Category Archives: Gay theme

Based on true facts, Cancer theme, Drama, Gay theme, Love Story, Quiet, Sex Scenes, Slow, Unusual

Beginners (2010)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Based on indie director Mike Mills’s relationship with his father, this intriguing drama tells the story of Oliver (Ewan McGregor), a graphic artist coming to grips with the imminent death of his father (Christopher Plummer), who, at 75, has one last secret: He’s gay. Both inspired and confused by his father’s determination to find true love at last, Oliver tentatively pursues a romance with commitment-shy French actress Anna (Mélanie Laurent).

Ewan McGregor (now 40 years old) is not afraid to appear in movies outside the mainstream such as “Moulin Rouge” or “I Love You Philip Morris”. In fact, if you are looking for a good time, search for Ewan McGregor in IMDB for a long list of films. His biography in IMDB points out his determination to NOT conform.

And who could forget Christopher Plummer (now 82 years old) in the romantic role of Captain Von Trapp in “The Sound of Music” from way back in 1965.

Mélanie Laurent (age 28) is a French actress who appears in both French (“Jusqu’à Toi”) and American (“Inglourious Basterds”) films.

Possibly this film is not for everyone for reasons such as:

  • One half of the film centers on the 75 year old father coming out as gay.
  • Another important theme is the son’s difficulty in maintaining a relationship.
  • You could hear a pin drop because this is such a quiet film.
  • “Move Slowly” is the film’s motto. Often the young couple just stare at each other.
  • There is humor but it is very quiet and subtle.
  • Should I believe that a 75 year old gay man can find a young lover ?
  • You watch the father slowly succumb to lung cancer.

Despite these possible objections, I loved this unusual film.

2010, British, Car Chase, Crime, Dark, Drugs, Gay theme, Grim, Love Story, Police Story, Revenge, Serial Killer, Suspense, Violent

Blitz (2010)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

With an insidious serial killer known as “the Blitz” on the loose in London, Detective Brant (Jason Statham) takes to the case while working out his own aggression issues with a police-appointed psychiatrist. But when he and his partner (Paddy Considine) eventually corner a suspect, they don’t have enough evidence to apprehend him. Elliott Lester directs this frenetic crime thriller based on a novel by Ken Bruen.

“Blitz” offers the usual Jason Statham, take it or leave it. Of course he takes the law into his own violent hands despite being a British policeman, that goes without saying. Perhaps there is some novelty in the fact that:

  • His police division is noted for rough irregularities. That division gets a new boss (Porter Nash is the character’s name) who is both highly qualified and gay. Whereas the other policemen dislike and deride Nash, Detective Brant (Statham) respects and works well with him. In fact …
  • Brant confides in Nash that he, Brant, suffers from blackouts which Nash correctly attributes to burnout.

Cat and mouse with the serial killer is intelligently written. Eventually the killer gets his due. So does the amoral journalist who seeks glory in cooperating with the killer.

But in the end, it is the usual Statham.

2004, Acceptable Trash, Car Chase, Dark, Gay theme, Graphic Novel, Mayhem, Revenge, Sadism, Super Hero, Torture, Violent

The Punisher (2004)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Undercover FBI agent Frank Castle (Thomas Jane) is crushed when his wife and children are killed after accidentally witnessing a mafia hit. So with nothing left to lose or to live for, Castle becomes “The Punisher” — a one-man judge, jury and executioner. John Travolta, Laura Harring, Samantha Yathis and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos co-star in this moody action film based on the adventures of the popular Marvel Comics character.

Murderous Marvel Mayhem for Misguided MovieFans.

Yes, it is just kid stuff watching 35 year old Thomas Jane play a brooding, alcoholic Marvel comic “superhero”. So why would you ever watch this film ?

