate cleaning house. The character Billy is supposed to be in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yet customers in his store speak perfect English. The whole thing just never rang true.

LOVED it!

[awesumrossum · 9/10 · 4 January 2010]

I had never heard of the movie at all before seeing it - saw it from my movie channel...

As soon as I saw the Toronto Maple Leafs, I was set up to be disappointed, but am glad I perservered. Hate to say it as a Canadian myself, but Canadian-made movies do not inspire the best expectations.

I am SO happy about having seen Breakfast with Scot. I just loved the whole idea that the gay couple was worried about the kid being "too gay".

Just because I haven't seen a kid like Scot, doesn't mean they aren't out there, however, that was the only part that seemed a little far-fetched to me. Everything else seemed like that's the way it would happen given that circumstance... The acting was fantastic and the plot itself was just so unique and refreshing.

And, of course, having watched it with zero information, I had no idea there was any kind of gay theme whatsoever until the plot revealed itself. This movie is not about being gay - it is about relationships. The 'gay' part of this movie should hold no bearing on whether to see it or not. I am not gay and I LOVED it. I bought a copy. In fact, I bought two copies and gave one to friends of mine that I felt might be not open-minded enough to see it on my simple recommendation. They enjoyed it too.

Everyone should see this movie. You will laugh out loud!

Quite a surprise

[nadialindgren · 7/10 · 1 April 2010]

I was offered this movie viewing for free and didn't expect that much of it. I mean: sounded a bit too American (didn't quite get its Canadian origin until after the movie started) - for the emotionally challenged - but I've got to hand it to the producers behind this movie: it's actually quite great. The actors work together like hand in glove and the story behind the movie is actually rather well put together. I like the way the "gay" issue was handled: not as a pariah but as an alternative lifestyle... And I loved the kid actor. He is really not the usual hindrance for a good movie, as some kid actors are: he appears realistic, although a bit of a different kid, than I've usually seen. works well with the other actors.

I'm so adding this to my Feel Good Christmas Movie List.

...it's mixed up, muddled up, shook up world

[darthminogue · 5/10 · 14 April 2017]

Yeesh. That's the first time I've ever sought to see the writer of a film. Because no matter how charming the acting, that script was a dog! It was like a first draft where embryos of ideas ended up in the final cut.

I hardly ever write film reviews and am only on here because it seems such a lost opportunity and I'd like to commend the cast: if any of the cast is reading this, you were terrific! The young star, Noah Bernett, was fantastic, Tom Cavanagh was a great foil, and even poor old Ben Shenkman gave it go when the script allowed (rarely).

Really, such a shame.

Breakfast With Scot is a delightfully, hilarious comedy from Laurie Lynd.

[rjhouston · 10 March 2015]

Breakfast With Scot is a 2007 film from Canada, that stars Tom Cavanagh as Eric, Ben Shenkman as Sam and Noah Bernett as Scot. It is rare to find such an insightful work that deals with the stereotypes of gay culture. Eric is an ex hockey player and Sam is a lawyer, they are a very conservative couple. Scot recently orphaned after his mother dies from an overdose, is unexpectedly dropped into their lives. He is very flamboyant and the total opposite of his new caregivers. While very funny this gem is also heartwarming, believable and thought provoking. As the story unfolds the three realize that acceptance and love are the glue that binds a family and overcomes all obstacles. Excellent writing, cinematography and casting make this film a must see and earn it the perfect score of a 10. Bravo to Mr. Lynd and the talented cast!

Awful movie, great performance

[The_unemployed_cynic · 6/10 · 31 December 2008]

There is a lot wrong with the whole premise but particularly the execution of this movie, although it shows some elements of a heart warming and original story. Unfortunately, the project ended up in the hands of an inadequate writer and/or director and a wooden cast.

The only redeeming factor in Breakfast with Scot is the wonderful performance by Noah Bernett, who plays the role of Scot. He shows a wide range of emotions and is exactly as over-the-top and camp as his character demands, without going over the top as an actor. Yes, even a camp boy can still be all boy at times.

I read a comment from someone who doubted that a boy this age would act this way. My advise: go to YouTube and look around. You will find kids Scot's age or even younger who act just like him and often even more camp. Welcome to the 21st century. Scot is the only believable character in this movie.

One of the Better LGBT Movies I've Seen

[biumphress · 7/10 · 14 March 2014]

As my first review on IMDb, I will try my best to justify my rating without spoiling the plot beyond the premise given by the IMDb entry. That being said, if you want everything (themes, character development, etc.) to be a surprise, I advise all readers to stop reading and watch the film for themselves.

Drama: + The protagonist of this film is seen by everyone else as a prime example of a masculine man, what with his past as a Toronto Maple Leafs player, and the child he and his partner are supposed to take care of is rather feminine (wearing make-up being fashion conscious, etc.). This contrast is a great source for the conflict needed to move the plot. - Not to specify any part of the plot, but I found the "Fun and Games" beat takes a while; everything after "Fun and Games" happens in the last 25 minutes.

