Watch Out (2009)

Every so often comes a movie that leaves me sort of speechless. I still am not sure if that is a good thing in the case of writer-director Steve Balderson's Watch Out is the story of Jonathon Barrows, played by Matt Riddlehoover (actor, writer, and director of the gay cult hit To a Tee), who loves himself. The character is truly in love with himself and goes through life loving himself. Barrows is a college professor who loves himself. I am writing this review as a straight-male that has many friends that are gay, but does not still understand all the little nuances of humor that those immersed in gay culture may have found in viewing this movie.

I can't comment on whether the lead actor, Matt Riddlehoover, is attractive or not. I will say this: he is not fat, zit-faced, nor have any hideous or grotesque scars, rashes, or strange markings of any kind. So maybe the lead is attractive. I only mention this because the whole film is centered on a narcissistic and extremely vain character. So vain, in fact, that Barrows (Riddlehoover) sleeps with a male blow-up doll and takes a photo of himself and attaches it to the blow-up doll's face so he (Riddlehoover) can marvel at himself.

The film did not garner any laughs from me, but was interesting enough. It was filmed well, had smart writing, and was well-made. Many of the gay jokes and innuendos were sort of lost on me. I will give the filmmakers this, though, I was entertained and wondered where the film was going to take me next. It was really a bizarre and surreal journey for me, listening to the lead character's voice-over narrating for a large duration of the film. Intrigue was what kept me watching and wondering what would happen next. For a film I really knew nothing on the subject matter of, I kept watching and was not bored and actually enjoyed the style and vision of the director.

A cool touch on the film that threw me off was when (Barrows) Riddlehoover turned to address the viewing audience, ME, and directed his dialogue at the viewers. I thought that was totally and completely unexpected and quite a unique touch. I guess the film brought up some interesting points: if you truly believe yourself to be the hottest man on the planet, how can you find someone to fall in love with or even be attracted to knowing YOU are the hottest thing around. I guess the film brings up so many points and rationales as to how could one continue living in this manner, but I will point out that this film had more footage of the lead actor's penis than I cared to view. There were some boobs sprinkled here and there, but much too much wiener action for my liking. Actually, unless I am watching a porno that has more female nudity than male nudity, I am inclined to not enjoy the film too much. If this film's script and style was not so unique and fresh, I may be writing a much less favorable review for this film.

The film was based on a novel by Joseph Suglia, and was written with Steve Balderson. Co-starring Peter Stickles as Brian, Jeff Dylan Graham as Bobby, and Jillian Lauren Dreskin as Margaret/The Pop Star, the film has a pretty solid cast that gave believable performances. The film has charm, character, and some unique humor. It may not be everyone's brand of entertainment, but it was a well-done film. For some strange reason though, Napoleon Dynamite kept coming to mind. There is one scene where Barrows is waiting for his food while dining in a restaurant and this very cheesy lounge-style music is playing, very reminiscent to some of the music created for Napoleon Dynamite. Strangely odd.

I think that I ended up enjoying this film far more than I would have imagined. The film ends on a high note for me that I will not spoil for virgin viewers, adding to the overall enjoyment of this film. Watch Out is worth a viewing for fans of the bizarre, dark humor, and who appreciate a film with a style that is all its own.