Tag Archives: Movies

GPMMC #24: Is It Just Me? (2010)

isitjustmeIs It Just Me? (2010)
Director: J.C. Calciano
Writer: J.C. Calciano
Stars: Nicholas Downs, David Loren and Adam Huss
Summary: Although successful writer Blaine (Nicholas Downs) is kind and witty, he can’t find true love because he’s intimidated by the overt sexuality of guys such as his roommate, Cameron (Adam Huss). But all that changes when he meets the man of his dreams online — or does it? Shy Texan Xander (David Loren) seems to be Blaine’s ideal man, but when Blaine accidentally posts Cameron’s picture in his profile, a battle for Xander’s affections ensues.

This is another one of those embarassing comedies.  Fully playing on the mistaken identity comedic trope.  Don’t get me wrong, this trope can be authentically done well, and I do believe they did that here.  The performances of the actors was just a little bit over the top.  Not too much, just a little bit.  It on occasion was distracting but for most people, it could be forgivable.  Take this movie as you will.  Not my cup of tea.

3.5 Stars

[asa]B0042KZJFA[/asa]

GPMMC #23: Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)

hedwigHedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)
Director
: John Cameron Mitchell
Writers: John Cameron Mitchell, and Stephen Trask
Stars: John Cameron Mitchell, Miriam Shor and Stephen Trask
Summary: After a botched sex-change operation, East German glam rocker Hansel (John Cameron Mitchell) becomes Hedwig and travels across the United States with a stage show, following her ex-boyfriend (and former band mate) and telling her life story. Hedwig’s offbeat show slays audiences — but in diners not clubs. Mitchell also wrote and directed the comedy, which won at the Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for several Independent Spirit Awards.

You know, I thought I was going to hate this movie.  I really did.  Fortunately, I didn’t think this was that bad and somewhat enjoyable.  The performances were great and the music is fantastic.  I don’t know what more to say about it.  I didn’t think this film was amazing, but it was good.

3 Stars

[asa]B00005QW5X[/asa]

GPMMC #22: Sordid Lives (2000)

SordidlivesSordid Lives (2000)
Director: Del Shores
Writers: Del Shores (play and screenplay)
Stars: Delta Burke, Bonnie Bedelia and Olivia Newton-John
Summary: Bonnie Bedelia, Beau Bridges and Delta Burke star in Del Shores’s uproarious satire of Texan white-trash culture. When she trips over her lover’s wooden legs, Grandma Peggy meets her maker, and now her entire family is showing up for the funeral. With a raucous cast of characters ranging from feuding big-haired sisters to the cross-dressing Brother Boy, Shores skewers redneck society. Olivia Newton-John co-stars and provides music.

Good lord this has a star studded cast.  One of the best parts about this film is that the actors know exactly what this film is and act it out exactly how it should be.  This is a fun romp around a serious situation but you cannot help but enjoy the film. Olivia Newton-John’s part is minimal, seems like she’s just there to sing, but the little nuances she puts in there are perfect.  I think this movie would surprise and delight most straight people as well.  I can’t recommend this enough.

5 Stars

[asa]B00003CY27[/asa]

GPMMC #21: Milk

MilkMilk (2008)
Director: Gus Van Sant
Writer: Dustin Lance Black
Stars: Sean Penn, Josh Brolin and Emile Hirsch
Summary: Sean Penn (in an Oscar-winning role) stars in this fact-based drama about Harvey Milk, the openly gay activist and San Francisco politician who was murdered along with Mayor George Moscone (Victor Garber) by disgruntled city supervisor Dan White (Josh Brolin) in 1978. Emile Hirsch, James Franco and Diego Luna co-star in director Gus Van Sant’s compelling biopic, which also earned Oscar nods for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor (Brolin).

I should have seen this movie in the theaters.  Almost think because I didn’t, my gay card should be taken away.  Like Longtime Companion, this is a must see for any gay man of whatever age.  The story of Harvey milk is not just a story about him but of the early gay movement and the political struggles we had in the 1970’s.  This piece is incredibly important to our community and absolutely no one should miss out on this.  Sean Penn’s performance was incredible and he deserved his oscar.  This movie also gave me more faith in James Franco compared to his more recent roles.  See this movie streaming on Amazon or just for God’s sake purchase this movie.

5 Stars

[asa]B001FB55KI[/asa]

GPMMC #20: Bear Cub (2004)

bearcubBear Cub (2004)
Director: Miguel Albaladejo
Writers: Miguel Albaladejo, Salvador García Ruiz
Stars: José Luis García Pérez, David Castillo and Empar Ferrer
Summary: An unconventional uncle becomes guardian to his young nephew in this sensitive tale. When he agrees to care for his sister’s 9-year-old son, Bernardo (David Castillo), for just a couple of weeks, Pedro (José Luis García Pérez) decides it’s best to curtail his active homosexual lifestyle. But the concerned uncle discovers that young Bernardo is wise beyond his years. When the boy’s mother fails to return, Pedro must assume the role of parent.

I got to see this movie in a theater back in 2004/2005.  It was a great movie to see showing the bear community in Madrid and refreshing compared to most other bear movies.  One of the best things about this movie is the fact that it’s really a story that could fit in any type of gay community and is not focused on sex.  Sure there is some but the story is about Pedro, Bernardo and Bernardo’s Grandmother Teresa.  This is the type of bear movie that you can share with all your family and friends.  Well, at least the edited version.

5 Stars

[asa]B0007XG01S[/asa]