Spectacle: There really isn't anything good or bad in this department I can say other than that hockey (not "ice hockey," just hockey; otherwise it's not being respectful to the sport) is always a big thing in Canadian culture; personally, I'm sick of it, but I'm not a sports person anyway.

Substance: + As you could guess from the Drama section, gender expression and parenting are the main topics in this film, and I feel that they are well handled; i.e. Is it right to deny someone else's freedom of expression for the sake of societal conformity? What if that "someone else" is a child you are supposed to take care of? Is doing so considered necessary parenting? These are questions that form the change for the protagonist throughout the film (or last 25-30 minutes to be more accurate). - I have to ask, is it necessary to present masculinity and femininity as extremes in this film (particularly the latter)? I can see teenage or young adult men wearing make-up for femininity's sake, but not necessarily 10 year old boys (I could be wrong since I've never met a 10 year old boy wearing make-up). With the this sort of extreme situation (which I don't feel to be entirely justified in the movie), I think this film will have a harder time connecting to audiences and people from the real world.

Overall, as much as this film is flawed, I still find merit this film has to offer, and I didn't feel like my time is wasted. As such, this film is one of the better LGBT films I've seen in recent times.

Wonderful comedy scores a goal!

[marksloggett · 10/10 · 5 April 2010]

Having seen the preview for this, I was intrigued and decided to give it a try. It turned out to be yet another example of why I prefer films made outside of the U.S. The writing was first-rate and hilarious, and the performances were uniformly brilliant. Tom Cavanaugh is one of the most watchable comedic talents anywhere, Ben Shenkman (who reminds me a lot of Harold Ramis) was equally superb, and young actors Noah Bernett (as Scot) and Dylan Everett (Ryan) really shined in their roles as well. There are plenty of laughs and poignant moments in equal measure, with the underlying theme of accepting and loving others for who they are. Hockey is a major focus in the film, but it can be enjoyed by those who aren't familiar with the game. Aside from a few instances of salty language (including a couple "f-bombs"), it's family-friendly and the issues involved are handled with tact and gentle humor. Highly recommended.

Watchable

[caiphn · 6/10 · 27 May 2008]

Most Canadian films make me cringe, and are identifiable almost immediately by the production. I haven't seen a lot of Canadian films but until the many hockey references occurred, I had no idea this film wasn't made in the US of A. The main child actor character definitely makes you feel uncomfortable initially, but as a whole the film wasn't THAT bad, although some scenes dragged on far to long, the carol near the end of the film comes to mind. I made it all the way through this film, I think anyone really could. If you're really hungover and can't get off the couch (sofa for you Yanks) and aren't sure where the remote is, ... AND this also happens to be on TV, things could be worse. (.. and on a somewhat unrelated note, to whoever wrote the trivia for this film, the characters name wasn't Ed, you twit.)

feel good family comedy

[beregic · 8/10 · 11 January 2009]

this being a movie made in my hometown( the dundas square certainly looks at its best now) i was very skeptical of a movie that will once again promote gay rights simply because its... "cool"(!?) to do so. frankly i was afraid for some hidden agendas of extreme nature + mature matter. besides any Canadian movie, especially action or comedies tend to be lame quickly forgettable. our home grown directors tend to pay more attention to artistic merits then to the actual subject/matter/plot...

well i was wrong; turns out that this comedy has quiet a lot of witty punch lines for ALL audiences. the situation is about family and not so much about the gay couple. the "contradicted" kid is at the center of the with the 2 main male leads as support.

the production is quiet great, the pace is quiet fast as well( almost no slow moments or fill-ins at all ). the acting is superb especially from the kids and Thomas Cavanagh. Ben Shenkman is more just of a stereotype character.

while i would still not recommend this movie to pre-teen kids, adolescents and teens would have nothing to "worry" about.as for any sexuality issues, there is only a quick, minimal(lips only) male kiss . other then that no intimacy at all that might offend some viewers.

Painful to watch

[pogostiks · 3/10 · 2 April 2008]

Before I say anything else, I'd better admit that I saw this film in a dubbed-into-French version. Maybe... just maybe... that is the reason this seems to be so flat to me... but I would not want to spend time watching it again - in the original version or any other.

For a Canadian film that some people here have touted as being better than the typical Hollywood junk and a "real family" film to boot - I am wondering if we saw the same film.

First of all, the entire film is predictable from beginning to end. There is NOTHING here that we haven't seen before, done better. Second - it looks and feels more like a television series comedy rather than a real film... all that's missing is the laugh-track (which maybe would have been a good idea, as I saw NOTHING in this film that was even mildly funny...) Third, this is supposedly a "gay-positive" story... yet uses every single cliché imaginable. The kid wears makeup, has a feather boa, and just generally comes across as the most flaming queen since Divine. I'm sorry, but no kid that I have ever known had EVERY cliché down pat. Also, how many gay men who are afraid to let ANYONE know they are gay, would be living with another guy openly in a committed relationship?? You have to have gone through a fair amount of gay-consciousness to allow that to happen... Oh, and the kiss between the two men at the end of the film was the most perfunctory, sexless, emotionless, useless kiss between two guys that I have ever seen on film.

