10 Attitudes

10 Attitudes is an engaging and emotional romantic comedy from 2001, directed by Michael O. Gallant and starring Jason Stuart, Jim J. Bullock, and Christopher Cowan. The movie gives a relatable and often humorous look at the quest for true love within the gay community of Los Angeles, touching on themes of acceptance, self-discovery, and the complexity of relationships. Amidst the dynamism of the LA backdrop, the film brilliantly incorporates humor, passion, and turmoil, evoking an array of emotions throughout.

Jason Stuart portrays Josh, the film’s protagonist, an accomplished and introspective real estate agent who navigates a series of unfortunate dating incidents, leading him to seemingly endless self-reflection. Dealing with the woes of a failing long-term relationship with his boyfriend of ten years, self-proclaimed 'love of his life', Barry (Jim J. Bullock), Josh's life takes a nosedive when he finds Barry with another man, leaving him completely heartbroken and spiraling. After struggling with his efforts to move on, he hilariously embarks on a self-devised "10 Attitudes" plan to find the ideal man.

As he motors through these quintessential snapshots of single life, each encounter somehow fails to give him what he’s searching for. From the quirky nerd to the self-obsessed fitness fanatic, Josh’s journey is anything but simple, only to be made more complex by his dwindling hope and growing cynicism.

Parallel to Josh's story, Jim J. Bullock gives an exceptional performance as the two-timing ex-partner Barry, who is left to deal with the aftermath of his infidelity. Though he remains largely isolated from Josh, his regret for his indiscretions and his struggle to find new meaning in his relationships add further depth and emotional context to the story.

Christopher Cowan, in a supporting role, delivers a commendable performance as one of the many men Josh dates. He brings in a charm that complements the narrative and adds a touch of humor to the ever-derailing love life of Josh.

The strength of 10 Attitudes is in its honest portrayal of the struggles and triumphs faced while searching for love. It doesn't shy away from the harsh realities, and it doesn’t sugarcoat – it exposes vulnerabilities, insecurities, the thrill of new encounters, and the pain of broken hearts. The film cleverly manages to offer lighthearted comedic moments that punctuate the more profound exploration of its characters' emotional journeys.

The film goes beyond just being another 'gay movie'; instead, it serves as a broader commentary on love and relationships. It doesn't limit itself to exploring only the spectrum of romantic relationships but also vividly depicts the strong bond that Josh shares with his friends, acquaintances, and his fur baby, illuminating the nuances of these often overlooked relationships.

From the excellent performances of the leads to the nicely paced screenplay and the director's ability to weave comic moments with drama and emotion, 10 Attitudes sets itself apart. It offers both entertainment and well-executed character studies. The film's narrative style, combined with its use of both comedy and drama, crafts a unique blend that keeps you engaged whilst rooting for Josh’s journey towards self-discovery and hope that maybe, he finds his true love.

10 Attitudes is a fresh and genuinely engaging movie. It strikes a sensitive chord with audiences by spotlighting the universality of love, dating, and relationships, making it not just a vibrant exploratory piece for the LGBTQ+ community but also a relatable watch for anyone who has ever experienced the whirlwind of emotions associated with love and heartbreak.

Through its witty dialogue, charismatic characters, and an apt mix of comedy and drama, 10 Attitudes promotes a narrative of acceptance, consolidating its place in the genre, and offering an entertaining yet meaningful movie experience.