Marcus Lee I'm all about Shakespeare. Have been since forever. So when my friend told me about this slightly skewed adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream, I was all for it. Fairies, lover's quarrels, Puck just in general screwing things up? It's basically and old fashioned Rom Com. Long story short, the main character finds a recipe for this magic love flower from the actual play, somehow makes it, and then uses it as a revenge tool for a town that has bullied him for being gay for forever (incidentally, or maybe on purpose, literally every relationship he makes with this magic lover flower ends up gay). Once you get passed that suspension of disbelief, concept wise I loved it. The idea of taking that one element of the original story and bringing it into the real world is amazing, and I find the havoc he wreaks with it more than amusing. The movie incorporated original lines of the play in too, while at the same time not over flooding the play with these sections or making areas hard to follow or difficult to understand. My problem with this movie? It's a musical. That alone isn't so bad, until you see the execution of it in the film. Some scenes are beautiful. When he sings in order to make the flower, it seems like a magical spell is cast over the whole film. But a lot of the singing sections are awkward. There's no real transition or reason to be singing, but suddenly we go from being alone, in an auditorium, auditioning, to weird ballet rugby players that some from nowhere and this overly dramatic lighting, meanwhile the main character went from simple school uniform to fairy wings, silver shorts, and elaborate eye makeup in two seconds flat with no real connecting context. Don't get me wrong, I think the plot of this movie is fair. While I'm not too fond of yet another gay bullying narrative, his accidental turned purposeful revenge plan is amusing. Not to mention anything involving Shakespeare automatically gets a thumbs up from me, especially modern adaptations or ones that re-envision a classic plot in a new way, as this did. As a ridiculous film, one to smile and laugh at this is a good choice. It's one of those films that originally was meant to be serious, but while watching it there's no way anyone could keep a straight face. But if you're intending to watch a serious or more realistic film, this is not it. There are too many ridiculous dance numbers and odd transitions for that.

robby_nau This movie is a breath of fresh air. I am so pleased that this movie is part of the gay community's body of work. The movie begins (somewhat predictably) with a young (and adorable) gay teen who struggles with being out at school and within his small town. To cope with the pressures he often escapes into a musical daydream world. To the movie's {and the actors} credit, the music is delightful. I purchased the soundtrack BEFORE the movie was even finished. The movie goes on to see the main character cast in the lead role of the school play by a supportive teacher who turns out to be more than she seems. The drama continues as the young lead character is torn while trying to decide how to best use his new found "Love Potion". If you are considering getting this movie, DON'T HESITATE. I will leave the rest of the spoilers out. While the movie has some predictable moments. And as it is the director's and several of the actor's first movie there are times where I think it cold have been done "A BIT" better. However, it still ranks up there with my all time favorite movies. It captured my imagination and left me in awe. It is TRUE to Shakespeare as well as if the story is EXACTLY what Shakespeare had in mind. Masterfully done and highly recommended. I can't wait to see what this director and the actors bring us next!

Brian W. (greatermind) I was lucky enough to see this film at the official youth screening at the Vancouver Queer Film Fest. Liked it so much I walked in and stood for the second, sold out, screening that followed. Beautiful scenes, good acting, great concept / plot, absolutely rapturous music... this movie made my heart melt, made me fall in love with the two main characters. This is what movies are supposed to do, and Were the World Mine did this beautifully.This film realizes many a gay boy's high school fantasy, and does it with style and grace. It's poignant, moving. The actors who play Timothy's two best friends nail it. The drama teacher is a woman to be reckoned with. And the two male leads are both gay in real life. I will be buying this one as soon as it comes out. In the meantime I will be listening to music from the film on their MySpace page.

davidgarnes Though it may be labeled as a gay/lesbian film, this is a witty and lovely takeoff on "A Midsummer's Night Dream." The acting by all the principals, particularly by appealing lead Tanner Cohen, Judy McKane as his mother, and Wendy Robie as the school drama teacher, is first-rate. The art direction, music and especially the cinematography help create a magical quality as the story enters the realm of Midsummer fantasy. Director Thomas Gustafson skilfully develops believable characters, manages complicated plot twists, and never loses the thread of "what if" that is essential to a retelling of Shakespeare's timeless story. Like the characters, you'll be enchanted by this small-budget but high-quality film.