"CARNAGE"

Another tight and uncomfortable bit of suspense from the great Roman
Polanski! The cast--two couples played by Reilly and Foster, Winslet and
Waltz--beautifully depict the polar opposites of New York society attempting
resolution in a matter regarding their sons. Rather quickly, the facade of
civilized dealings give way to insanity and conflict!

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Down in the Delta

Here's an intro to the first couple of minutes to a tremendous film, "Down in
the Delta," with an unbelievably stellar cast.

I have always loved Alfre Woodard, and she shines in this movie as always.
Rounding out the blockbuster cast are Loretta Devine, Wesley Snipes, Esther
Rolle (in what was, I believe, her final role,) the scene-stealing Mary Alice
(featured in the above clip,) and many more. Truly great ensembles are my
weakness, and this film is perfectly cast.

A great story about families in conflict, personal transformation, finding your
way, and redemption. A Southern tale, a Family Tale, a Mother's Tale....and
definitely a Life Tale and a Feel-Good Tale.

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Shy People

Typical of the 1980s, the trailer is completely cheesy and fails to show the
dark and deep nature of the story. Riveting acting and a dramatic twist
keep you engaged throughout, and the Tangerine Dream original sound-
track makes it surreal.

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Hedwig and the Angry inch

This is the trippy, crazed, freedom fighting beauty of a rock musical that
made John Cameron Mitchell a star!

Done with the kind of ongoing intimate intensity that only comes from a work
written, produced by, and starring a creative genius, Hedwig is the gender-bending
(and shattering) exploration of love, sex, fame, and rock and roll throughout
America.

The raucous, unpredictable, and raunchy tale is funny, moving, and wildly
entertaining with a slew of original and phenomenal songs. John Cameron
Mitchell has a sound, a look, and a vision that are truly unique, and this
is his--and co writer Stephen Trask's-- story.

"Big Eden" (2000)

This movie is so powerful; a modern fantasy that deals with so much of life;
unrequited love, small town issues, family, being stuck in the past, toxic love,
fear of abandonment, struggle between commitments, community, and much
more!

In the vein of "Fried Green Tomatoes," "Steel Magnolias" and other feel
good favorites of women and gay men, "Big Eden" is the ultimate in wish
fulfilment movie making. It's a heartening and seductive love story to a life
that isn't; the kind of sweet and desirable mix of comedy, drama, sex, and
love that leaves us winded, yet content.

This movie made me fall in love with Arye Gross, whom I had been cold to
on "Ellen,"  possibly because my boyfriend was smitten with him. But this
is more than a 'romance of two men.' It is, like most great stories, about
humanity, compassion, growing up, learning lessons, finding things of value,
and discovery within.

IMDB page for "Big Eden"

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Lie Down With Dogs (1995)

"Lie Down With Dogs" is a sweet, quirky, smaller film about a
rather 'plain' (i.e. identifiable) gay man's quest for love and hook-ups
in the Nineties. It's cute, charming, fun, and compelling in its
earnestness and explorations. The main character is pretty obviously
damaged goods, despite his semi-good-natured attitude.


Good cast, not too heavy, some excellent dialogue and unique
situations. Good for a break from the dire and the overly profound.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113650/

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Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont

This is one of those incredibly well done feel-good movies
that is sweet, charming, and poignant without ever having
to resort to any of the modern tricks of sensationalism.

Joan Plowright and Rupert Friend lead a wonderful ensemble
in this exploration of relationships and life among a mostly
ignored movie focus group; older people. It's smart and
funny and unflinching.

A great character study and slice-of-life film for any age.

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Midnight In Paris

I hadn't been an immense Owen Wilson fan, but this movie may have
changed all that. He's quite charming as the obligated, meandering,
scared writer who is in love with Paris.

This may be my favorite Woody Allen movie yet. It's charming,
romantic, sexy, feisty; everything you expect from the man, but
with a focus and a finesse that is inspired.

The cast is phenomenal; the punch of Kathy Bates...the charm of 
Carla Bruni, Marion Cotillard, and Lea Seydoux....the passion and
verve of Corey Stoll and Adrien Brody...the pure and palpable
villainy of Rachel McAdams and Mimi Kennedy! It was a great ride
from start to finish!

The charm of the fantasy worked so well, and the frustrations
felt by Owen's character about life, meaning, happiness were so
well explored that this movie was equally cathartic as it was
enjoyable. Haven't we all wanted merely to slip away to someplace
better?

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Enigma (2001)

ENIGMA is a great WWII movie with a spectacular cast.
It dances around a fictionalized accounting of the breaking
of the Enigma Code (in truth done by yet another fabulous
homosexual!) and of course finds all the human drama points
hit along the way.

Kate Winslet and Dougray Scott (yum!) are so believable and
entrancing, and this is one of those authentic period pieces
that draws you into the action so thoroughly that I forgot I
was watching a film!

Jeremy Northam can do no wrong in my book, and is likewise
his typically smoking-hot self. Great suspense, action, romance,
and drama.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0157583/

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