Page "In & Out" Paragraph 54

The movie was generally well reviewed by critics.

The performances were widely praised, especially those of Cusack, who eventually earned an Oscar nod, and Kline.

The film also gained attention for depicting homosexuality in a " mainstream " comedy about " Middle America " which, Rita Kempley Howe wrote in the Washington Post, " manages to simultaneously flaunt and flout gay stereotypes.

" Critics also noted its generally asexual treatment of homosexuality: Janet Maslin commented in the New York Times that the film is not one " to associate gayness with actual sex ," while TV Guide quipped that it " finally gets discussion about gay people out of the bedroom and into the record store.

" Despite generally positive reviews, several critics, even those who were complimentary, felt that the ending was weak and did not live up to the rest of the film.