Mario Lopez + Mark Consuelos = Muy Caliente

Ok, why didn't anyone tell me that Mario Lopez and Mark Consuelos made a movie together? I love them both. Below is a clip of the made-for-tv movie Husband for Hire, which aired on Oxygen a few days ago. I know what you're thinking; Marius, why in the world would you waste your time watching this crap? Oh, dear friends, when it comes to Mario and Mark, I'd endure anything--even a bad lifetime movie.




Ah, I love Mario Lopez so much, but this little clip left me wondering. Why is the choreography so bad? Why didn't Mario take off his shirt (and pants)? Why did they cast Mario Lopez, a Mexican American, to play a Puerto Rican? Is there a shortage of Puerto Rican actors? Anyway, I haven't seen this movie. But if I happen to stumble across it while channel surfing, I'm so going to watch it.

Notes On Entertainment

Ellen Page rocks!
Yep, it’s true. I heart that girl. As most of you probably know, she is now officially an Oscar-nominated actor. Isn’t that just wonderful? I had an interesting discussion with a friend yesterday, and my friend strongly believes that the movie Juno is overrated. Well, there may be some truth to that, but I prefer to focus on the positive. I thought Juno was great. I don’t care if people call it a “chick flick.” Whatever! This film presented an interesting (female) character that has to deal with an unexpected pregnancy. Ellen was perfect as Juno MacGuff. There was something fresh and exciting about this film. I’m so glad the critics (and America) embraced this film with so much gusto.

Cloverfield delivered!
I was completely satisfied after watching this film last week. J.J. Abrams, Matt Reeves, and Drew Goddard created an impressive movie that lived up to my expectations. Cloverfield has
been described as “Godzilla meets The Blair Witch Project.” Yeah, that’s a fairly accurate statement, but that doesn’t take anything away from the film. It was quite effective. Others have complained about the lack of information throughout the film. You know, it’s kind of annoying that some people expect everything to be explained to them. What are we? A collection of brainless tissue? This movie forces the audience to pay attention. I felt like an active participant throughout the movie, trying to make sense of the whole situation. That’s what things are like in the real world. When a natural disaster strikes, we don’t have a nicely written manual to refer to; we have to pay attention . . . if we want to survive.



An untimely death.
When I learned of Heath Ledger’s passing, I was at a loss for words. To be honest, I didn’t quite believe it at first. He was so young and talented. It’s a real shame, and he will be missed by his fans. His ex-wife’s father released a statement about Heath that I found quite touching. He said,

I think [poet] Tennyson got it right in the poem when he described someone as having died at a young age but burning the candles at both ends, and oh what a beautiful flame he made, that was Heath, what a beautiful flame he made and a great talent.

My heart goes out to his family and friends.

A Very Queer Post

Another day, another blog-a-thon. Wait! This isn’t your average blog-a-thon. Not at all. On Monday, November 19th, Queering The Apparatus will be hosting its very first Queer Film Blog-A-Thon. Finally! An opportunity for gay bloggers all across the blogosphere to express their love for queer cinema. The following is my contribution to this wonderful blog-a-thon.



I’ve always enjoyed great films. However, like most members of the LGBT community, I’ve often been disappointed with the dearth of gay characters and stories in mainstream Hollywood Films. Fortunately, there are directors, writers, actors, and producers who manage to create amazing cinematic treasurers for us (the gays), often with limited resources and support. Thank goodness for independent films and passionate artists.



In the film The Sum of Us, Russell Crowe plays a regular bloke who just happens to be gay. I debated whether to mention this film. To be honest, it is far from being perfect. However, I liked Russell’s character (Jeff) a lot. The great thing about this film is that is doesn’t conform to tired stereotypes. Jeff is straight acting, and he has a father who offers him unconditional love and support. And that’s a beautiful thing.



