Watching the Breaking Glass Pictures DVD release, which is coming out (of course, pun intended) on July 15 2014, "Oy Vey! My Son is Gay!" will evoke thoughts of an old joke in which a Jewish mother accepts her son coming out on hearing that his boyfriend is a Jewish doctor. The amusing "Oy Vey!" mines similar humor from comparable stereotypes.
"Oy Vey!" additionally brings a Jerry Seinfeld joke to mind.This observation is that Jewish men marry non-Jewish women because these men want someone who does not remind them of their mother.
The proverbial film festival accolades for "Oy Vey!" include the audience awards at the Toronto International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival and the Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.
This film centers around the fallout from happily partnered 30-something Nelson Hirsch, played by John Lloyd Young of "Jersey Boys," getting adequately swept up in the spirit at a wedding of a cousin to come out to his parents. Head-of-household Martin Hirsch, played by Saul Rubinek of "Warehouse 13," becoming confused regarding this news is one of the best sequences in the film.
Lainie Kazan of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and the subsequent "My Big Fat Greek Life" television series does her usual excellent job as a well-intentioned by overly emotional ethnic mother. The big news does not thrill Kazan's Shirley Hirsch, but she takes the same heavy-handed approach once devoted to finding Nelson a nice Jewish girl to understanding his chosen lifestyle and supporting him. A hilarious scene has her unilaterally inviting a completely adorable gay couple to speak with her and an annoyed Martin.
Other good humor relates to Shirley and Martin separately interacting with sexy Sybil, played by Carmen Electra, who plays the role of the straight best friend in this alternative romcom.
The fact that the just as sexy Angelo Ferraro, played by Jai Rodriguez, who is Nelson's partner but is not Jewish further complicates the entire situation and prompts a hilarious negotiation regarding the restaurant at which the parents will meet to discuss the situation.
Stereotypical hijinks that ensue after the big revelation include Martin making an awkward visit to a gay bar, the prospective fathers-in-law clashing, and Angelo getting frustrated regarding Nelson not being more "out."
The following clip, courtesy of YouTube, of the uber-spoiler-laden trailer for "Oy Vey!" touches on virtually every element described above and provides a good sense of the overall charm of the film.
The final analysis of this film about parents trying to understand why their son likes boys is that it often amusing, occasionally very funny, and has hilarious moments. However, it should especially appeal to chosen people whose sons do not make the initially hoped-for choice in life partner.
Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Oy Vey!" is welcome to email me; you can also connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.
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