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Raw, emotional and yet polished, Michael Aker's new film soars in the gay indie world. With a limited budget micro-indie filmmakers must depend on great writing and acting to tell their story, no CGI or special effects. And that's just what filmmakers/partners Sandon Berg and Michael Akers have done with Phoenix. Be prepared to spend 96 minutes glued to the screen watching this story unfold.
Scott Cranin, PIGLFF

"Phoenix" is an A-plus reminder that the most unlikely--even
impossible--romances are also the most powerful. This is one dynamic
piece of work!

Loaded with universal truths of kind--whether pleasant, painful, or
profound, Akers and Berg manage to tap into every gay man's most deeply
held desires, fears, faults and most important, hopes

Probably Mr. Akers sharpest and most tuned-in feature to date, "Phoenix"
has all the makings of a modern gay classic.

If you can watch this film and walk away not feeling absolutely moved,
better check you're temperature--you're made of ice!
- Leo Buck, OC BLADE

"Phoenix" will mesmerize you so much that you will not want it to end. What Akers does with this film is push the envelope and in pushing the envelope has moved gay cinema forward. I love this movie. It was enjoyable to watch but it was even more enjoyable to think about when it was over. There is so much to consider, there is much reflection on things seen. "Phoenix" redefines the nature of relationships and while doing so presents us with an interesting story line bolstered by good acting and an intelligently literate script. See the film, think about it and draw your own conclusions. As you watch, I bet you will close out the world as you become engrossed in an excellent film that raises movies to an entire new level. "
-Amos Lassen, Cinema Pride

The film looks great, and features a retro/timeless feeling throughout.
Gary Kramer, SF BAY TIMES