The premise was intriguing and I think I thought it was a documentary but unfortunately it wasn't.What if gay men had the medical intervention, through an anti-depressant like pill to change their orientation from gay to straight? Would it be a morally acceptable choice? Is it realistic to think a lot of gay men feel isolated and disconnected from the mainstream gay culture and its limited offerings? The thing followed this "every gay" man through the emptiness of the gay male lifestyle and asks the question is it, or should it, be a viable choice (if it ever exists). It is interesting how it sets up this average to plain guy who just says "i don't fit into this gay framework" so screw it.Think about it: If you aren't white, hot,musclebound, hiv-neg, well off, popular, trendy where exactly do you fit in the gay male org chart? The problem is once the gay guy changes to "str8," the actor (which is stretching it more like the gay guy they hired) is not credible as a straight guy. There is no believable transformation, emotional shift-nothing. He is just the same.The movie can't move past his interesting premise and looks like it was cast with the directors old friends from hs drama club. No story or background and it seems all the characters conveniently work together..this is not a b movie its not even public access cable ready.The acting is beyond horrible..When the guy truns str8 he inexplicably starts kissing his grossly overweight fag hag friend. A poor choice dramatically and aesthetically-its basically a choice a gay man would make to have some sense of normalcy.This is when I shut off the DVD. SO sad that such a promising concept could be so poorly executed.

Don't let the title fool you. HARD PILL is not one of those Showtime movies that tackles a modern morality issue at the expense of character, plot and general viewer enjoyment. Yes, the underlying story is of a young gay man who joins a medical study to test a pill to turn him straight. But the premise is really just a springboard to explore relationships and the wonderful pain and joy when human beings seek to 'connect'. A variety of characters in various stages of relationships are all forced to re-assess their tenuous links to one another when our hero agrees to go on the pill. The film is full of honest, intelligent performances with room for humor, sentiment and yes - even some social commentary. HARD PILL is a prescription for a thought-provoking and entertaining 90 minutes that went down well with me.

Caught this film on cable TV by chance and, by waiting through the first thirty minutes for something interesting to develop, enjoyed it thoroughly.At first glance or upon first contemplating the underlying notion that Tim's angst was perhaps the result of some sort of malady for which there was a "cure," the unsuspecting viewer is drawn into a plot that seems thin but then becomes increasingly complex as new characters enter on the scene. What holds this together so well are clever asides in which one is clued into what's really happening or what the characters are really thinking. While that device may seem trite or forced in other films, it works well in this one.What I liked best about this "hard pill" was how believable seemingly oddball characters could be rendered without much bitterness or conflict, yet how engaging the plot could be -- wondering all the while how things would turn out. The ending was maybe a little too predictable based on early adumbration, but fine acting from a cast of virtual unknowns carries the day.I suppose there is no need to label these comments as containing a true "spoiler," but I need to mention that one leaves this movie with a feeling that everyone received their just deserts.No dessert needed.

I started watching this movie while sitting one evening channel surfing. It caught my interest...and, at the end I said, WOW! I very seldom say WOW to a movie! There was laughter and there were tears. That is pretty rare in a movie these days. The initial premise is a pill which makes a gay guy go straight. You assume it is going to be a comedy. But, once it gets going, it is heavy. The movie brings to light how such a pill would ruin wonderful friendships and relationships. Feelings are hurt, bridges burned, and then mended again. Especially if you are an older gay person, it brings back memories from your own life. I remember thinking how I wish there was "straight" pill. As the movie shows, it is not such a good idea after all. Be sure to see it and enjoy.