Just For Fun

Well-written and acted, David Olye's fictional short Just For Fun challenges young adult viewers to think about the ugly practice of "gay-bashing." The story follows Justin, a young teen who moves in with his gay brother Andrew while attending summer school in the city. Struggling to fit in at school, and disdainful of his brother's lifestyle, Justin eventually joins the wrong crowd, and participates in an evening of "gay-bashing." To Justin's horror, one of the victims turns out to be his brother Andrew. Unfortunately, it takes a tragic personal connection for Justin to realize that "gay-bashing" is wrong. While some will find the ending abrupt, it's also very realistic. No great revenge, no moral sermon, just a small but notable victory--one boy is a little wiser and more humane. A good choice for young adults, Just for Fun contains rough language, which is entirely appropriate to its setting. Recommended. (R. Pitman)