Geography Club

Based on a novel by Brent Hartinger, Geography Club tells a sweet-and-sour story of a good kid who compromises his values and character in order to hide his homosexuality. Russell (Cameron Deane Stewart) is a high school track-and-field athlete whose off-screen father has a plan in mind for his son's life. Unfortunately, dad's blueprint doesn't really fit Russell, especially the part about marrying a female. Keeping his gay identity under wraps, Russell tries to go through life with his head down, being relatively unnoticed except by longtime pal Gunnar (Andrew Caldwell), a pudgy nerd. But things change when Kevin (Justin Deeley), a quarterback for the school's football team, reveals his own gay identity to Russell with a kiss. Suddenly both boys have a lot to keep secret for a variety of reasons, and problems ensue when each decides to camouflage his true self through macho displays of cruelty. The film's title refers to a secret support group—where Russell discreetly hangs out—for kids of varying sexual orientation. An intelligent, often funny film that benefits from strong performances from the cast (which also includes Scott Bakula and Ana Gasteyer), this is recommended. (T. Keogh)