Armand A pleading for all love's forms. A radiography of a deep crisis, about lost and vulnerability. About illusions and betrayal, about pardon and new beginnings. The necessity of refuge is the root of this movie. And this refuge is only manner to be yourself. It is in the self -reseach, in the grievous endeavor to self-definition a form of escape and fight with others. A way to a form of interior life who must be the only life. The father's mistress, trip to vacation house, Campbell's letters and memories, the evening's talks and the reactions given strangers, the lessons and the homosexuality are the skin of a single world of resignation. The last desire of each character is to build a real family and the price is always small."Rites of Passage" is, like "Ordinary People", a crisis exploration. A subtle exploration of family and his values, attempt to understand humans relationship and self desire.

tulsastorm Never in a million years did I imagine a low-budget gay-oriented production could bring actors of such high caliber on board. Dean Stockwell (Quantum Leap) and Jason Behr (Roswell) make this film stand out in the video store. Jason doesn't get any hotter than this!!! Plus, he can act!Briefly, Rites of Passage is a thriller that will keep you guessing all the way to the bitter end. Del (Stockwell) is caught having an affair by his successful son, D.J. After wrapping up a business trip in San Francisco, they go off to the family cabin to talk things out where they find Campbell (Behr) already staying. Campbell and his father are not on the best of terms after dad has a knee-jerk reaction upon seeing Campbell and his boyfriend, Billy, together. The incident happened well over a year ago, and the two are forced to interact now with D.J. in the middle.There are so many character revelations in this movie, I found it difficult to get wrapped up into the story. Just when I think I've discovered what makes the characters tick and get into the heat of the moment, another element of a character (mostly Campbell) is revealed, and I find my bewildered self sitting on the living room couch again. Therefore, I am probably overanalyzing the film, but only because it had the potential to be so much more with a few small changes. Not that it makes any difference, but the screenplay is a semi-autobiographical tale by Victor Salva who also directs.The first gripe is the opening scene. Despite how it plays out, this is mostly a psychological thriller. Furthermore, the movie does not revolve around these characters. We don't even meet the central character, Campbell, until 12 minutes into the film. It would have helped if the conflicted relationship among the father and two sons was well established at the beginning of the movie, and leave the twists for the plot. Perhaps it would spoil some of the suspense, but I think it would allow the viewer to identify with a character and put themselves into that character's position.I would have also toned down the abundant use of nicknames for each character. It is not confusing, but not realistic either. And when there are only two people in a scene, it is rather pointless to be using names at all except to get the other person's attention.* Begin Spoiler* The ending is painful to watch. I'll attempt to discuss it without revealing too much. Despite his heroics, Campbell comes out looking very needy and stupid, and you realize he now has a lot more to deal with than the frigid relationship with his dad. With such an open-minded and supportive brother, I don't understand why Campbell needs his father's acceptance. Obviously, Campbell is still very much in love with Billy, but the new relationship between Campbell and Frank is not explored to any great length in this film. On the surface, I find it hard to believe these gruff and condescending escapees could convince even the most gullible person to go along with their plot. One would think D.J., the big shot attorney, would at least have the foresight to burn the letters before the police arrived; thereby, destroying the incriminating evidence. The story could have ended on a brighter note if the family had no prior relationship with the escapees. *End Spoiler*Overall, this movie falls a little short on drama and a little long on suspense. The acting won't leave you disappointed, though. If you like this genre, The Deep End (2001) is another (only slightly gay) thriller with a more positive ending.

benz5starz This movie was an A+ as well as a very good suspenseful thriller. I recommend thins movie to anyone ! I feel that all of the actors were perfect for the parts. The deleted scenes on the dvd filled in some of the missing parts that might have made more sense to the plot when watching the movie.

juststacey I bought this video because of my interest in Jason Behr of "Roswell." I want to reassure other fans that this film is worth viewing. The plot is far-fetched and lots of the dialogue is predictable, but Jason Behr looks great and has plenty of screen time to satisfy any fan. There are no gay sex scenes and the violence is nothing you haven't seen before--not extreme or particularly gory. The film is mainly a character study about the relationship between fathers and sons. I would recommend it to fans of the actors involved, but not really in general. But Jason is HOT!