I realize that coming out stories are an important part of gay culture, but they’re becoming something of a cliché. And coming out films usually annoy the hell out of me, especially when they’re poorly made. The film Get Real is an exception. There are other great films that deal with the same subject matter, of course, but I connected with the film’s protagonist, Steven Carter; and I think Ben Silverstone did a great job of brining this character to life. The film is conventional in many ways, but Steven’s courage is quite remarkable. He wrote an inspiring essay that was published in the school newspaper. For a while, the author of the essay remained anonymous. But in the end, Steven addressed the entire student body, as well as his family, and acknowledged that he had written the essay. The pen, as they say, is mightier than the sword.



I enjoyed Brokeback Mountain. It certainly deserves to be praised. This film, by the wonderful director Ang Lee, brought a love affair between two men to the silver screen. Of course, other films have done that before, but Brokeback Mountain did what most gay films rarely every do—it managed to break into the mainstream. And it has secured a special place in American popular culture. I also think Annie Proulx, Larry McMurtry, Diana Ossana, and Ang Lee should be commended for making this film a reality. It’s always nice to have some straight people on our side.



Queer cinema doesn’t get better than John Cameron Mitchell’s Hedwig and the Angry Inch. This film is one of my favorite films (top 10 material). John plays a transgender performer who leads an extraordinary life. Everything about the film is wonderful. John does a great job of introducing the protagonist, Hedwig. Within the first 15 minutes, I fell in love with Hedwig. John is a gifted director. There’s no question about that. The music is wonderful and the film is just enchanting from start to finish. Of all films mentioned in this post, I think Hedwig and the Angry Inch is the most beautiful. It is also visually and intellectually provocative.




I love John Waters. This post wouldn’t be complete without a John Water’s film. And Pink Flamingos is my favorite film by this great director. I know some—or maybe most—people find it crass and unacceptable, but this film represents so much to me and other members of the LGBT community. Pink Flamingos is a film that refuses to conform to societal standards of decency. It laughs in the face of social conformity. Divine’s character, Babs Johnson, is confident and defiant. It’s hard for the average gay person to exhibit this degree of self-confidence in the real (straight) world, which is why Babs Johnson is a breath of fresh air. Of course, one shouldn’t celebrate the violence in the film, but the violence is part of what makes it work so well. It’s all about defiance! Interestingly, John Waters often says that he wants the audience to just relax and have a good time. Well, mission accomplished. His films are certainly very entertaining, but there’s so much more to Pink Flamingos than meets the eye.



Pink Flamingos was my favorite gay film for a very long time. That changed after I saw Gods and Monsters, a film about James Whale, a film director who made horror films in the 1930s. The accomplished stage actor Ian McKellen was brilliant as James. Lynn Redgrave also delivered a great performance, and Brendan Fraser was effective as Clayton Boone, the object of Whale’s interest in the film. Gods and Monsters explores the last few moments of James Whale’s life, before he committed suicide in 1957. James lived with depression, memory problems, and other conditions that lead him to take his own life. He was 67.

Gay cinema and culture seem obsessed with youth and beauty. This blog is no exception. I post pictures of hot actors and models from time to time. However, this film focuses on the inner struggles of an aging gay man. That, I think, makes the film stand out in the world of gay cinema. Older gay men are often portrayed as asexual figures in many films. In God and Monsters, James tries to seduce a young straight man. He shows us that sexuality and the need for companionship are strong motivators that exist in all human beings, young and old. But the main reason I adore this film is because of Ian McKellen. His performance is the heart and soul of this film. The people behind Gods and Monsters get extra points from me because they cast a real gay man to play a gay character on the big screen. What a novel concept!

Halloween Costume Ideas: Fun In Space

Who doesn't remember Mel Brook's 1987 comedy Spaceballs? Even if you didn't enjoy the film, there's no denying that it's full of colorful characters. And how hot was Bill Pullman in that movie? Anyway, if you're looking for some Halloween costume ideas, this is the post for you. Here are two characters that caught my eye.



John Candy as Barfolemew (aka Barf)



Rick Moranis as Dark Helmet

Who's That (Bravo) Girl?