  • You love violence and mayhem.
  • You love revenge supposedly justified as “justice”.
  • You love seeing our hero get beat up repeatedly and yet bouncing back each time.
  • You love wondering just how our hero will escape from his latest predicament (and he always does in some clever fashion).
  • You think John Travolta makes a super villain.
  • Your hobby is exploding automobiles.
  • You have nothing better to do.
2010, Acceptable Trash, Comedy, Gangs, Gay theme, Mayhem, Occasional gore, Super Hero, Suspense, Unusual, Violent, Vulgar

Kick-Ass (2010)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Inspired by his love of comic books, high school student Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) decides to transform himself into a masked crime fighter — a decision that eventually thrusts the teenager into Internet stardom. Soon, Dave’s antics inspire a wave of would-be heroes to don costumes and live out their superhero fantasies. Nicolas Cage, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Chloe Moretz also star in this comic book adaptation from director Matthew Vaughn.

Thanks to my deep-tissue neurological torture-massage specialist Chris Smith (a movie fan) for recommending this outrageous sample of mayhem.

Except for Nicolas Cage, I recognized no other actor. Of course, many of the actors are teenagers. At first my reaction was, “Oh no, not a teenage film !” But stick with the film for awhile and you might enjoy the very, very violent fun in this satire on super heroes. In fact the violence is two things: extreme, and extremely unlikely. Scene after scene the daring duo (Nicolas Cage and the character playing his daughter) perform outrageously impossible feats of marital art, shooting, gun reloading, etc. Without digital techniques this film could not begin to exist.

I am reminded of the 2007 Clive Owen film “Shoot ‘Em Up” in which time after time he performs remarkably impossible shooting sequences. If you enjoyed one of these films, you will probably enjoy the other.

From time to time I really had to laugh at jokes and some slapstick. Warning: this film is not for everyone, and is certainly not for mature audiences, and in fact could easily become another outlandish cult film. Another warning: out of the mouth of the child super hero comes some very vulgar purple prose. Shocking!

Sadly, I enjoyed the spectacle. Shame on me!

2009, Drama, Explicit sex, Gay theme, Latino Culture, Nudity, Religious Theme, Spanish

Undertow (2009)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Writer-director Javier Fuentes-León sets this offbeat romantic ghost story on the rough-hewn but gorgeous Peruvian coast, where a married fisherman must come to terms with his love for another man, despite the strict moral codes of his homeland. This winner of the World Cinema Audience Award: Dramatic at Sundance is a vivid examination of the ways in which affairs of the heart supersede social strictures and all other forms of logic.

NetFlix’s summary more or less says it all. What make this film (in Spanish with subtitles) worthwhile are its authenticity, good-acting, realistic personal dilemma, and beautiful surroundings.

In theory the village is conservative Catholic. Some cultural practices are at odds with Catholicism. For example, the villagers believe that if the enshrouded corpse is not carried in procession to the ocean and then dumped from a boat and thus buried in the water, then that soul cannot rest in peace. It is this practice that causes trouble for the husband Miguel.

And yes, it is the first gay ghost film I have ever seen. In this respect it reminds me of the Brazilian film “Dona Flor and her Two Husbands” (one of whom was a ghost).

Expect some gay and straight explicit sex scenes.

2009, Drama, Gay theme, Not Feel Good, Sex Scenes

Handsome Harry (2009)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

For many years, small-town resident Harry Sweeney (Jamey Sheridan) has avoided confronting painful memories from his past. But when his best friend becomes seriously ill, Harry builds up enough courage to explore long-hidden secrets and uncover his true identity. Bette Gordon directs this character-driven drama that boasts a strong ensemble cast featuring Steve Buscemi, Aidan Quinn, John Savage and Campbell Scott.

Very soon into this film you discover that it is a gay-themed film. But more than that, it is a film about an old betrayal and how that wrongful act has over the course of 20 years eaten away at the lives of five men:

  • Harry Sweeney played by Jamey Sheridan (whom we see almost weekly as Captain James Deakins on Law and Order: Criminal Intent).
  • Thomas Kelley played by Steve Buscemi (who plays Lenny Wosniak on 30 Rock).
  • Prof. Porter played by Aidan Quinn (who played John Miller in Third Watch).
  • Peter Rheems played by John Savage (who ?)
  • Gebhart played by Titus Welliver (who plays Glen Childs in The Good Wife)

Cambell Scott plays the victim David Kagan. Scott played Father George Hibbert in Saint Ralph.

