Trick

TRICK — **— Christian Campbell, John Paul Pitoc, Tori Spelling, Steve Hayes, Brad Beyer, Lorri Bagley, Clinton Leupp; rated R (profanity, nudity, vulgarity, sex); exclusively at the Tower Theatre.

For years the gay community has complained about the use of stereotypical gay and lesbian characters in films and television series. But films like "trick" demonstrate that those kinds of accusations can go both ways.

That's not to say that this self-described "urban fairy tale" practices "straight-bashing," but its use of stereotypical heterosexual characters detracts from what is — at least for much of the first half — a diverting and at-times smart little comedy.

At that point, though, the film's flimsy premise begins slowly disintegrating, and the performances either get more and more shrill or more and more stiff and forced. And in an attempt to save this sinking ship the filmmakers try to bail things out by throwing in a sappy — and yes, happy — ending.

Christian Campbell (younger brother of Neve) stars as Gabriel, an aspiring musical-comedy composer looking for inspiration — and more — in Manhattan. However, it isn't love he's looking for from Mark (John Paul Pitoc), a muscular go-go boy he meets at a local cruising spot.

After a brief flirtation, the two men look for a place where they can be alone. But they're frustrated continually in their efforts. First, Gabriel's wannabe actress friend Katherine (Tori Spelling) shows up at his apartment and won't leave. Then, his straight roommate (Brad Beyer) shows up wanting to use the room himself.

So these two would-be lovers spend the night in search of a private place. Gabriel's cabaret singer friend (Steve Hayes) is no help, and what's supposed to be a quick trip to a nightclub brings up some troubling questions about Mark's intentions.

First-time screenwriter Jason Schafer throws in all these obstacles for the twosome as a means to develop their relationship. But after the first couple, this style of plotting and character development starts to feel contrived, even frustrating.

Also, the laughs come much less frequently in the second half of the film, and the ending seems to be a concession by the writer — as if he ran out of things to say.

It doesn't help that director Jim Fall has given his cast such free rein. At times, Campbell seems lost and badly in need of direction, while Spelling's supposed-to-be-cute vamping and histrionics are instead just irritating.

However, Pitoc is the one bright spot, with a very natural, unforced performance, as well as the film's best scene (a bit in which he helps make another man jealous).

"trick" is rated R for profanity, male partial and female nudity, considerable sex talk and use of crude sexual slang terms and brief sexual fumblings.