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Amos Lassen wrote on 04/01/2011:

I have seen few films get as much advance talk and praise as “Shelter” (Regent Releasing). It is a gentle tale about surfer boys who fall in love and live “happily ever after”. It is sweet and sexy and elegantly pure.
Zach (Trevor Wright) puts his art school ambitions on hold so that he can take care of his nephew, Cody, because his sister Jeanne (Tina Holmes) wants to be free to see a variety of men. Zach spends his time working in a diner, riding the waves and taking care of Cody. His good buddy, Gabe, tells him that his big brother, Shaun (Brad Rowe), has come home from Los Angeles and even though it is no secret that Shaun is gay. No one knows that Zach has a secret crush on him. Shaun is an author and Zach has read his books and has yearned for him. Shaun and Zach do develop a friendship that becomes intimate and Shaun convinces Zach to take control of his life and ownership of his artwork. Shaun also manages to bond with Cody and it has a positive effect on the boy. But all is not idyllic. As time passes new issues come along and Zach is forced to struggle with his identity as his family tries to understand how Zach has changed since Shaun entered his life. When the news of the gay relationship gets out, Jeanne threatens to take Cody away and since Zach wants the best for the boy, he is forced to make a decision between putting others’ desires first or fighting for what he feels is really important and right for both his and Cody’s future.
Here is a gay movie without any of the clichés of gay life. There are no drag queens, no hustlers and no drugs. Instead we have an outstanding script, fine performances and beautiful cinematography. It is due to premiere this month and then be available on DVD in late May. Written and directed by Joseph Markowitz, here is a movie that we can all be proud of. Full of tender gay moments, “Shelter” speaks to us and about us in a way few films have been able to do.

Gaytorguy wrote on 12/10/2010:

I watched this movie the first time and was blown away. The music, the story, the actors; all were wonderful!
A young man (Zach) gives up his goal to attend the California Art Institute. He does this because his father was hurt on the job, his mother passed away and his irresponsible older sister has a 5-year-old boy she hardly takes care of as men stream through her life and leave her.
One day, while going to a friend's (Gabe) house to get his surf board. (yes, this is a surfer movie.) He meets his bff's older brother (Shaun). Somehow they get draw to each other. First as surfer buddies and friends as they have been, then the kiss, then the first time with a man for our protagonist. Shaun is secure in his gayness. Zach is torn. He doesn't understand his feelings. But after the first time Zach and Shaun have sexual relations, we see Zach smile for the first time ever in the movie.
Then the sister (Jeannie) lays on the guilt trip. She depends on him for Cody, her son's, care. His 8 year on-again, off-again relationship with his middle school sweetheart. And most of all Shaun being gay. Jeannie can't handle the thought of Zach being a fag, as she so eloquently puts it.
His life falls apart as he tries to figure out who he is and who he loves and what he wants.
Great pathos. And a conclusion not predictable as may be thought. And there are all those surfer guys in their baggies!
The music alone is worth the price of admission.

PD wrote on 01/07/2010:

This was a very enjoyable movie that my entire family from teens to fifties liked. It was a great romance without being cheep and crass. There was an element of struggle with one of the main characters willingness to be true to his sexuality because it played on his fear of rejection; but it was presented tastefully and did not overshadow the story line. I would have enjoyed it more with out the minor drug use. The acting was well done and the characters believable. It is a great once upon a time… and they lived happily ever after feel good film. Besides, wetsuits are sexy.

two4699 wrote on 04/13/2009:

This is an A-List gay film, that is sure to become an instant classic . Trevor White (Zach) provides an emotional, stirring and heartfelt depiction of a young mans struggle to break the chains of family dysfunction, and pursue dreams of being an Art Student, whilst coming to grips with his own emerging sexuality, and falling in love with his best friends older brother.
Brad Rowe (Sean) portrays a young gay writer struggling to move on from a failed relationship. By returning to his family home, he reacquaints himself with his younger brothers best friend, and sets into motion a love affair that will not be denied. He delivers an exceptional performance, with an acting range seldom seen in gay cinema.
This film stands shoulder-to-shoulder with such Gay Classics as "Making Love", "Beautiful Thing", "Latter Days", and "Long Time Companion".
The only downside to this film is that its not long enough, it will definitely leave you wanting more.
Lets just hope the Director, and Producers make sequel so we all know how their story might end.

Ibroe wrote on 12/01/2008:

I just love this movie. Remind me of Beautiful Thing that I watched years ago. The storyline is good. In fact, I don't mind watching this movie without the sex scene. A good movie to be given as a gift.