GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

JULY 21, 1995

Evenings Out

The

magic of first love

Director Maria Maggenti

Nicole Parker and Laurel Holloman as Evie and Randy

by Surina A. Khan

First love is a memorable experience. Especially between two girls. Who can't remember that kiss? Or the awkwardness of holding hands? Or seeing each other secretly? Writer-director Maria Maggenti has recreated the magic of first love in her first feature-length directing debut, The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love. The film accurately portrays teenage love, interracial relationships and class differences with several parallels to Maggenti's own upper-middle-class upbringing.

Two Girls in Love is an adorable romantic comedy about two high school girls falling in love for the first time. Newcomers Nicole Parker and Laurel Hollomon portray the awkwardness of teenage first love with ease. Holloman's Randy is a vulnerable yet tough baby dyke who is passionate about her convictions. Parker, as Evie, is confident, sincere, gorgeous, kind, and sheltered.

And the rest of the cast shines as well. Maggie Moore's Wendy is an exaggerated depiction of a white-trash married woman who is totally turned on by young girls-much to the irritation of her husband Ali, a tough, macho, screaming, straight man played by John Elson. Randy's lesbian household makes good fun of the stereotypical crunchy, organic lesbian home life. Randy's aunt, Rebecca Dean, played by Kate Stafford, is a butch lesbian living with her earthy girlfriend Vicky. They are joined by Rebecca's ex-lover (looks a lot like Vicky) who moves in after the break-up.

Evie's household is completely different. She lives in a large brick house in a wealthy neighborhood. Evie's mother, Evelyn Roy (Stephanie Berry) is wonderful as the devoted, over-protective wealthy mother. She's particularly animated towards the end of the film when the search for the runaways begins. Randy's (boy)friend Frank, an endearingly feminine high school student, is brilliantly portrayed by Nelson Rodriguez. He is particularly funny towards the end of the film when the script picks up speed at a rate which really captivates its audience.

Though a bit slow at times, the story is sweet, funny, and tender. The two girls valiantly try to stay together despite a series of obstacles which eventually culminate in a hilarious showdown at a motel where family and friends come together in a frenzy to stop the girls from running away together. The ending is definitely the best part of the film and well worth the wait.

Two Girls in Love is backed by talent on all levels, and it has paid off. It's especially gratifying to see such a strong lesbian-themed film when there have been so few (good) widely released lesbian-themed movies. Maggenti's success lies in her talent as a writer and director of such an original, solid story which is also pleasurable to look at--for a low budget film, she makes excellent use of colors, camera angles and movement in the film.

With its universal appeal, this comedy is sure to reach a variety of people through its lighthearted, touching, comic story and will definitely help other lesbian filmmakers come forward with their talent.

The film is in wide release nationally and is currently playing at the Cedar-Lee Theatre, 2163 Lee Rd. in Cleveland Hts. The Drexel Theatre in Columbus said they will be running the film sometime in August. Call them at 614-231-1050 for more information.