Night Wacth (2004)

WARNING: Scary scenes!


I have a very particular sensibility in play when it comes to horror
movies; I don't go in for gore or ultra-violence. I like something with
some suspense, artistry, plot, and creativity.

Often times, I find foreign film-makers fit that bill more than their
American counterparts. Such is the case with the first film in a
trilogy, NIGHT WATCH. It is anything but 'another vampire movie.'

The cinematography alone is captivating  and mouth-watering.
Many who were fans of the book didn't care for the adaptation, but
(as per usual,) taken on its own it's fine. Yes, it's subtitled.

Good stuff, if you're a fan of films like the original Fright Night
or Brotherhood of the Wolf.

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The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy (2000)

There was a bit of a heyday for good quality, big cast, gay friendly films
in the mid-to-late 1990s. Among one of the better films was a romantic
comedy called The Broken Hearts Club. It had a stellar cast with pretty
much the widest (yes, even though caricatured in some cases) variety of
gay people you're ever likely to meet in your travels.


It was a great story, ranging 'Steel Magnolias-like' or 'Green
Tomatoes-esque' in their epic storyline over a period of time,
travails, and romances. Originally saw this at the Tampa Theatre
during the Gay Film Fest. Man, I miss those!

A lot of fun, a lot of tears, a great "watch over-and-over" movie
from the second "Gay Nineties." Dean Cain, Timothy Olyphant,
Zach Braff, John Mahoney and more!


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0222850/


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Ma Vie En Rose / My Life in Pink (1997)

One of the best and most real 'feel good' movies in recent years.

"My Life in Pink" tells an uncomfortable story of the growing up
process when you don't fit the cookie cutter mold. It deals with
the expectations (and demands) of family, neighbors, friends, and
the world. It's about finding yourself, and learning to be yourself.

An incredible cast and a compelling story will keep you riveted.

Subtitled, in case that's a concern! Treat yourself and watch with
a friend and a box of Kleenex today!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119590/

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Man From Earth

I hesitated to show the preview for this film--one of my faves from the last
ten years, and probably ever--specifically because it gives so much away
of the nuance and mystery of the story. But the trailer showcases the
incredible talent of the ensemble cast--one of the best I've ever seen
assembled!

This was the final work of Jerome Bixby, and it's a phenomenally
engaging piece that explores so many different sociological aspects and
theories in a captivating fashion. It's akin to a closed-room murder
mystery in that it's nearly a done-in-one production, and the riveting
nature of the plot does make the tension keeping everyone in the
room palpable and exciting.

Expertly written, acted, filmed, and edited, this is truly an example
of the best of what the industry can offer.

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Parting Glances

One of the earliest and better 'positive gay films' as well as

one of the earliest and best screen representations of HIV/AIDS.

"Parting Glances" is the simple love story of 2 gay men in 1980s

New york City; their struggles, their friends, and the community

they live in. It's also, primarily, the story of friendship and

becoming mature in the face of loss and tragedy.

 It's a beautiful, moving story that

has warmth and vulnerability; sadly the only film made by

Bill Sherwood before his death from AIDS. A great

and lasting memory, to be sure.

This film has a tremendous cast, whose easy fit with the

naturalistic dialogue works well. Of special note are

Richard Ganoung (later of "Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss",)

John Bolger (super sexy "One Life To Live" and film/TV star,)

Kathy Kinny (Mimi of "The Drew Carey Show",)

and a young Steve Buscemi (his first major film role!)



A wonderfully human film full of pathos and

real friendship. It plays like a fantasy, or a love story.

I guess the difference is whether you're jaded or not.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091725/

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A Love To Hide

I'm a huge WWII movie buff, and this is one of the better ones.
Many think it too depressing to finish, but I thought the despair
and tragedy was a perfect representation of the reality of the
time. Also, the raw hatred and fear of gay people is only
moments away from escalating to this at any time in the present.

A beautifully written, acted, and filmed movie, it is a grand love story,
and a story about the perils of life. It's a stirring and riveting story.

The ending; a showing of the one place on the planet that gives
honor and remembrance to the gay and lesbian victims and heroes
of the Holocaust, was worth the watch alone.



Prelude To A Kiss (1992)

From early in Alec Baldwin and Meg Ryan's film careers is the cinematic
gem (from playwright and screenwriter Craig Lucas) "Prelude to a Kiss".

An exploration of the limits of human sexuality and male homophobia,
the film is a fresh take on an old conundrum. The supernatural element
involved is actually not that outlandish thanks to superb performances
from all involved.

It's a sweet and moving story highlighted by glimpses of frailty and
awkwardness. A great blast from the past, highly recommended for
fans of either actor, romantic interest, or taboo love!

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