Love, Simon

This sensitive, sweetly sincere, upbeat romantic comedy is a coming-of-age story that also marks the first major studio PG-13 wide-release film to revolve around an openly homosexual adolescent. Based on Becky Albertalli’s 2015 YA novel, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, the central character is popular 17-year-old high school senior Simon Spier (Nick Robinson), who ruefully notes that he’s never “the leading guy.” Instead, he’s relegated to being “the best friend.” So Simon decides: “I’m done living in a world where I don’t get to be who I am. I deserve a great love story.” Affable Simon lives in an idyllic Atlanta suburb with empathetic parents (Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel) and a younger sister (Talitha Bateman), and he has a trio of supportive pals (Katherine Langford, Alexandra Shipp, Jorge Lendeborg Jr.). But Simon hasn’t come out yet, and this reluctance leaves him open to blackmail by a drama club classmate (Logan Miller) when Simon’s mysterious virtual love interest is revealed: Simon, utilizing the pseudonym “Jacques,” has been corresponding on the school’s chat board with another anonymous student, dubbed “Blue,” who is also gay. As suspense builds, Blue’s identity is kept secret until the sealed-with-a-kiss climax. Smartly directed by Greg Berlanti, this is recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Greg Berlanti, producer Isaac Klausner, and co-screenwriter Isaac Aptaker, the featurettes “The Adaptation” (11 min.), “The Squad” (10 min.), “Dear Georgia” (5 min.), “Dear Atlanta” (2 min.), and “#FirstLoveStoryContest Winner” (2 min.), deleted scenes (8 min.), and a stills gallery. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a winning teen rom-com.] (S. Granger)