Promoting the best and brightest of the cinematic experience, as I have seen it. I have been through Movie Hell! Did I get burned? No, girl; Kerosene set off a blaze up in there! Don't start none, won't be none! This girl is on fire!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
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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Tuesday, December 13, 2011
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.
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Saturday, November 26, 2011
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.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
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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Monday, November 14, 2011
"Clue (1985)"
Lots of campy, cheesy, witty, punny stuff from the 1980s
with this comedian-laden gem, "Clue" (one of the few--
or perhaps only--good movie versions of a board game!)
Incredible performances from Tim Curry, Eileen Brennan,
Martin Mull, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd and
more make this one well worth the effort!
Fast-paced and extremely well written (and performed,)
'Clue' is a great night of laughs!
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Friday, November 11, 2011
Community - Season 3 - Promo/Sneak Peek #1
So, this season of 'Community' is even more outrageous, more trippy,
more deliciously inappropriate and Un-P.C. than Evah!
If you haven't been watching, it's best to start at the beginning, or at
least Season 2 to get an idea of the characters. You definitely need
some background for all the insanity to deliver as well as it does.
But if you love caustic, weird, biting, cynical humor, this show is IT!
Not for the easily offended....this is live-action South Park, baby!
Feel the burn!
(Thursdays at 8 on NBC, or any time on www.hulu.com)
For a brief intro to the ludicrous (the already infamous "Pocketful
of Hawthornes" piece,) click below!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi3NLojzWxE&feature=related
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Tuesday, October 18, 2011
BAGDAD CAFE
A great 1987 character piece with strangeness and wonder, starring
CCH Pounder, Jack Palance, and Marianne Sagebrecht.
Features an incredible soundtrack, perhaps most famously known for
the haunting Jevetta Steele's "Calling You."
An oddball comedy-drama with great performances and a strong
story of friendship, hope, new beginnings, and inspiration.
We can't ever have too many of those, can we?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095801/
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