Burning Blue

It's nice to see that gay-themed movies can move beyond the stereotypical "gay in West Hollywood tries to find love while getting terrible advice from his flamboyant best friends" sort of film. And while "Burning Blue" doesn't really break new ground, it makes a valiant effort. Centered around a group of "Top Gun"-style Navy pilots, the main focus is Daniel (Trent Ford), who is hiding his homosexuality from his brothers in the service, as well as himself. But he falls for another pilot (Rob Mayes) and, just as their relationship might finally take off, events unfold that prevent it taking flight.

Using the "Don't Ask/Don't Tell" policy as a backdrop, the film was based on real people that writer/director D.M.W. Greer knew. While not wholly biographical, his experience in the armed forces gave him the ammo to write the piece. While it certainly looks good for a low-budget effort, the story is a bit all over the place with themes of inequality, homophobia, coming out, friendship, and cover-ups all fighting for the spotlight. As a result, we are never sure where we are supposed to focus our attention. And when the film ends on a shot of a supporting character's son peering through a window, we are just stare at the screen, befuddled.

While most of the acting is good and Greer makes a handsome-looking film given the limitations of his budget, it does fall a little flat. The story is respectful and needs to be told, but ultimately it might just be preaching to the choir --�although I applaud a major player like Lionsgate for taking the film under Its wing.

Special features are slim and include moderately interesting commentary by Greer, two unimportant deleted scenes, and a seven minute featurette on the making of the film, which is mildly informative but consists of a lot of people patting themselves on the back. Nothing here is worth making it something to own.

"Burning Blue"
$26.98
www.lionsgate.com