Milk (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.
Bear 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.
Philadelphia (1993) Director: Jonathan Demme Writer: Ron Nyswaner Stars: Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington and Roberta Maxwell Summary: Philadelphia attorney Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks, in an Oscar-winning role) launches a wrongful termination suit against the hand that feeds him when his law firm finds out about his HIV-positive status — and his homosexuality — and fires him. Denzel Washington co-stars as a homophobic lawyer who reluctantly agrees to take Andy’s case in this Jonathan Demme-directed film, the first major-studio picture to tackle the topic of AIDS.
Tom Hanks winning Best Actor at the 1994 Oscars should say it all. This is a wonderful movie. I was a little surprised seeing Antonio Banderas in here. I probably new he was in there at one time but totally forgot. I was not very impressed with Denzel Washington’s acting here and I really can’t think of why. Everything else in this movie was perfect, even Beckett’s family was perfect and that sure is a rarity. I can’t recommend this movie more.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) Director: Stephan Elliott Writer: Stephan Elliott Stars: Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce and Terence Stamp Summary: Invited to perform at a casino in remote Alice Springs, Australia, drag queens Mitzi (Hugo Weaving) and Felicia (Guy Pearce) and transsexual Bernadette (Terence Stamp) hit the road in a broken-down lavender bus named Priscilla in this campy comedy classic. Along the way, the friends change into their most outrageous costumes and lip-synch disco tunes — including plenty of ABBA — for the outback’s befuddled locals.
This is a classic gay movie. This should be in your DVD/Blu-Ray collection or I’m taking away your gay card. As for what I actually think about this movie? It’s alright. It’s not as clever witted as To Wong Foo, but it does have Hugo Weaving in a dress and crazy drag performances. Honestly, these guys do not look very good in a dress. That was another thing To Wong Foo did better. In end though, it’s still well acted and the characters are enjoyable.
Were the World Mine (2008) Director: Tom Gustafson Writers: Cory James Krueckeberg, and Tom Gustafson Stars: Tanner Cohen, Wendy Robie and Judy McLane Summary: When his drama teacher casts him as Puck in his school’s upcoming production of "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," Timothy (Tanner Cohen) turns in an inspired performance, whipping up a fittingly Shakespearean love potion with the power to turn people gay. He begins, of course, with the school jock — the object of his affection. Tom Gustafson directs this unconventional movie-musical based on his award-winning short film, "Fairies."
I have a strange opinion on this movie. I like it, but I don’t. I think it’s boring then it gets my attention. Would you make up my mind? 3.8 stars average on Netflix, 67% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, 6.9 stars on IMDB. Basically on the plus side of average. I’m going to have to go that way as well. The voices were good, the music was . . . meh. Honestly, I don’t know how this would be a good movie, but kinda enjoyable.
Milk (2008) 
