Afouotos Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

TrueHello Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

Doomtomylo a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

Jenna Walter The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

Screen_Blitz Following the 1960s when America struck a chord with the Civil Rights Movement that helped fight against the prejudice against African-Americans, was the election of San Francisco's supervisor Harvey Milk, who made a name for himself when he became the first gay man in American history to take office as supervisor. This event made history during the years of when the homosexual community faced with mass intolerance from citizens left and right. Ranging from religious reasons, to outright insecurity of sexuality; citizens everywhere, particularly the Conservatives, found it difficult to bear homosexuals as functioning individuals of society, going as far as to call them "rapists", "child molesters", "freaks", the list goes on. Many people feared these kinds of individuals were mortal threats to society. This engaging historical biopic directed by Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting) paints an awe-inspiring picture of the titular man's journey to making history in one of our country's most intolerant times, from his 40th birthday to his infamous assassination in 1978. Sean Penn plays Harvey Milk, a man from New York who moves to San Francisco, California with his lover Scott Smith (played by James Franco) where they witness extreme hostility against gay individuals by the hands of the public including the police force. Milk decides it's time to take a stand against society's bigotry and launches a movement in an outcry for equal rights. With young college kid Cleve Jones (played by Emile Hirsch) and Scott by his side, Milk runs for office and leads a fight to secure gay rights while facing conflict against Conservative attorney Dan White (played by Josh Brolin) and Senator John Briggs (played by Denis O'Hare).Unless you are a member of the LGBT community or lived in San Francisco during the 70s, there's a fair chance you're not familiar with Harvey Milk. But by many means, this biopic shines light on what made him one of the most influential political figures in the history of our country, and Gus Van Sant handles the story with realism and sincerity. Opening up with shots of archival news footage dealing with crime and brutality against the homosexual community, the movie gives a clear sneak peak of what we are getting into. We are then introduced to a barely recognizable Sean Penn and James Franco with a scraggly 70s hair style in 1970 when their two characters first meet and begin their intimate relationship. Their story continues in later years when they bear witness to the harsh maltreatment against the homosexual community as the population rapidly increases. These moments hit hard and paint a clear picture of the tyranny the gay community faced. From there on, Harvey Milk's story from his beginning days of activism to rise in the political ladder progress in an inspiring story. Gus Van Sant does a pleasant job of not only humanizing the characters of both sides of the central political issue, but handles the plot in a way that tells a compelling story without sparking tediousness by focusing more on the subject matter than the storytelling. The story hits many crucial spots including the outcry of the Christian community, the fight against the Preposition 6 that allowed schools to fire teachers who were found gay, and the complex relationship between Milk and attorney Dan White. And the thanks to Gus Van Sant'a execution, the story delivers with wit. Sean Penn and James Franco are tremendous in their roles, as is Josh Brolin as the titular character's rival. The cast gives the best of their talent to the point where you can't help to admire how committed these actors are. Milk is an outstanding historical biopic with an endearing performance by lead Sean Penn, and pays a great tribute to a man who made American history. Whether you agree with the political views of the titular figure or not, this film paints a great cinematic effort and brings it to life with Gus Van Sant's incredible direction. It is a film that is not powerfully presented, but falls astonishingly relatable of what still goes on today.

Syl I had to accept Hollywood wasn't going to show the actual history of life in San Francisco in November 1978. The film is great but not accurate as it fails to mention details to better understand Harvey Milk's legacy. He became a gay icon and legend for the gay rights movement. The film is told largely from Milk's perspective with him at a recorder. He knows that he's a target and doesn't see the danger close by. Sean Penn deserved his Academy Award for playing Harvey Milk with a complexity of a multi-dimensional character. The supporting cast is stellar including James Franco as one of his lovers. Alison Pill is terrific as Anne Kronenberg. Victor Garber was fine as Mayor Moscone. Josh Brolin was brilliant as the troubled, unstable Dan White. The film doesn't project all facets of Milk's career. He was largely the most visible gay politician in the seventies and they're have been others like Barney Frank, Christine Quinn, and more to come out and service the public. Gay marriage has finally been legalized in this country.

Python Hyena Milk (2008): Dir: Gus Van Sant / Cast: Sean Penn, James Franco, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Alison Pill: Political drama that chronicles the life of Harvey Milk who was the first openly gay individual to run for political power. Set in the 1970's where homosexuality is persecuted until Milk decides to speak on behalf of the gay community. Insightful film directed by Gus Van Sant with great visual appeal. Sant's career has been low brow in recent years but many recall his work in Good Will Hunting and To Die For among his best. Flawed only with stereotypical portrayal of homosexuals and very limited insight on lesbianism. Perhaps if the film conveyed homosexuals as virtually anyone then this stereotype would be avoided. Sean Penn is tremendous as Milk whose good cheer conceals the resentment of those whom do not share his views including gay activist Anita Bryant. Penn's powerful performance is backed with strong supporting work from James Franco as his younger lover whom he drifts away from when campaigning becomes too dominant. Emile Hirsch is featured as well as Josh Brolin who presents opposition in a much more fatal manner. Alison Pill is featured amongst the few females seen in the film. She works alongside Harvey in his campaign. It is a provocative film that showcases the hardship of gay rights placing it alongside racism. Score: 9 / 10

ekrasnik I don't usually write reviews but... this film has me speechless. I hadn't heard of Harvey Milk until I was made to do a speech on him in English class. So fortunate to get to read his story, I started to look into what else was written and filmed about him. When I found this movie, I didn't expect a whole lot, although I knew that the actors in it were well known and acclaimed. I can honestly say that this is one of the most spectacular films I have ever watched. Sean Penn delivers an unforgettable performance with such close resemblance to the actual Harvey Milk. He perfects his nuances and makes himself a lovable and powerful character. The way that Milk is able to make light of dark situations enhances the mood and gives the audience hope,and Penn did a fantastic job transforming himself and living his role. By far, this is his best film and he has definitely earned the Oscar he won. James Franco, Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, Diego Luna, and the rest of the cast are perfectly chosen for their roles, and their acting is believable and realistic. They all enhance Penn's role, and highlight how important Milk was to the entire gay community and the minorities. They also show how selfless and determined he was in the face of such hate and discrimination, and how he was willing to put himself out there for other people. Truly an amazing human being. Gus Van Sant brings another amazing piece to the table, and incredibly weaves this film together. It is an incredibly powerful work of art that most definitely will leave you in tears. I truly believe that every person should watch this film, gay or straight, because it leaves an impact so great that may really change the way you think about the world and the people in it. The love scenes between Sean Penn and James Franco, and some other ones later on between other characters, are so perfectly played out where the audience will not feel uncomfortable, but instead see that it is not just two men kissing, but it is two HUMAN BEINGS in love.This film has had a major impact on me, and that is the most amazing type of film. It has left me with hope for the minorities who are feeling discriminated against, and it truly proves that ANYBODY can change the world. With the hate and challenges that Harvey faced, including people such as Anita Bryant, he persevered and stood up to what he believed in. He is perhaps the most inspiring public figure to me, and he has definitely made me a better person today. This film teaches people to fight for what's right, and that we are all human beings, no matter race, gender, or preference. So whoever you are out there reading this, WATCH IT and I know that you will not be disappointed.