Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #123850 in DVD
• Released on: 2001-09-18
• Rating: Unrated
• Formats: Collector's Edition, Color, Digital Sound, Drama enhanced, NTSC
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 109 minutes

Customer Reviews

Impressive Independent Film with Imperfections
Like one review I read that was quite simple, I agree: "I liked this film". It was filled with good qualities, and yes, some flaws. I purchased this film out of curiosity - how could it be rated a 1 and a 5? I had to see for myself.

The Good: I liked the story line, and the valid attempt at making a point (almost documentary style) about speaking out about the gay rights of youth in America. I was around when "ACT UP" first made waves in our country, and this film tries in it's own way to weave a good story line, and sexual excitement.

The Story: Follows the plight of a young lad (Johnny) after his release from several years in a correctional facility. He gets a job, and a small place to live, makes an honest living and will not hustle for sex - Cheers on this point! He actually has great qualities, and soon finds himself in a relationship with a somewhat older guy named Joel. The second story line follows 2 friends of Joel's, one a young wealthy college student, the other a 40-something politician. The 2 forge a relationship (quickly I might add) which includes the movies first intense sexual scene (some might say soft porn - we never see the act, but you'll see more then in an R-rated film). The relationship changes viewpoints and makes our politician come "out" while supporting gay rights. A third story line (sub-plot) is odd, and would likely have been cut from any major studio release. You might call it a filler plot to add some more beauty and sex to the film. Clearly the idea behind the film is to keep the viewer waiting for more (sex that is). The ending is wrapped up nicely...no more details here.

The Bad: The audio is bad. But deal with it. They clearly didn't have a lot of money here. I'm not making excuses, but let's be fair - this is not a Warner Brothers release - because they would never release such an artsy in your face film. The acting and direction are on par for a film with a small budget, and yes, some of it is bad - but could I do better? It often reminded me of a community theater performance. There are no DVD extras, and I wasn't expecting any. It's clearly an original film, and some simply won't like the flaws in acting, direction and sound. The royalty-free background (and often the foreground) music got to be a bit overbearing.

Bottom Line: This would be a great film for a party with friends - you will laugh, either at some of the campy lines, or the film flaws that are in your face! And you'll like it if you want to see some sexual scenes - without the sex actually on camera. Parts of the movie are hot! Definitely not a 5, and definitely not a one. I give it a solid 3 (so close to 4) - and I will likely check out other films from Richard Anthony Films. And if you want the true independents to survive, support films like this one.

Two Films in One
The main problem with TRAVELING TO OLYMPIA is that it can't decide what it wants to be: an inditement of unfair treatment of gays or a soft-core porn flick. It is much to "talky" and "preachy" and it's lecturing to an audience that is already converted. And it's terribly SLOW. Oh, is it slow! There are also numerous gratuitous scenes such as a clumsy dance by unattractive, would-be cowboys in a gay bar and a song by a singer whose off-keyed wail is so bad you will reach for the mute button. There is also an exterpolated scene with two people we have never met before who have a tender, highly erotic love scene. ("This was your first time, wasn't it?" "Yes.") But we stop wondering who these people are and just enjoy the first enjoyable thing in this movie. As to the main love stories, Justin McFarlane and Michael Harboush are engaging performers and make us care for their final declaration of love. Though it seems odd that someone who has spent from age 16 to 19 in a penile institution would have his navel and both nipples pierced and someone who is in his early twenties would be a successful attorney. But most peculiar of all is why the cute, wealthy kid played by Donald Allen wants a balding Daddy-figure. (Wealthy Daddies keep cute twinks. Wealthy twinks do not keep old Daddies.) The final annoying thing about this film is that there are no chapters so one has to fast forward to get to the "fun" scenes. The film means well which is why I gave it two stars, but the scripting, the direction, and the acting (with the notable exceptions of the three performers mentioned) is stricly amateur.

I Loved It!!!
Possibly the movie wasn't as technically flawless as some that I've seen, give the guys a break, we're not talking a 2 million dollar budget. The actors brought a wonderful honesty to the characters, they didn't shy away from the sexuality and as a matter of fact used their passion as much to develop the characters as the dialogue. Cast and crew alike, were willing to take chances. The story was more honest and less sugar coated then many out there. Kudos to all involed in this production. I eagerly await future productions, as I'm sure they will continue to get better and better.