A GATHERING OF FRIENDS. A GIFT OF LOVE. A CELEBRATION OF LIFE.
Nick Stark (Eric Roberts) learns that he has HIV; after deciding that he wants to end his life, he throws a big farewell party for friends and former lovers. Finally, Roberts gets a project worthy of his talent. There may be a lot of inferior action movies in his past, but he’s a fine actor and really good in this bittersweet, depressing but engaging drama. Aptly titled considering the lyrics of that song; I did find the film moving, but it does fall somewhat in the shadow of The Big Chill and Peter’s Friends. The supporting cast is entertaining, including Bronson Pinchot, and George Segal as Nick’s alcoholic father.
1996-U.S. 109 min. Color. Written and directed by Randal Kleiser. Cast: Eric Roberts (Nick Stark), Gregory Harrison (Brandon Theis), Margaret Cho (Charlene Lee), Bruce Davison, Lee Grant, Devon Gummersall… Marlee Matlin, Roddy McDowall, Olivia Newton-John, Bronson Pinchot, George Segal, Sally Kellerman.
