"GRAY MATTERS"
DVD Review
by Rachel Buccicone
| MOVIE: **** (out of 5 stars)
DVD EXPERIENCE: ***1/2 (out of 5 stars) STARRING Heather Graham as GRAY Thomas Cavanagh as SAM Bridget Moynahan as CHARLIE Rated PG-13 Studio: Yari Film Group Directed by: Sue Kramer Back to DVD Review Home |  |
I’ve never been a fan of Heather Graham, but I may have discovered a performance of some merit. “Gray Matters” puts Graham in a unique role within an unusual love triangle, and while I’m still not convinced she’s a genius, at least the film is pretty great.
A wonderful opening, ballroom-dancing scene introduces us to Gray (Heather Graham) and Sam (Thomas Cavanagh) who appear to be the perfect couple. We quickly learn that while they are the perfect pair, they are also siblings.
Living together in New York City, Gray and Sam are both single and are beginning to search for “the one”. The two hit the dog park where they meet Charlie (Bridget Moynahan). Gray strikes up a conversation and upon discovering Charlie is the perfect match for her brother, introduces her to Sam. The three hit the town later that night, but something unexpected occurs after Gray calls it a night and leaves the pair: Sam proposes to Charlie who accepts, and the two will be married the following weekend in Vegas.
Besides feeling lonely and abandoned, Gray sends us signals that something isn’t quite right with her relationship with Charlie. After getting very drunk in Vegas, the girls reveal to us what is amiss. The before-now straight Gray has her lesbian awakening upon making out with her brother’s fiancée. The remainder of the film chronicles Gray's struggle with her sexuality, her coming out and her first date.
The story for “Gray Matters” is wonderful. It has a great plot while maintaining the feeling of a sexy romantic comedy. The film does have a brief instance of preaching when Gray makes light of the social inequalities suffered by the gay community. Other than that, “Gray Matters” plays lesbianism in a positive light with both a heart-warming and humorous story.
The performances are great. Heather Graham (“Bobby”) is less ditzy than usual and while her performances won’t be attracting an Oscar, she performs well. Thomas Cavanagh (“Two Weeks”) fills the brother roll perfectly, while Bridget Moynahan (“I, Robot”) brings some heat to the screen as the sexually ambiguous Charlie.
The DVD offers only a making-of special, so no frill here, but the film is good enough to overlook this disappointment.
This is a great romantic comedy that even men will enjoy if only for the girl-on-girl kissing. “Gray Matters” is sexy and fun, and unless wanting nothing to do with lesbians, everyone will love this film.
Specifications: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Widescreen. English Language Track. English and Spanish Subtitles.
