First-time director Patrik-Ian Polk’s over-the-top romantic comedy has won raves for its exploration of the inside vibe of the African-American gay male community. Opening with a not-to-be missed critique of the sexiest gangsta rappers on the planet, Polk’s insightful film follows the lives of four twenty-something friends struggling to find love and happiness in contemporary West Hollywood. This close-knit group of best friends tackles the pain of breakups, the sting of substance abuse, and, of course, the pleasures of sex. Buoyed by a bouncy sound track filled with R&B classics and house anthems, and with a cast that exudes a youthful, talk-to-the-hand exuberance, Punks is an exhilaratingly funny and emotionally compelling exploration of the vast tapestry of sexual connections.