Ok, I came across a clip of Julie Brown and I just had to post it. Remember her? She had her own show on MTV in the 80s; it was called Just Say Julie. The woman was hilarious; she's a great comedic talent. Sadly, Julie never achieved the type of success she truly deserved. Anyway, below is a clip of Julie's parody of the infamous film/documentary Truth or Dare. Julie played Medusa, a Madonna-like singer who describes herself as being a slut with fame and lots of money. I saw this on MTV ages ago. So, as I watched it again a few minutes ago, I was surprised to see a very familiar face. Well, a younger version of a familiar face. Check out the clip.





Yep, it's our favorite comedienne.

The Simpsons Go To Paris. Finally!

I finally got around to creating my Simpsons avatar. I shall call him mini Marius. You can create your own avatar at the The Simpsons Movie website.



I haven't seen the movie yet, but the reviews so far have been generally positive. For example, veteran critic Roger Ebert gave the film three stars. Not bad. Anyway, Twentieth Century Fox is doing everything in its power to promote its new film. They even enlisted the help of the fashion community to help sell their film. Great idea! Here are a few images of Marge Simpson and family mingling with the fashion elite in a clever little piece for Harper's Bazaar. Of course, Marge needed a fabulous guide to help her navigate the complex world of high fashion in Paris. I'm pleased to announce that my favorite Canadian model Linda Evangelista graciously offered to assist them. Now, let's follow Linda, Marge, and the kids as they travel to Paris.

First stop, the streets of Paris.


Then, it's off to visit Donatella.


Next stop, the house of Chanel.


After chatting a bit with Karl Lagerfeld, they rush to meet with the one and only Jean Paul Gaultier.


Click here to view more pictures of Marge and Linda as they meet other fashion designers. Very cute!

The Barefoot Contessa (1954)

***This post contains spoilers***



I haven’t seen the film The Barefoot Contessa (1954) in years. The film stars the wonderful Ava Gardner and the legendary Humphrey Bogart. I was discussing this particular movie with a friend the other day because of Bogart. We actually started talking about the film Sabrina (1954) and how Bogart was perfect for the role of Linus Larrabee. Yes, 1954 was a great year for this very talented man.



Joseph Leo Mankiewicz, the writer and director of The Barefoot Contessa, created a film that was by no means original; it was essentially a Cinderella story with a tragic ending. However, I loved that he created a character like Maria Vargas (Ava Gardner), a dancer from Madrid who becomes an international star almost overnight.



I had issues with various elements of the film, including Ava’s performance. However, there is no question that she was perfect as Maria Vargas. She was sensational! The film is unconventional in a lot of ways. For example, it deals with sexual dysfunction and female sexuality, topics that, I’m sure, were rarely addressed on film in the 50s. Maria uses her beauty and star power to full advantage. Sure, the film sexually objectifies Ava’s Maria Vargas. But Maria is always in control of her sexuality, and it’s that freedom that leads to her death at the hands of a jealous husband.



Another great thing about the film was the participation of the Italian actor Rossano Brazzi. He played Maria’s husband, Count Vincenzo Torlato-Favriniin, in the film. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again; I love Mediterranean men. I found Brazzi’s performance quite effective.



Ah, Rossano, if only I had a time machine.

Europa Europa

When I first learned of Emma’s blog-a-thon, I immediately thought of Sir Ian McKellen’s performance in the wonderful film Gods and Monsters, my favorite “gay” film of all time. Actually, it’s one of my favorite films of all time. Period. Emma had challenged us to write about a life changing performance. But, the more I thought about it, the more it became clear to me that this particular performance (and film) did not change my life in a drastic way. Let me explain. I was in my early 20s when I saw this film for the first time. And I was moved by it; it was a great cinematic experience. However, at that age and still today, it took a collection of things—movies, songs, books, and so on—to change my life in any meaningful way. A single movie just doesn’t seem to do the trick anymore.



