MacLaine and Lange are terrific together. It wouldn't seem so given their individual careers and past performances. The movie itself is very nice. There are contrivances. But, a lot of movies do these days. The two lead actresses have great chemistry together. I would hope that more people will find the movie, and enjoy it. I was a little ahead of the story at one point, and hoping my thoughts would not come true. But, they did. Still, by that point, I'd bought into the movie. In other reviews, they talk about the script. The other characters could have been better written and fleshed out. So, I agree somewhat with the negative reviews. I would recommend the movie as something nice to watch on an afternoon.
Reviews
7 Reviews
Stonewall
(2015)
Hopefully It Will Cause People to Learn More
26 September 2015
Warning: Spoilers
In spite of the protests. In spite of the bad reviews. I saw the movie. I went to see it on its own merits. To me, history depends on who wrote it. And, accuracy is never a top priority. I can't think of any movie that is based on real events or real people that was completely accurate. For instance, the recent film "Iron Lady". I doubt it had scenes where Thatcher dismantled social services, and ripped cartons of milk out of school kids hands.
Hell, history in life is never fully accurate. Many times I have had conflicts with people because they didn't remember things that happened like I did. Chief among their excuses are, "I don't remember. I don't know what you're talking about."
But, back to "Stonewall". It was a better film, and more accurate than the movie "Stonewall" of 1995. Perhaps it's because this year's film had more than $12.50 as a budget.
Suspiciously, both films center on a Latino drag queen, and a white boy just off the bus.
Which leads to my problem with this years "Stonewall". The script. When they could have created an interesting story to follow, they went with plot points that have come from other films. Even "Brokeback Mountain". Toward the end of the film, I expected Danny to say to his high school chum, "I wish I knew how to quit you." Actually, the whole end of the film went off the rails in my opinion. There was a point where a character seemed to look into a crystal ball to say that everything had changed, only one day after the riots. But, before that was hit or miss. It was an hour into it that I realized that the movie should have centered more on the relationship between Danny and Ray. Maybe it did, and I wasn't paying attention.
I hope that the film makes people learn more about the riots, and how gay life was. What happened before, and what happened after. What they are apt to learn is that history is rarely accurate. That those who tell of it sometimes fudge the facts, and contradict others.
Also, to learn from it so that history is not repeated.
Hell, history in life is never fully accurate. Many times I have had conflicts with people because they didn't remember things that happened like I did. Chief among their excuses are, "I don't remember. I don't know what you're talking about."
But, back to "Stonewall". It was a better film, and more accurate than the movie "Stonewall" of 1995. Perhaps it's because this year's film had more than $12.50 as a budget.
Suspiciously, both films center on a Latino drag queen, and a white boy just off the bus.
Which leads to my problem with this years "Stonewall". The script. When they could have created an interesting story to follow, they went with plot points that have come from other films. Even "Brokeback Mountain". Toward the end of the film, I expected Danny to say to his high school chum, "I wish I knew how to quit you." Actually, the whole end of the film went off the rails in my opinion. There was a point where a character seemed to look into a crystal ball to say that everything had changed, only one day after the riots. But, before that was hit or miss. It was an hour into it that I realized that the movie should have centered more on the relationship between Danny and Ray. Maybe it did, and I wasn't paying attention.
I hope that the film makes people learn more about the riots, and how gay life was. What happened before, and what happened after. What they are apt to learn is that history is rarely accurate. That those who tell of it sometimes fudge the facts, and contradict others.
Also, to learn from it so that history is not repeated.
The Guilt Trip
(2012)
Ignore the Commercials. See Film on it's own Merits
21 December 2012
The Paramount marketing department would have you think this film is a wacky laugh fest. Which is a pity, since more people would enjoy the film if their expectations were different. They go in thinking the film is one way. When in reality, it's a whole other thing. The film is much more touching, funny, and real. I cared about the two main characters, and how they interacted. I was interested in what was at stake for them. For me, the smaller moments of the film made it enjoyable. It was delightful to see Streisand and Rogen working off each other like they have known each other for years. Be sure to stay for the credits to see just how well they played off each other.
