April’s Shower

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

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