There is NOTHING in this film that is even mildly believable. The dialogue sounds pat and scripted, not lived or realistically felt. The camera work is adequate, but certainly not memorable. Of all the Canadian films I have seen over the years, this one is the most tired, boring, badly scripted piece of crap I have ever seen.

If anyone on this site wants to see truly GOOD Canadian writing and directing, go see C.R.A.Z.Y - a French Canadian film with true heart, honest laughs, a REAL sense of family, and a much better representation of anything gay.

a "gay" movie that's also a "family/kids" movie

[michaelmorton22 · 10/10 · 4 February 2011]

They're still hard to find, aren't they? Well, you've found one.

When the adults are messed up, and the kid needs them to get their act together, and being gay/coming out isn't just about you... Um, it's almost like real life. Wow. The adults in this movie definitely make all the right mistakes.

Aesthetically, the film is great, but if you're wanting to find (more) safe ways to talk about queer family issues with your child, that's not your primary concern. And, actually, you can watch this one with a child of almost any age, and if you're kid is like my eight-year-old, there will be plenty of things to discuss.

Enjoy.

A very pleasant surprise

[[e-mail] · 8/10 · 2 December 2010]

I was very pleasantly surprised by this movie. It was a very well acted and directed film. That said, I thought the writing would be typical of an indy film and was not expecting much. I also remember critics saying at the time the film was released that the directors tried to hide the gay relationship too much. Now after seeing the movie I think I was just reading reviews from some bitter queens. The gay relationship is very much secondary to the main theme. The focus on the film is the child named Scot and his living life to the fullest regardless of how society sees gender roles. I liked that it was not the worn out theme where straight guy is uncomfortable with a kid or person not conforming to typical male gender roles, rather this was about a semi-closeted former pro hockey player that learned about his own internalized issues while learning to love this new child in his life who he becomes a dad to. It just goes to show whether gay or straight - we all have our issues to deal with. Again a very pleasant surprise and well worth watching.

Slightly mushy

[Dr_Coulardeau · 8/10 · 27 June 2012]

You sure have to be in Canada for social services to entrust a boy under ten to a gay couple. But that sounds so natural that no one can complain, except the bigots and there are not very many around.

The child, Scot, should be pitied through and through. The son of a father he does not know, raised by his mother as a girl, his mother dying of an overdose, or in an accident, no one seems to really know or want to know, abandoned by the second man of his mother to whom she had willed the boy along with her comfortable life insurance. The boy is trapped. But no pity please: we've run out of tissues.

Luckily the stepfather being in Brazil, the boy, Scot, has to be entrusted to someone and that's the brother of that "Brazilian" stepfather, the brother and his boyfriend.

The film is funny because of the disturbance it introduces into the daily life of these two men who have to learn how to take care of a child, of a boy: take him to school, make him socialize, introduce him to sports and the neighbors, teach him how to fight to defend himself and his reputation when he is accused of being gay (with a nice little ugly word for it) and when the men who are taking care of him are also accused of being gay (with another nice little ugly word for it).

Then the film becomes interesting because the boy, Scot, little by little gets tricked and then trapped in his new life without actually denying what he is or what he feels. He learns how not to kiss everyone, especially the boys, or how not to hug everybody, especially the boys, for no reason whatsoever.

Then the rest you'll have to discover. The ending is slightly mushy because the director wants it to be pink and nice, but it is so improbable that we have to suspend our disbelief so much we get vertigo. But that's all right provided you accept the idea that it is supposed to teach the bigots a lesson. But does it really? Entertaining though maybe too rosy to be true. But at times in life we need to believe a dream can be true. So enjoy the fun and relax in the entertaining cinematographic Jacuzzi. And don't you take advantage of the situation: there are little boys watching. So keep your hands on the edge of the pool.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU

Breakfast is the most important meal!

[[e-mail] · 10/10 · 6 June 2018]

Breakfast with Scot is a beautifully played slightly comic drama about a gay couple faced with being surrogate parents to a child when the boy's almost-related-to-them mother dies They face the usual insecurities of being new parents, together with fears of being the gay couple with the kid, and all that that entails. But the surprise that Scot brings with him is that they are uniquely well-placed to be his parents, rather than just a way-station until his wayward legal guardian, a brother of one of the couple, is found and persuaded to come get the kid. What can I say...FABULOUS!

One to watch with your Mum!

[adamjohns-42575 · 8/10 · 2 September 2020]

Any film that ends with "Step Into Christmas" by Elton John is a winner for me.

Although this story is very similar to "Ideal Home" (2018), it obviously came first and both have their own individual charms. I personally love Tom Cavannagh and I always have, I would love to raise a child with him.

It's a lovely little film with a sweet and sensitive story, if a little bit naive in its beliefs of what real life is like.

Scot, himself is played very well by a talented young lad and no one else goofs their part either.

Also, I can definitely empathise with listening to Christmas music to cheer yourself up. A cute touch.