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Amos Lassen wrote on 02/20/2011:

“Outing Riley”
Raw, Powerful Humor
Amos Lassen
I have been hearing about “Outing Riley” for quite a while now and I have finally had the chance to see it. I understand it was a hit at this year’s Outfest in Los Angeles and I predict it will be a big hit on DVD when Wolfe releases it. The director, Pete Jones, risks no compromises and gives us a deeply personal movie which is truthful and honest to excess. Autobiographical in outlook, this is a deeply moving story of Bobby Riley (the director), a closeted homosexual from a large Chicago Irish-Catholic family. He is one of four boys and a girl and his father is dead. His sister, Maggie, knows that he is gay and has known for years. She encourages him to tell his brothers, one of whom is a priest.
Bobby’s boyfriend, Andy (Michael McDonald) also wants Bobby to come out and pushes him to do so.
The movie begins with Bobby telling the viewer of his situation and how he views his life as a movie. In looking at his own life, Bobby admits that there are several things about it that he does not like.
Some of the actors deliver outstanding performances. Among them is McDonald as Andy who has some wonderful lines and delivers them with aplomb. Likewise is Nathan Fillon as Bobby’s closest brother, Luke whom you may recognize from “Saving Private Ryan”. He is absolutely amazing as a clown who gets hurts deeply when he learns that his brother would not be honest with him about his sexuality.
The issue of coming-out here is looked as selfish. It is not something that can be forced and can only be done when the person is ready. It is easy enough to understand that Bobby could not tell his father when he was dying. Maggie, on the other hand, pushes little too hard but we know she means well.
I did find some of the humor to be a bit raw and in many cases a bit out of date. I think a more biting humor may have worked better. Even with that “Outing Riley” is a tender coming out film and I enjoyed every minute of it. This is one you want to see this year. I guarantee it.

Janorm wrote on 03/20/2008:

This is a very fast paced, fantastic, comedic tale of one brother's coming out after a parent's death. All of the situations are explored quiet well with comical results, A very enjoyable film, yet one with a message. A message, that there can always be some way of accepance from everyone!! This film is a must for your Collection! TOTALLY ENJOYABLE AND LOVED!!!

rvf35 wrote on 01/20/2008:

A terrific movie free of so many of the way too tired cliches rife in most gay-themed movies -- no overwrought drama, no painstaking political correctness, no inside jokes, no too-cute gay lingo -- just a story about a regular guy (who happens to be gay) and his goofball brothers. Most of the movie's humor comes from the absolute idiocy of Riley and his brothers. As much as I love to laugh, I rarely see comedies because they're usually trying way too hard to be funny. But the supremely stupid goofiness of Riley and his brothers just bowled me over. I loved this one.

Luis Rolando wrote on 11/09/2007:

Chalk one up for Pete Jones, who almost seemlessly magistrates a unique piece of gay cinema filled with amazing production, a stellar cast, and a fascinating method of telling an otherwise tired coming out plot. The chemistry between Jones and his on-screen brothers leaps off the screen, and Michael McDonald is excellent as his boyfriend. Outing Riley is not your typical gay cinema fare, and for this it may not appeal to the typical gay cinema's audience, but for me, it was one of the best releases of 2004.