hddu10 The film is an incredibly accurate snap-shot of London's club/music/entertainment scene...which very much like Hollywood is run by a very influential homosexual clique. Most people won't get the subtext here, but it's VERY apparent to anyone who was close to it; in the beginning we see life in Blackpool and the harsh brutality of bare-knuckle boxing to purposely evoke a feeling of "how barbaric! How can people treat other people this way for fun and sport!?" Then we are slowly drawn into the club/entertainment scene, where "shiny new things" get fawned over and praised...all the while being sized up and used, then ultimately discarded when they no longer serve a purpose. The point being; while the life in Blackpool is an obvious physical manifestation of this, at least everyone openly knows what is going on and accepts it, while the scene in London is much more sinister and hypocritical; wounding emotionally and psychologically. Not surprising how the more shallow reviewers will have completely missed this point...but I thought for an independent film it was executed masterfully.

CarPort1 Although not a masterpiece, there is certainly an air of originality here. The gay boxer theme helps to breakdown some stereotypes (at least he's not a hairdresser or interior designer -- not that there's anything wrong with those, but they would just confirm straight mainstream impressions). Also the fight scenes themselves, instead of being choreographed to cheesy Hollywood-style "fight" music, they've chosen Saint-Saen's piano and cello composition "The Swan." A metaphor? Perhaps, but just the aural juxtaposition itself is intriguing. So if you're looking for something gay, British, non-mainstream, here it is (although not the best of any of those categories it sure beats your typical Hollywood fare).

Josh4981 With all due respect to those who thought this film had some problems with plot, lighting, or whatever, after just seeing it I would have to ask...what are you talking about???Sure, it's not "Gone With the Wind" (thank god); but a very well made picture none the less. Steve Bell (who plays the fighter) is TOTALLY convincing in every aspect of his character: as a confident fighter, a novice gay man, and a genuine (from-the-heart) lover. In the largely unexplored genre of gay romance/drama films depicting everyday guys, "Like It Is" is an important step forward.Steve Bell...make another movie, dude. You were great!!

Christopher T. Chase Far from a perfect film, LIKE IT IS still stands head-and-hunched shoulders above more confectionary, gay-themed delights such as PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT, TO WONG FOO...and even BEAUTIFUL THING. Refusing to sprinkle even the slightest bit of fairy dust on its P.O.V., this is the down-to-earth tale of Craig, (engaging newcomer Steve Bell), a sexually confused bare-knuckle brawler from Blackpool, who meets up with the more outgoing and OUT Matt (Ian Rose), a budding record promoter/publicist who lives the clublife in swingin' London. Though there are some plot and character inconsistencies as mentioned before in previous reviews, the realism gives a fresh look to the now cliched boy-meets-boy-loses-and-gets-boy-back tale, which by now has lost quite a bit of its shock value for open-minded straight audiences, as well as its novelty and notoriety for gays. What further distinguishes it from similarly themed films with low-budget origins, are the standout performances. Bell comes across as a natural, Rose is believably torn between the career his Matt has worked so hard for, and the budding love he thought he would never feel for any bloke, now instilled in him by this tough kid with an angry attitude and a wounded heart, and Dani Behr may come across as grating for some, but she struck me as totally spot-on as a pop-diva-slash-fag-hag who values her friendships only after weighing her options. The most impressive turn, however, comes from Who frontman Roger Daltrey. After spending years honing his acting chops in projects as diverse as TOMMY, LIZSTOMANIA and MCVICAR, Roger finally has all the spice and sauce he needs to bring the wealth of his experience and talent to any project, and he will hopefully get the recognition (and the jobs) he deserves. As Matt's boss and mentor, Kelvin, he's calculating, lewd, ruthless and materialistic with a capital "C", inspiring chuckles as he promotes a shamelessly talentless boy band with all the aplomb and avarice of a latter-day, gay P.T. Barnum.See this film for its grit, earthiness and heart, but if for nothing else, for Daltrey's amazing performance.