My life wasn’t always that way. In fact, I saw a film in the early 90s that changed my life in a major way. That film was Europa Europa. This and other films (e.g., anything by Almodovar) made me fall in love with foreign cinema, and that’s why I’ve decided to write about this particular film. Thus, the performance that changed my life—my viewing habits, to be exact—was Marco Hofschneider’s portrayal of Solomon Perel (Solly) in Europa Europa.



As mentioned before, I first saw Europa Europa in the early 90s; I loved it without question. I saw it again last year, and I still enjoyed it immensely. However, the film is not perfect; of course, the flaws that seem so salient now meant little to me a decade ago. Marco Hofschneider’s Solly was born into a typical Jewish family and lived in Germany during the late 1930s and early 1940s, a tumultuous time for Europe. Solly was an adolescent when his family was forced to flee Germany after his sister’s death at the hands of an anti-Semitic mob at the outset of World War II. His family relocated to Poland.



However, Solly's stay in Poland was short lived, as Hitler’s forces invaded Poland in 1939. Solly’s parents decided to stay behind but encouraged their two sons to run far, far away. After much hesitation, Solly and his brother obeyed. During a frantic attempt to board one of several ships that could take them to a safer area, the brothers inadvertently boarded different ships and were separated. They called out to each other, but, sadly, they would not see each other again for years.

Solly ended up in a Russian orphanage and joined a youth organization that promoted communist ideals. He even became fluent in Russian. I should point out that, after seeing this film as a kid, I thought I was a communist for several months. It was a phase. Anyway, Solly was taught to reject religion and the exploitation of the lower classes. At one point he gave the following speech to his peers,

The bourgeois keep the people in ignorance . . . encourage religious superstitions, and with the help of the popes, priests, and rabbis, they smother all revolutionary instinct . . . we call religion the opium of the masses

Then, after two years in Russia, Solly’s life was again turned upside down by the Germans. He was forced to flee the orphanage with his peers and instructors. As before, he was left behind by unfortunate circumstances. He was arrested by German soldiers, but, luckily, he managed to fool them into thinking he was a German boy forced to live in a Russian orphanage. He spoke German perfectly, and he easily befriended the German soldiers



He would spend years pretending to be a German adolescent. And he was eventually sent to Germany, where he was enrolled in one of Hitler’s Youth Schools, surrounded by people who hated all Jews. Things went from bad to worse. He was unable to make love to his girlfriend Leni (Julie Delpy), out of fear of being discovered. One look at his circumcised penis and that would be the end of poor Solly. At one point in the movie, Solly even tried tying his foreskin, to prevent it from slipping back. It was a very painful experience, but his attempt was not successful. Fortunately, he was eventually able to escape. He was reunited with his brother and they made their way to Israel.

This film motivated me to see other foreign films. In fact, at one point in the 90s, I foolishly told my friends that I would only see International films from that point forward. Almodovar! Bunuel! Fellini! And others, of course! Ah, I was very impressionable at that age.

Marco Hofschneider gave a solid performance that truly moved me. The film was based on the real life of Solomon Perel. Marco’s portrayal of Solly really affected me in a way that’s very difficult to articulate. Solly was forced to pretend to be something he wasn’t. He was forced to listen to lectures and read literature that praised the Nordic phenotype and belittled Jewish people and culture—his heritage.

Although I’ve never experienced anything like what the real life Solomon Perel had to endure, I connected with Hofschneider’s Solly. As a gay person, I spent many years pretending to be something I wasn’t. Even after I came to terms with my sexuality, I remained in the closet for many years. I was silent as the people around me made hateful comments about gays.

The great thing about Solomon’s story is that he survived; he somehow managed to overcome all that hardship and psychological stress. More importantly, his experience made him stronger. He was a fighter. I think I’m a lot like Solly. I grew up in a conservative community in Texas. But, just like Solly and many gay men and women around the world, I'm a fighter.