Best Revenge Trannie Movie Ever
23 July 2010
I saw this movie basically because GLAAD objected to it. Fortunately, it was one of the better independent movies I've ever seen. The acting and production values were higher than other films of this budget.
I don't know what GLAAD's problem is. The violence is so unrealistic, it's almost cartoon-like. And yet, they honor shows like "Queer as Folk",which could be put LBGT people in bad light. Years ago the organization objected to another gay independent film. One of the scenes had a guy having sex with a corpse. Turned out that the guy was only knocked out,and not dead. That film too (and I forget the name), was not very realistic, and presented as a comedy.
I don't know what GLAAD's problem is. The violence is so unrealistic, it's almost cartoon-like. And yet, they honor shows like "Queer as Folk",which could be put LBGT people in bad light. Years ago the organization objected to another gay independent film. One of the scenes had a guy having sex with a corpse. Turned out that the guy was only knocked out,and not dead. That film too (and I forget the name), was not very realistic, and presented as a comedy.
Gypsy 83
(2001)
Wanted to Like It
18 July 2004
I really wanted to like this film. The writer's previous film, "Edge of Seventeen" is one of my favorite gay films. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good coming-out movie, or just one of the better gay subject matter films of the past few years.
In the case of "Gypsy 83", the basic premise is fine. Nothing that's not been seen before. But, there are only so many plots around anyway.
The problem I had with this film was the writing.
It seemed that each scene with any happiness and joy in it, was followed by one with tragedy or drama. It all made for a rather bi-polar experience. At one point I got wise to the flow of the film, and as a dramatic counterpoint was unfolding, I thought, "Well, of course. That's the way the rest of the film has gone."
Also, scenes seemed to go on longer than they needed to. There were some cornball lines coming out of the actor's mouths. Several that rivaled the melodrama of a soap opera or Harlequin romance. In addition, there was some puzzling jumps in logic and continuity
But, there were also some good moments. Mainly because they were free of cliché or being contrived.
See or rent the film if you like Sara Rue, stories of young gay men, or the Goth subculture.
In the case of "Gypsy 83", the basic premise is fine. Nothing that's not been seen before. But, there are only so many plots around anyway.
The problem I had with this film was the writing.
It seemed that each scene with any happiness and joy in it, was followed by one with tragedy or drama. It all made for a rather bi-polar experience. At one point I got wise to the flow of the film, and as a dramatic counterpoint was unfolding, I thought, "Well, of course. That's the way the rest of the film has gone."
Also, scenes seemed to go on longer than they needed to. There were some cornball lines coming out of the actor's mouths. Several that rivaled the melodrama of a soap opera or Harlequin romance. In addition, there was some puzzling jumps in logic and continuity
But, there were also some good moments. Mainly because they were free of cliché or being contrived.
See or rent the film if you like Sara Rue, stories of young gay men, or the Goth subculture.
Speedway Junky
(1999)
Bad After-School Special
23 June 1999
The gay/lesbian content is very little. Main focus is on the young aspiring racecar driver played by Jesse Bradford, who is straight. Jordan Brower is the only main character who is gay. Granted, his character is presented with sympathy. But, there is no views of his life. I'm pretty sure the character is not the only gay teen in Vegas. Oh yes, the writer also threw in the moldy and old plot point of the gay man infatuated with the straight guy. The script has about as much research and details of life on the streets as an after-school special. Jonathan Taylor Thomas is stiff in his small role, and Darryl Hannah is yoked with a howlingly funny monologue. For a film by a supposedly gay identified writer/director, the movie is berefted of knowledgeable gay content. See the films "Edge of Seventeen" or "The Incredible True Story of Two Girls in Love" if you want to see some excellent films about gay teens.
Better Than Chocolate
(1999)
Delightful & Thoughtful Comedy
21 June 1999
I recently saw the film at the SF Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. As of today, (6/21) it is my favorite. Wendy Crewson is incredible. All the characters in the film grow in one way or another by the end of it. An asset that all films should have. Though I had a little problem with the look of the film, (too shadowy for the content) the acting is very good, and the message well executed. Any sexual identity should enjoy the film. Though if you are uneasy about two women making love, you'd best avoid this one. The film makers aren't coy about showing lesbian sex. Hope the film gets some recognition.
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