April’s Shower

last updated 8 January 2015

The phrase 'œlesbian comedy' isn't quite an oxymoron, said Mick LaSalle in the San Francisco Chronicle. But April's Shower is still a rarity, 'œan expansive, talky, and often zany romantic farce, with lesbian characters at its center.' Director Trish Doolan also stars as Alex, a successful chef charged with hosting her ex-lover April's bridal shower. Over the course of the party, a lesbian kisses the pizza guy, a loony Scotsman stalks one of April's friends, a bisexual stripper practices therapy, and a lesbian artist realizes her relationship is over. 'œThere's always something happening, always something to look forward to.' It's an admirable first feature for Doolan. If only it were a touch more believable, said Ben Kenigsberg in The Village Voice. The one-dimensional guests have all been given just one trait each—'œcheerful, venal, pregnancy obsessed, Catholic.' In addition, 'œeveryone's sexual preference proves more pliable than seems plausible for a single afternoon.' But despite the absurdities and predictable outcome, the film is pleasurable, 'œprimarily for its refreshingly volatile approach to sexual orientation,' said Jeannette Catsoulis in The New York Times. One emerges believing that 'œgay is good, but bi can be even better.'

Rating: R