"Jeffrey", the screen version of Paul Rudnick's award-winning off-Broadway play of the same title, is opening nationally this weekend after spending a bit of time in limited release. This is a poignant comedy (yes, comedy) about gay life and love in the era of AIDS.

Steven Weber is cast in the title role. His character is an waiter/actor-wannabee who swears off sex because it's just so...complicated. Also, potentially fatal. Seeking to sublimate, the newly celibate Jeff heads to the local gym where he spots a hunk named Steve (played with major heat by Michael T. Weiss). Jeffrey is attracted, big time. Steve responds with heavy eyeball action and a come-on kiss. Then, the problem. Steve is HIV positive.

The movie, which unfolds in episodic fashion, tracks Jeffrey's struggle to figure out what to do about this situation. Although his ambivalence is more than understandable, there are moments when some in the audience may want to kick him in the butt. Urging "Jeffrey" to follow his heart (and other parts of his anatomy) is his most excellent friend, Sterling. Sterling is a tart-tongued interior designer. Patrick Stewart (yes, Capt. Jean-Luc Picard!) takes this role and he's great. He's stylish. He's just a teeeeeeny swishy. And he's acerbic as all get-out as well. Stewart says he took this part because it was one of the best he's ever been offered. He's right! Sterling is star material and he really shines.

Also turning in a fine performance: Bryan Batt, who plays the part of Sterling's none-too-swift lover, Darius. Darius is a chorus boy from CATS. He's also HIV positive. Batt captures this character's dim but sweet persona perfectly.

"Jeffrey" showcases a lot of big names in little parts. Among them, Nathan Lane, Robert Klein, Kathy Najimy and Olympia Dukakis. They're all pretty fine. Sad to say, Sigourney Weaver fizzles in her scene as a New Age evangelist.

Paul Rudnick's script is bitchy and bright but doesn't shy away from tackling some very serious issues. Rudnick, as you probably know, has an alter ego named Libby Gelman Waxner who writes film reviews for "Premiere." La Libby is my fave movie critic (although she's got to realize that Daniel Day- Lewis is MY cinematic soulmate, not hers).

Christopher Ashley generally does a good job of directing Jeffrey's transition from stage to screen, although his pacing falters every now and again. Given its subject matter and tone, "Jeffrey" is likely to offend some people. Although it's not "graphic" by any means, there's no coy cuts or fading to black when Steve and Jeffrey kiss. Rudnick also takes some tough shots at the Roman Catholic Church and puts a ribald, even raunchy spin on a lot of lines.

In short, folks, this movie is NOT for everyone. But if you're a moviegoer who likes to venture out of the mainstream, I think you'll find "Jeffrey" a frank and funny look at a very human dilemma. The film is (no surprise here) rated R.