Charles Dickens classic, "Oliver Twist" is given a new one here, setting it in modern times Toronto and the cast being a group if gay hustlers. The format is the same with Fagan as the boys' `Headmaster' and Oliver as the new cherubic, naïve boy who is recruited into the club by the Artful Dodger (Dodge). This film means well, but there is no real substance here, only confused characters. The girlfriends seem to have no place in their world, neither intellectually or sexually and are supportive `Mom' types at best. The ending can be predicted and even when shown with its obvious outcome, the storyline never really fairly delivers on reasons or cause. It was interesting to see that the story could be told without graphic sex or violence, which is a tough to one pull off, but the lasting effect was disappointing. It should have had a better outcome.

I like movies that put a new spin on classic tales, but this one was just okay. Good performances but it lacked a spark. If you are into indie, explicity gay-themed movies, check out NEVERLAND (the gay-themed Peter Pan, NOT the Johnny Depp movie!) or watch FREEWAY (Reese at her trashy best). These movies really do something interesting with the source material - in fact NEVERLAND stays closest to the original while still managing to be completely unique - and the cast is gorgeous.

This film has wonderful, colorful actors, it's well-made, well pieced-together, and it's generally very professional.

Unfortunately, it's more a snapshot of life (and not an attractive life) than a story. The film left me a little flat and unsettled, and I guess that's an indication of the film's power, which is considerable, but a bit wasted with a story that goes, like it's characters, literally nowhere.

I wanted to see the characters develop, but they are arrested at their current status, and all we are given in terms of a resulution, is a final burst of hatred and self-destruction.

Worth seeing, but not the best.

I loved it! It was a great retelling of a classic story moved into more modern times. Harsh, realistic and dark enough to be disturbing.
Parts of the plot went somewhat unfinished. Who removed to body of Fagan - and what did they do with it? Where were the cops? And after watching it with friends we all asked, did these boys ever wash? Nothing resembling a bathroom anywhere - except in the Diner!
And the ending.....hmmmm Did they run out of film or money?
I love stories that leave you to think up your own ending. But with this one, I would have liked another 30 minutes with a little more resolution. After all, it's not like there will be an "Oliver 2".
If you like Sundance/Rialto, you'll almost certainly enjoy this.

I found Twist to be an extremely good movie and one that I would recommend to people on certain grounds (you have to be able to accept what the movie centers on, male prostitution.) Dodge,a runaway who lives with fellow hustlers under their pimp Fargin, takes in Oliver, who has also run away, and shows him the a world of hustling and drugs. Dodge was sexually abused by his father, as we find out in a heartbreaking visit from his brother, one that was so sad it stuck with me for days. Nancy, who works at a diner that the boys spend time at, is like an older sister to most of the boys, and urges Oliver to not get involved in this life, saying that "I know Dodge has been good to you, but if he could find a way out of this life he would go."
There is no graphic sex or nudity, but we are shown lots of drug use (Dodge is addicted to heroin) and violence. The ending is very unsettling, and leaves a message in it's wake. Nick Stahl is amazing and pulls us into his role and makes us stay, and the rest of the cast is superb. The setting and the scenes all mirrored the cold city nights and made me shiver even though it was warm in my house. All aspects of the film seemed to hit the right notes, and I recommend this movie to whoever seems interested.