Jane Fonda Rules

I have no idea why I subjected my eyes and brain to a film like Georgia Rule. It's possible that I just can't get enough of Jane Fonda. She's the main reason I decided to watch the film, really. I also had high hopes for Lindsay Lohan. I'm not a die-hard Lindsay fan--far from it, actually, but I acknowledge that the girl has talent. Also, the director, Garry Marshall, has directed some good movies in the past. So, I was optimistic that his newest offering would be entertaining. I had high hopes.

Well, so much for hope. I'm sure some people found this film entertaining. I was entertained at times. I particularly enjoyed seeing Dermot Mulroney on the big screen. Fonda and Huffman delivered good performances, and Lindsay was just . . . well, playing herself. Seriously, I'd appreciate a little effort next time, Lindsay. Anyway, for the most part, this film felt like a complete waste of time. It deals with a controversial topic that requires special handling. In fact, if handled just the right way, the results could have been very different. Marshall was clearly in way over his head with this project.

Fortunately, there is some good news. Jane Fonda appeared on different talk shows to promote her new movie. Yes, thanks to Georgie Rule, we get to see more of Fonda for a few weeks. Below is a clip of Fonda on the Colbert Report. Priceless!

Spider-man 3, Symbiotic Organisms, and Kelp Shakes

Beware of Spoilers!

A lot has been said about Sam Raimi’s Spider-man 3—too many villains and subplots, as well as other problems. Yes, I think most would agree that Spider-man 2 is far superior to Raimi’s third Spidey film. And, as some have suggested, that isn’t surprising; how do you top Spider-man 2? Personally, I don’t think the film was a total disaster. I wasn’t blown away, but I was entertained. Anyway, I’m not going to repeat what others have said about the film. Instead, I’d like to talk about . . . hair! No, I’m not kidding.

In Spidey 3, Peter Parker comes into contact with some black substance from outer space. What is it? I have no idea. As MarryAnn Johanson would say, it’s just comic book science. I guess we don’t question this sort of thing. Anyway, this symbiote wraps itself around an unsuspecting host and turns it black (of course). It also seems to influence the host’s personality (and not in a good way). Yep, Peter wears his new black suit and loses himself in the process. He flirts with the dark side and does some pretty nasty things to his friends. So, I guess this symbiote increases aggression, decreases inhibitions, and makes the host act like an asshole. The dark side is one scary place.



Now, let’s talk about hair. Yes, the first thing Peter changed was his hair style. It was kind of silly, but it makes total sense. As Peter Parker, the good boy, he would usually go with a pretty traditional style—looks a lot like the Princeton, a very clean-cut look that screams White Boy. Ah, but the Princeton is not appropriate for the dark side. No! Peter needed a drastic change that would coincide with his new (evil) persona. So, he went with . . . bangs?!? Hm, I guess that’ll work. Maybe it’s comic book science. Who knows?

Tobey McGuire’s character isn’t the first person to venture into the dark side. In 1963, Jerry Lewis starred in the delightfully entertaining film The Nutty Professor. This movie was great. Lewis delivered a great comedic performance, and Stella Stevens was perfect as Miss Purdy.



In the movie, the clueless chemist, professor Kelp, created a potion that completely changed him from a nerdy scientist to an attractive playboy (Buddy Love). Interestingly, his little potion also made him a good dancer and musician. So, the symbiotic organism from outer space makes you an asshole, but Kelp’s wacky potion does that and more! I’d like to order a Kelp shake please, but go easy on the asshole. As in Spidey 3, Kelp’s transformation wasn’t complete without a new hair hairstyle. Kelp’s hair was clean-cut and natural; it was the kind of style preferred by conservative business men in the 60s (or so I've read). Buddy Love, on the other hand, loves hair products. His hair style was a classic taper that was messier, more modern. Honestly, it wasn’t much different, but it was effective. We got the point: Buddy Love is a bad ass.

Musicians are just as vulnerable as actors. Garth Brooks also flirted with the dark side (check out his pic).



