Director Casper Andreas makes a departure from his previous films with “Going Down in La La Land”. It’s an adaptation of Andy Zeffer’s “slightly autobiographical” novel. Andreas is best known for his comedies “Slutty Summer” and “A Four Letter Word.”

A true New Yorker he captures the spirit of that city. He makes entertaining films that just so happen to be gay. They explore love and relationships with hilarious dialogue and a sense of whimsy and delight without leaning on typical gay tropes like gratuitous nudity and bad acting.

Not only is “Going Down in La La Land” set in Los Angeles but it also veers a little darker than Andreas’ earlier films. Adam (Matthew Ludwinski) is the epitome of “fresh meat.” He moves to LA with no job, headshot or clue. His best friend Candy (Allison Lane) is an aspiring actress who is a little long in the tooth but not lacking in enthusiasm. Unable to keep a job, he is lured into the world of porn by a sweet-talking photographer (Casper Andreas). He soon begins escorting and quickly falls in love with a high profile sitcom star John (Michael Medico). Life get dark fast and quickly slips out of his control.

Despite the somewhat dark themes of escorting and crystal meth abuse, there are some funny and delightful moments of the film. Andreas manages to capture the spirit of living in Los Angeles and its stunning and eccentric inhabitants. There’s hope and pathos in people trying their damndest to make a name for themselves. Like the source material, the film doesn’t give you what you would expect and has surprising and even tender fairy tale moments. There are even a few bitchy soap operatic lines just for good measure.

Ludwinski is realistic as the attractive yet simple goober that is easily led into a world of porn, drugs and prostitution. Andreas shows his acting versatility with his realistic and eerie portrayal of a crystal meth addict. The star of the film is by far Allison Lane who steals every scene as the definitive deluded actress. She’s willing to do anything to pay her rent and to make it in Hollywood except get a job. Embrem Pictures regular Jesse Archer makes a departure from his fun and frisky Luke character to play Adam’s bitchy boss Matthew. However, sadly he is not around half as much as he needed. There are also hilarious cameos by Judy Tenuta, Perez Hilton, Bruce Villanch and Alec Mapa.

WATCH FOR IT IN THE COMING WEEKS –

May 7 The Boston LGBT Film Festival
(Andreas to attend)

May 12 The Rainbow Film Festival in Honolulu
 OPENING NIGHT
 (Star Matthew Ludwinski
& co-star Alec Mapa to attend)

May 25-31 Mix Milano Film Festival, Italy.

June 2-4 QCinema, Fort Worth (Andreas to attend)

More dates announced soon!



BestGayCities

Please follow and like us: