reviews_and_ramblings | What Happens Next (2012) directed by Jay Arnold

After rich businessman Paul Greco (popular daytime star Jon Lindstrom) retires early, his imperious sister Elise (two-time Emmy Award® nominee Wendie Malick) tries to get him to settle down with the woman of her choosing. But Paul seems more interested in developing his friendship with Andy (cutie Chris Murrah), a charming gay man he meets at a dog park.

Director: Jay Arnold

Writers: Jay Arnold, Thom Cardwell

Stars: Jon Lindstrom, Wendie Malick and Chris Murrah

Genres: Comedy

Storyline: Handsome daytime lead Jon Lindstrom, As the World Turns, General Hospital and Port Charles) stars as Paul Greco, an unmarried billionaire socialite who seems to have it all. Or does he? After Paul sells his business and retires he suddenly has more money and time than he knows what to do with. His overbearing (but well-meaning) sister Elise (the fabulous Wendie Malick — Just Shoot Me, Hot In Cleveland, All My Children) decides giving Paul a dog would be the perfect start.

With little else to do, Paul assumes the daily dog walking routine in the park. There he encounters Andy Chance (Chris Murrah), a young gay self-employed advertising whiz, who happens to walk his dog on the very same schedule. What starts as a casual daily meeting in the park, eventually develops into something a bit more questionable.

Andy and Paul find themselves in a series of comedic situations — due to differences in their personalities, upbringing, background and ages (not to mention the lack of clarity around their undefined relationship). This gets even more complicated by the influential and overbearing women in both of their lives. Elise senses definite and curious changes in Paul’s behavior and personality but becomes preoccupied about her own alternative lifestyle artist son, Brian (Ariel Shafir), with whom she has become seriously estranged. At the same time Andy’s adopted sister Roz (Natalia Cigliuti, All My Children), a high-powered art gallery owner, becomes overtly uncomfortable with Andy’s fascination over Paul, a straight philanthropist from an elite world of socialites and black-tie benefits.

This wonderful gay comedy is full of twists and turns. The elements of discovery, surprise and delight are everywhere. Through its portrayal of a unique relationship between two men, What Happens Next explores the meaning, definition and redefining of family and the nature of relationships.

Awards & Quotes “Features exceptional acting from a cast of film and television veterans, a snappy script, and a joyful tale of love.” — Philadelphia QFest

“An old fashioned romantic comedy in every way possible.” — Philly2Philly.com

“If you like gay films, this one is charming. There are no sexual scenes. It is just a sweet story of discovery and acceptance.” — Suite 101

@IMDb
@Amazon: What Happens Next (2012)

Cast (in credits order)
Jon Lindstrom ... Paul
Wendie Malick ... Elise
Chris Murrah ... Andy
Natalia Cigliuti ... Roz
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Darrin Baker ... Harry
Michael Blaustein ... Robbie
David J. Bonner ... Chip
Christina Broccolini ... Sam
Janet Carroll ... Gloria
R. Ward Duffy ... Roger
Kimberly S. Fairbanks ... Claire
Derek Frazee ... Server 1
Steven Hauck ... Albert
Cj Heston ... Server
Megan Hilty ... Ruthie
Tim Kubart ... Young Paul
Marie Marshall ... Irene
James Duke Mason ... Zack
Susan Moses ... Lynne
Eric Nelsen ... Harvey
Barry Neuhard ... Doorman
Greg Nix ... Bobby
Dani Owen ... Addie
Ariel Shafir ... Brian
Matthew Skrincosky ... Jack
Catlin Thurnauer ... Mindy
Matthew Tweardy ... Jasper
Ryan Windish ... Derek