Tag Archives: Movie Challenge

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GPMMC #10: A Marine Story (2010)

AMarineStoryA Marine Story (2010)
Director: Ned Farr
Writer: Ned Farr
Stars: Dreya Weber, Paris P. Pickard and Christine Mourad
Summary: A decorated officer from a military family, Alex (Dreya Weber) is unexpectedly discharged from duty. When she returns to her conservative hometown, the Marine struggles to readjust to civilian life, but agrees to mentor Saffron (Paris P. Pickard), a troubled teen who’s enlisting. Alex is the no-nonsense role model and authority figure Saffron needs, but as Saffron finally hits her stride, Alex must find the courage to face her own demons.

She got discharged because of “homosexual conduct”.  Yup, it’s a DADT story.  Kinda.  The main plot takes place after the discharge with Alex working herself back into civilian life.  Along comes Saffron whom she ends up whipping into shape to join the Marines.  In the meantime she’s starting to come out and have an official girlfriend and making something of her life.  Weber is amazing in the role of Alex, a tough as nails marine women.  The story is compelling, even though the DADT issue is only really a side note.  The story is more of Alex training of Saffron and integrating into a happy civilian life.

5 Stars

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Reviews

GPMMC #9: Brokeback Mountain (2005)

BrokebackmountainBrokeback Mountain (2005)
Director: Ang Lee
Writers: Annie Proulx (short story), Larry McMurtry(screenplay)
Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway
Summary: While working together near Wyoming’s Brokeback Mountain in 1963, sheepherders Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) begin an increasingly passionate affair. But keeping their relationship a secret from their wives (Anne Hathaway and Michelle Williams) proves agonizing and all-consuming. Ang Lee directs this Oscar-winning drama based on a short story by Pulitzer Prize winner E. Annie Proulx.

I didn’t want to see this movie.  The hype and controversy made me put this on the list of a movies I refused to see.  Then Ray decided to put it on our list for COL Movies anyway.  I hate you, Fuzz.  In anycase, I got the movie and watched it.

Zzzzzzzz.  That’s how I was through most of this movie.  I’m glad I had a project up cleaning up my iTunes library while this was playing.  I really have no idea on what all the fuss was about this film.  The plot idea was interesting but the execution was flat.  It was just boring.  Technically, this film is great.  The acting was flat to me.  I don’t know if it’s the direction or the actual acting or what but it just didn’t entice me to watch.  The movie wasn’t bad really, it was just drawn out and boring.  I cannot recommend people see this movie, nor can I recommend to NOT see this movie.  Take the movie as you will.  I just don’t care for Brokeback Mountain.

3 Stars as I didn’t like it, but didn’t hate it.

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Reviews

GPMMC #8: Mambo Italiano (2003)

mambo_italiano_2003Mambo Italiano (2003)
Director: Émile Gaudreault
Writers: Émile Gaudreault (screenplay), and Steve Galluccio(play)
Stars: Luke Kirby, Peter Miller, Ginette Reno, Paul Sorvino, Claudia Ferri, Mary Walsh
Summary: When Angelo (Luke Kirby) announces he’s moving out, his old-fashioned, Italian immigrant parents, Maria (Ginette Reno) and Gino (Paul Sorvino), nearly have a fit. After all, dutiful sons are supposed to stay home until they’re married. When they learn he’s rooming with his buddy Nino (Peter Miller), they settle down. That is, until they discover that the two are actually a couple, a scandal that brings agita to everyone in the family.

Mambo Italiano is an interesting comedy on coming out in an Italian community.  Luke Kirby kept reminding be of Billy Crystal throughout most of the movie.  In fact, it feels like the stereotypical Jewish guilt trip comedy between Angelo and his parents which kinda throws me off.  However, the story was compelling and very very funny.  Not too often do I enjoy comedies but this one really appealed to me.  While there was some potentially embarassing moments, I really felt like I could laugh instead of just hiding.  Fortunately, I had a friend over who forced me to watch which was very helpful.  This is a great gay comedy about the conflict between a gay son and his parents and how it affects people around him.  Definitely worth a watch

5 Stars

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Reviews

GPMMC #7: Longtime Companion (1989)

longtimecompanionLongtime Companion (1989)
Director: Norman René
Writer: Craig Lucas
Stars: Campbell Scott, Stephen Caffrey, Patrick Cassidy, Brian Cousins, Mary-Louise Parker, Bruce Davison
Summary: Perhaps the first film to put a human face on the AIDS epidemic, Longtime Companion follows the lives of a small circle of friends from the first mention of the disease in the New York Times in 1981. First referred to as “Gay-Related-Immune-Disorder,” we watch the effect of the disease as it devastates the lives of our protagonists. Jumping between Manhattan and Fire Island, vignettes carry us from the it-couldn’t-happen-to-me mentality of the early days of the disease to the invasive effect it has had on all of our lives, today. The title of the film comes from the New York Times’ refusal to acknowledge homosexual relationships in their obituary section during this period. Instead, survivors were referred to as “Longtime Companions” of the deceased. (IMDB)

The IMDB summary of this movie really says it all.  It’s a very touching movie and shows us younger gay folk the harsh realities of the early days of the AIDS epidemic.  I have to say I think that every gay man should see at least once.  The performances were spectacular and emotional.  I really don’t know what more to say.  The 100% on Rotten Tomatoes rating should say it all.

5 Star for sure.

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Reviews

GPMMC #6: To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar (1995)

ToWongFooTo Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar (1995)
Director: Beeban Kidron
Writer: Douglas Carter Beane
Stars: Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze and John Leguizamo
Summary: Ms Vida Boheme, and Noxeema Jackson win a drag queen contest in New York and are given tickets to Hollywood to participate in a Drag Queen beauty pageant.  They meet a boy-in-a-dress, Chi-Chi Rodriguez.  Feeling pity on the poor boy, they girls decide to take him along and turn him into a full fledged drag queen.  They dump their plane tickets and grab a 1967 Cadillac convertible and head out.  When the car breaks down, they find themselves stranded in the tiny midwestern town of Snydersville.  The three try to make the best of their unfortunate circumstance, and when their glitz and glamour wake up the sleepy local citizens, the stage is set for an outrageously funny weekend.

Okay, so I stole some of that summary from the box.  I never say I’m good at these.  In anycase, this is one of my favorite gay movies.  Besides the face that Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo make wonderful drag queens.  Which for these macho men (well, maybe not Leguizamo) being so feminine is a little shocking but they do it so well, you can only just go with it and laugh with glee.  I’ve always liked this movie better than Pricilla as to me it’s more memorable to me.  I know I really liked Pricilla but I can’t remember what happens.  Stockard Channing is wonderful as is the rest of the town of Snydersville.

5 Stars.  I can’t help myself.

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