In the late 90s, this Country Music Superstar decided to release an album as his alter-ego Chris Gaines. Yep, before Peter Parker experimented with bangs, Garth had been there and done that. I’m not sure what possessed him to attempt such a bold career move. Was it some black substance from outer space? Or one of those awesome Kelp shakes, perhaps? I have no idea. I’m sure his fans were just as puzzled as I am to this very day.

So, I guess the take home message is never underestimate the power of (superficial) change. When we’re getting ready to go out to a club, bar, social event, or whatever, we usually dress to impress. Some people spend hours in front of the mirror trying to achieve the perfect “look.” In our minds, that “look” conveys a message. Some people want a style that says, “hi, I’m single and looking for action.” Other styles convey a different message, “hi, I’m responsible and intelligent; please give me a raise.” Of course, these changes are superficial, and, most of the time, our behavior stays pretty much the same. To an outside observer, a hairstyle change doesn’t seem to do much. However, to the person who styles his or her hair before some important event, a change can energize and sometimes change our disposition. By the way, I’ve experimented with bangs and still do from time to time! But don’t worry; I usually go with a Ceasar or my version of the Princeton. I rarely go the dark side.

Childhood Memories and Great Movies

Nathaniel, I accept your blogging challenge. First, let me point out that I’m not a film critic (obviously). I do, however, enjoy good movies, particularly films that make you think. Anyway, here are a few films that I truly enjoyed as a child and adolescent.


Jaws (1975)
This Spielberg film is a masterpiece. I enjoyed every minute of it. I actually saw this film in the 80s. I had no negative comments about it at the time, which is interesting because I’m a pretty judgmental person; well, not all the time, but I have my moments. Of course, I was a young kid who hadn’t really thought much about films. That would change in the 90s.


Carrie (1976)
I was blown away. De Palma is a gifted director. It didn’t feel like a horror film, it was just a great movie that I enjoyed immensely. High school can be such a drag sometimes, and I remember empathizing with Carrie from the start. There was another thing that I got from this movie—we’re all special in some way. Carrie had telekinetic powers; unfortunately, many people were hurt in the end. As they say, payback is a bitch. Sissy Spacek was amazing.

Superman (1978)
Christopher Reeve was such a handsome man. My family and I enjoyed this film so much. Also, Margot Kidder will forever be Lois Lane in my book. She rocked! My favorite line in the movie was; “you’ve got me; who’s got you?” Oh, that really takes me back.

Dawn of the Dead (1979)
I also saw this film some time in the 80s. And for some strange reason, I fell in love with zombies. Of course, not all zombie movies are great, but the idea is quite powerful. These films feed on our basic fear of the unknown, disease, predators, blood, guts, the undead, and so on. It’s scary to think that there are zombie-like diseases in the animal kingdom. So, these films are far fetched but not beyond the realm of possibility.

Nine to Five (1980)
I think I saw this film for the first time in the late 80s. Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton! What a great cast. This was such a fun movie to watch. This film was kind of educational for me. Seriously! I remember being appalled by management’s lack of consideration. I was so happy when the girls took over the company. Corporate America can suck, but this film offered hope.


Excalibur (1981)
Yeah, I’m a bit of an anglophile. I just thought this film was enchanting and beautiful. I can’t remember how old I was when I first saw it, but I enjoyed it!

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
I loved this film. Harrison Ford was the perfect Indiana Jones. I remember feeling so excited after watching this film. I think I wanted to be an archaeologist after watching this film. Well, I didn’t become an archaeologist/adventurer, but I love how some films can inspire you to think big.


E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Spielberg did it again. This is also a magnificent film. I just loved the fact that everyone around the world had seen it. And how cute was Drew? Anyway, I loved it. I should watch it again some time.

The Secret of NIMH (1982)
What an amazing animated film. I just loved the whole idea: lab rats escape and create an impressive community. They borrow electricity from a local farmer and lead extraordinary lives. My favorite animated feature of all time.

