Fridae

Last week saw the release of Big Bang Love: Juvenile A from Japan, the first gay film to be screened in Singapore in 2007. This week we have Metrosexual, a funny but flawed gay comedy from Thailand. (Now when are we ever going to get a full-fledged LGBT film from Singapore? Royston, are you reading this...?)

Directed by Yongyoot Thongkongtoon of Iron Ladies fame (about the transsexual volleyball players), Metrosexual plays like a Thai version of Sex and the City. Four spunky gal pals in Bangkok have just learnt that one of their friends is getting married. But after meeting her stylishly-dressed hunky fiance, they become suspicious that he is really gay.

After all, he seems to know which foundation suits which skin type, which hair product to use for any occasion, and most damningly, when the Estee Lauder sale will end. He even color-codes his wardrobe � so he must be gay, right? The girls are determined to get some answers, so they enlist the help of a campy flight attendant (Michael Shaowanasai) with a strong gaydar to help them spot the "little mermaid among the stallions".

Metrosexual is a merry comedy with some genuinely funny moments. But like Iron Ladies, its pacing is somewhat sloppy as the story gets mired in too many subplots that don't move the film forward. What's most entertaining (and occasionally annoying) to watch are the preconceptions and misconceptions these urbane gals have of gay men. Indeed, some LGBT viewers may even chafe at the film's stereotypical depiction of fags.

But if you are willing to overlook the dull or silly portions of the film, you might just have a gay old time at Metrosexual.