Kelley’s wife is played by Jayne Atkinson who plays Erin Strauss in Criminal Minds.

Some small amount of gay sexual activity may put this out of bounds for children.

If you have any strong reaction to the ending, please let me know.

2009, Comedy, Gay theme, Lawyers, Love Story, Prison, Scam Artists, Sex Scenes, True Story, Vulgar

I Love You Phillip Morris (2009)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

When upstanding Texas cop Steven Russell (Jim Carrey) realizes he’s gay, he changes his entire life and pulls a series of bold con jobs that lands him jail — where he meets his one true love, cellmate Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor). When Morris is transferred to another prison, lovesick Russell mounts a series of jailbreaks just to be with his beloved soul mate. Glenn Ficarra and John Requa direct this comedy based on a true story

Only someone as nutty as Jim Carrey could pull off this tour de force. Although the plot seems absurdly impossible, it is extraordinarily accurate. Please read the Wikipedia article on the amazing life of the real Steven Russell. That article only briefly mentions Phillip Morris whereas the major theme of the film is the homosexual relation between the two men.

Gay films are getting more and more mainstream. Just as heterosexual films continue to push the boundaries of acceptable explicit sex scenes, so too does this film contain some few explicit scenes and dialog. There are many scenes of tenderness, dancing, and kissing between the two partners.

At one point in the film the plot seems to bog down into a tear jerker of a disappointment. Do not be fooled! At times, however, I worried that Jim Carrey might be trying to do some serious acting. God forbid!

Be sure to read the final captions that explain his fate. It seems he was an embarrassment to Texas and to George Bush.

Have fun!

2010, Drama, Drugs, Explicit sexual discussion, Feel Good Not For Children, Gay theme, Love Story, Sex Scenes

Every Day (2010)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Ned (Liev Schreiber) is fed up with his unfulfilling work as a writer on a flawed television show and his stagnant marriage to wife Jeannie (Helen Hunt). Just when he thinks life can’t get worse, his teenage son announces he’s gay and his ailing father-in-law (Brian Dennehy) moves in. Ned’s relationship with an amorous co-worker (Carla Gugino) adds even more tension, but despite the setbacks, the rewards of everyday family life overcome.

NetFlix’s description is misleading: As soon as the film opens Ned’s son is already discussing being gay. In fact the boy is nagging to attend a gay prom and Ned is protectively worrisome lest some older male might take advantage of the boy.

No one is perfect, but this husband and wife are a good and struggling couple beset with stressful problems that are certainly familiar to all of us in this American 21st century:

  • Ned worries about his gay son and confides in no one
  • Jeannie’s aged father is a nasty man that she could never love
  • Ned is a TV screenwriter whose gay boss is demanding and unpredictable.
  • Home life is so stressful that Ned and Jeannie do not have much sex much to Ned’s chagrin.
  • As a result Ned is sorely tempted by his temptress co-worker

Characters are well scripted and portrayed. Brian Dennehy plays the miserable father to perfection but shows his sad human side as well. Helen Hunt (who for me will always be the wife in the TV series “Mad About You”) is now (2011) an attractive 48 years old who is perfect for this part. Liev Schreiber does well as a very attentive and caring father whose job is very stressful.

Ned is part of a team of writers who are constantly urged by the boss to invent shocking plots involving sex of all types. Were it not for these explicit discussions I could almost recommend the film for children. Even the almost invisible nude sex scene in the swimming pool is not really objectionable.

Moreover, this is the first film I have seen which treats the life of a teenage gay person in our ordinary American day to day lives. You would worry about your straight daughter’s relation to boys, so why would you not worry similarly about your gay son ?

An “Every Day” film about a family that has it all, that is to say, all those nasty problems. I loved its ordinariness.

