The dark content in the 2017 teen rent-boy drama "Hooked" makes it easy to imagine the edgy-loving good folks at Breaking Glass Pictures expelling one or more bodily fluids on this film coming on their radar. The June 12, 2018 DVD release provides all a chance to see writer-director Max Emerson as "Meth Boy 2" in this great mash-up of "Midnight Cowboy," "My Own Private Idaho," and (the reviewed) Breaking release "Retake."
The "Cowboy"/"Idaho" vibe is strong from the opening images as very recently turned 18 devilish (and horny) street hustler Jack (a.k.a. Captain Jack Off) (uberhunky Conor Donnally) walks through Times Square and leaves 17 year-old boyfriend Tom a message that Jack must postpone his birthday celebration because booty calls; this work emergency is in the form of a repeat middle-aged German client asserting a desperate need for a session. Awesome (Unreal TV interviewed) gay producer/director/writer/star Casper Andreas plays this man who plays rough to the same degree that he refuses to EVER take no for an answer.
Jack returns from his literal pain-in-the-ass session with ill-gotten booty for aspiring photographer Tom. Although the boys are enviably deeply in love and have the exit strategy of Jack going from American Gigolo to American Dad as soon as Tom can support the couple, their home life has its own trauma and drama.
"Straight" roommate Matt is a stereotypically repressed meathead jock who delights in tormenting Tom. Many gay guys can relate to the bully who delights in calling you faggot, literally or figuratively shoving his dick in your face, and constantly telling you to blow him really hoping that he will take you up on that offer. This opens the door to the fun of promising to service him only to say "just joking" at the last minute and forcing him to admit that he is as well.
The rest of the story is that hot-tempered Jack is a drug addict with a diagnosed "personality disorder." This "dark passenger" asserts himself at what can be considered both the right and the wrong time at a few points.
The world that is about to collide with that of our boys in a matter that epicly jacks up their existence is that of wealthy middle-aged white guy Ken. His wife accepts his gay side occasionally flaring up but makes it know that such tolerance has a limit.
Ken initially encounters Tack during a merry prankster spree by the teens. Later seeing the profile of Jack on a rent boy site leads to Ken hiring this excitable lad to a fancy restaurant. Hilarity subsequently ensues in one of the best scenes in "Hooked." One lesson is to not trying to shame a guy who seemingly is immune to embarrassment.
The altruistic side of Ken asserts itself in paying Jack merely to discuss his life and to allow Ken to help improve his circumstances. The overall sense is that providing sugar interests Ken slightly more than being a daddy. A BLATANT reveal during this conversation allows anyone with the grey matter to figure out a "Scooby-Doo" mystery to determine that there is one less degree of separation between Ken and Jack than initially believed.
The next phase of the adventure involves Ken "taking the tiger out of the jungle" by paying Jack to accompany him to his luxury South Beach condo. This provides Jack hope that he and Tom can get a fresh start in the sun and fun capital of the world.
The honeymoon period abruptly ends when Jack acts like a sullen teen after a "Pretty Woman" style shopping spree. A rude awakening the next morning leads to Ken essentially sending Jack back to the street corner.
This being a gritty gay-themed film requires that Jack hits rock bottom following his break with Ken. This initially leads to the stud falling prey to the equivalent of the predator that prowls New York and Los Angeles bus stations looking for vulnerable teen runaways.
The climax (no pun intended) begins with Jack agreeing to a session with a client despite advance notice that the nickname of this man features the term "date rape." This leads to a violent confrontation that wildly spirals out of control. The better news is that the incident leads to wonderfully perverse demonstrations of deep and eternal love by Tack that essentially proves the willingness of each to take a bullet for the other. The more amusing aspect of this is the outcome leading to Jack taking several for the team.
The copious special features include an enthusiastic Emerson hosting am "inside look" at "Hooked." a music video featuring Emerson, a "Behind the Scenes" feature, and Maxisms.
Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Hooked" is strongly encouraged either to email me or to connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.
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