G.B.F. (2014) Review

The Gay Best Friend or G.B.F. is the ultimate accessory for any girl. But at what cost?
This teen flick definitely has a great message to its views and uses a comedic element to do so. The story centres around Tanner, a closeted gay alongside his best fiend Brent. Together they roam the hallways of high school determined to go unnoticed to avoid being the next school's punching bag. When word of the hottest accessory reaches the three most popular girls at school, Fawcett, 'Shely, and Caprice, they are determined to find North Gateway High's first gay.

Brent is a prima donna who enjoys all things theatrical, is determined to come out of the closet "fabulously" to have the three Queen-Bees to battle it out for his attention. However, when a last minute cold-feet leaves Tanner to take the fall, it not only hurts Tanner's "loser" status as well as his friendship with Brent. Having no desire to be outed or to be a G.BF., Tanner is furious with Brent and decides to take revenge by embracing his new status and living the life Brent had wanted.

Topher and 'Shley, Caprice, Tanner, and Fawcett

make their grand entrance at school

Tanner embraces his new found status as G.B.F. and is no longer a nobody. Spending time together and individually with the three queens of school, Tanner makes a connection to each of them, but especially Fawcett. 'Shley, short for Ashely, reigns over the religious side of NGH being an in-your-face Mormon who proudly preaches her faith to her fellow students. She represents all that is good and pure but is ironically the worst Mormon ever. Her friendship with Tanner makes her come to understand that homosexuals are not evil nor do they want to "steal her father and brothers". The stereotype of gays that 'Shley has been taught from her faith has changed for the better.

Tanner spending time with the Queens of NGH

Caprice on the other hand is a force to be reckoned with. Her sassy demeanour pairs well with her colourful personality and works to her favour in the Drama Department. Caprice is the leader of the minorities and artistic students of school. Spending time together, Tanner understands that Caprice's ambition is to break the stereotypes for not any gays, but for all minorities alike and to give them a greater voice at school. 'Shley's comedic aspect comes from her naivety whereas Caprice is straight up sassy and aggressive.

As quoted in the movie "But neither could hold a candle to Fawcett Brooks." - and it was true. Fawcett was the Empress of the rich and beautiful, your classic requirements to be popular at any high school. Fawcett had the best of the best when it came to fashion, accessories, and status. Throughout the movie, Fawcett genuinely starts to enjoy her friendship with Tanner, unlike her minions who only worship her to gain popularity points. She was the only one who stood up for Tanner's rights when he was denied prom tickets because his date was male. This lead the pair to retaliate and planned to host their anti-prom prom. This starts to cause trouble amongst the three queens of NGH, as Tanner has indirectly sponsored Fawcett for Prom Queen.

Tanner and Fawcett confiding in each other

Tension starts building as prom is around the corner, furious at Tanner and Fawcett, Brent and Caprice join forces to sabotage their crowning at prom. Pulling a card out of Mean Girls, Tanner goes "full Lohan" and delivers a heart felt speech. He expresses the consequences of using labels at school, how everyone is worth much and should embrace the best qualities of ourselves that cannot be defined in a word. It is this speech, that reconciles Brent and Tanner's friendship and that of Caprice, 'Shley, and Fawcett.

G.B.F. was an funny and enjoyable movie with a great lesson to learn, especially for today's youth. The characters are all unique and different which are portrayed well by the actors. I especially enjoyed the dynamics of the three rulers of NGH and their friendship with Tanner. Overall, it was a good movie but screams "teenagers" - so steer clear if these movies are not up your alley.


Rating:
3/5


Trailer:

Amadea Auwrangzeb