2008, Comedy, Drama, Feel Good Not For Children, Gay theme, Love Story, Sex Scenes, Swedish

Patrik Age 1.5 (2008)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

After moving from the city to a small town, gay couple Sven (Torkel Petersson) and Goran (Gustaf Skarsgård) adopt a child. But when Patrik (Thomas Ljungman) arrives in their lives, it turns out he’s not 1.5 years old as they were told by the adoption agency — he’s a rebellious, homophobic 15-year-old. While the couple houses the angry boy until the mix-up is resolved, his presence causes them to reassess their lives.

Gay-themed films have come a long way from being centered on the AIDS epidemic to a more realistic involvement with society in general. After watching this film, I would like to know if you thought the story portrayed was realistic, that is to say, could happen.

So what do you expect from a “straight” film: sex, violence, comedy, mystery, romance, sports, war ? Ignoring the gay theme, this film offers romance, non-explicit sex, some rough stuff that could hardly be called violence, comedy, social issues, an orphan needing a home, etc. Sound familiar ?

Although I did not expect much at first, I was pleased to find that this sane and warm film tells a story which is finally a feel-good. Each character is well-cast and well-acted, including their well-honed facial expressions. Look for a variety of neighbors, for better or worse.

Swedish with optional English sub-titles.

Is Sweden any different from the US&A ?

2000, Could Be Hard To Watch, Dark, Drugs, Explicit sex, Gay theme, Grim, Horror, Nudity, Occasional gore, Sadism, Serial Killer, Suspense, Violent, Vulgar

American Psycho (2000)

1 Comment

From NetFlix:

With a chiseled chin and an iron physique, Patrick Bateman’s looks make him the ideal yuppie — and the ideal serial killer. That’s the joke behind American Psycho, which follows a killer at large during the 1980s junk-bond boom. Bateman (Christian Bale) takes pathological pride in everything from his business card to his Huey Lewis CD collection, all the while plotting his next victim’s vivisection.

Opinions vary wildly on this controversial film. Despite the horror, I found myself laughing at the satirical approach to nonchalant mayhem. Moreover, in this vein I saw the obvious connection between this story and the TV series Dexter (2006) featuring a serial killer who kills serial killers.

Certain more objectionable parts were left in the uncut version that I got from NetFlix. Should I have felt guilty watching this film ? At any rate, let me just jot down some “notes” and let you decide. To help you form an opinion you might also read the Wikipedia article.

  • Christian Bale is a study in perfect acting. He put himself through intense physical training to look the part.
  • Much of the satire centers on the complete vapidity of the financial traders. They constantly try to outdo each other by creating fancy calling cards. At one point Patrick is so incensed that someone else’s card is nicer than his card that he goes out and vents his anger by murdering someone.
  • Another point of satire is the obsession about eating at the best restaurant, one-upping each other on begin able to get a prized reservation.
  • Reese Witherspoon does a great job as Patrick’s clueless fiancee. In one restaurant scene she babbles on about the personalities she spies while Patrick is drawing sadomasochistic pictures on the tablecloth.
  • Willem Dafoe is a totally different actor from his usual self. He successfully portrays a private detective affecting an exaggerated smile and cloying society manners.
  • Little by little I began to suspect that Patrick’s intimate circle of financial goons (who explicitly hated women) were all homosexual. Patrick calls this phenomenon the “Yale thing”.
  • As he prepares yet another victim for slaughter, he banters on and on to that unsuspecting victim about the marvels of some piece of popular music.
  • You never see damage being done to a human body. You may be there while it is happening, but you do not really see it. Just the very bloody aftermath. At one point you see a completely naked and blood covered Patrick running down a hall with a chain saw.
  • At one point Patrick really loses his grip and the film also seems to lose control.

My biggest disappointment was that I did not understand how the story ended. If anyone has the stomach to watch this blood bath, please tell me how Patrick gets away with his crimes. Did he kill someone who was pretending to be Paul Allen ? What happened when at the end he steals into an apartment being shown for rent only to discover that all his bodies stashed in the closet have disappeared ?

Not really a gore fest, but close!