Now in theaters.
[Rating: Rock Fist Way Up]
When we find that one special person and fall in love, we cannot picture a life without them. Through laughter and hard times and everything in between, the joy of having somebody who loves you back and is passionate about every quirk you possess is wonderful. But what happens when the most unexpected and unfortunate news impacts that love in a way you could have never expected? In Spoiler Alert (directed by Michael Showalter), based on the memoir of the same name by Michael Ausiello, all of this and more is detailed in the 14-year relationship between Ausiello (Jim Parsons) and Kit Cowan (Ben Aldridge).
The film opens at the end and, spoiler alert, it’s not good news. We see Cowan in a hospital bed with Ausiello comforting him, but we don’t know why. From there, the film flashes back to when Mike met Kit and the rest is history for them. They’re both young and in love. Both have flaws, like Michael living a sitcom-like reality in his head to cope with various family issues, and Kit not being out to his parents as a gay man. Still, they embrace one another and learn to accept each other.
When Kit comes down with appendicitis, this is the time to introduce Michael to his parents Marilyn (Sally Field) and Bob (Bill Irwin) who soon accept and fall in love with their son’s boyfriend. Shortly thereafter, Michael and Kit come to terms that they need a break from one another and, only after a medical emergency from Kit, do they have to come together to live out the best moments and years of their lives.
When I tell you I cried, I mean I sobbed. Going in, it’s nice to not know the actual subtitle to the memoir this is based off. The film’s frame narrative of “you know what’s going to happen” is quickly forgotten as you learn to fall in love with Michael and Kit. When the end comes, you as an audience member is shattered in a million pieces.
Parsons, who is not a leading man outside of television, actually does a wonderful job here as Ausiello, and the humor and pain that come through is gut-wrenching to watch. Dare I say he’s actually a good actor!
Spoiler Alert is a strange Christmas movie to think about and yet, the season of Christmas when we celebrate our loved ones and toast to a new year is something so important and valued for many. Keep those you love close and take a thousand pictures with your camera and in your memory to always keep days close and special.
Christian Ramos is a classic film fan, having had the dream to host Turner Classic Movies for years now. He also has a large amount of Oscar trivia in his head, remembers dressing as Groucho Marx one Halloween, and cherishes the moment Julianne Moore liked his tweet.
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