Tootsie (1982)
I remember my mother just loved this film. Of course, I watched the film a second time in the 90s, and just fell in love with it all over again. Jessica Lange’s performance was unforgettable. Who wouldn’t fall in love Lange’s Julie Nichols?

Karate Kid (1984)
This film made me feel like I could take on the world. I actually took karate lessons after watching it. I wasn’t a total disaster, but I’m no Daniel LaRusso. Also, this film had everyone at my school uttering the same phrase over and over again: “Wax on, wax off.” Pat Morita is the man!

Howard the Duck (1986)
This wasn’t one of my favorite movies. I thought Lea Thompson was cute, and the movie was entertaining, but that’s about it. The reason I’ve decided to include this film is because it really got under my skin. For some reason, I found it somewhat disturbing. Yeah, the thought of a big duck having sex with a human (the lovely Lea) was too much for me. It still kind of creeps me out.

The Brave Little Toaster (1987)
Yes, I loved The Brave Little Toaster. It’s true. I saw this animated film on the Disney Channel. Old, forgotten appliances venture into the unknown to find their beloved owner. It kind of made me appreciate the things I grew up with—my old teddy bear, for example. It was just great animated film.


Dirty Dancing (1987)
“Nobody puts baby in a corner.” How many times have we heard that one? Yeah, I loved this film. I remember my mother used to love the soundtrack, as did I. Patrick was so hot in this movie. Great memories!


Beetle Juice (1988)
Fun, fun, fun! Yeah, I also enjoyed every minute of this movie. Michael Keaton was hilarious. Of course, the real star was Tim Burton. He’s so talented. I love his dark imagination and sense of humor.

Heathers (1989)
Yes! Winona Ryder rocked in this film. This was a very cool movie that I enjoyed from start to finish. My favorite line was: “My son's a homosexual, and I love him. I love my dead gay son.” Acceptance is such a beautiful thing.

Ghost (1990)
I don’t believe in ghosts, but I sure did enjoy this film. It had everything: suspense, humor, sensuality, and so much more. Whoopi delivered a fine performance.

Ok, I could go on and on, but I need to stop typing at some point. So, I’ll conclude this post by summarizing my thoughts. Actually, I should first point out that not all of these were summer films. However, they all left a lasting impression on my boyish and adolescent brain. The funny thing is, as a kid, I never questioned why I liked a film. It was such a natural, uncomplicated process. Now, as an “adult,” I find myself scrutinizing almost every aspect of a film. I miss the days when I just trusted my instincts. I totally agree with Nathaniel’s statement, “it's those years as a kid that inform movie love as an adult.” Interestingly, even now, there are moments when I can’t quite articulate why I like (or dislike) a certain film. These moments can be quite refreshing because they force you trust yourself without question. It's like you're a kid all over again.

Fashion Icon: Audrey Hepburn

The TLC special The Greatest Fashion Icons in Film ranked various legendary movie stars and compared them to contemporary actors (see previous post). They gave the title of most fashionable goddess of the silver screen to Audrey Hepburn. They also declared that no contemporary actor can compare to this phenomenal woman. I couldn’t agree more.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Below are a handful of pictures of Audrey Hepburn, one of the silver screen’s greatest beauties. Her unique beauty and sophisticated demeanor are difficult to imitate. I could go on and on about how amazing she is, but I’ll just let these images speak for themselves. My favorite Hepburn films are Funny Face, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Sabrina. I should review these films at some point, and I will if time permits.

A Character to Love

***SPOILER ALERT***

A major part of the moviegoing experience is one’s reaction to one or more characters. In some cases, we may identify with a single character. We root for the underdog or cheer on as the nice guy tries to get the girl. At other times, we are simply fascinated by a particular character, good or bad.

I enjoyed Nancy Meyer’s film Something’s Gotta Give. Some have argued that the screenplay isn’t that original. And others have noted that Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton are not really acting—they’re essentially just being themselves. There is some truth to both arguments, but I liked the film for several reasons.



I really like Diane. She’s intelligent and talented. In Something’s Gotta Give, she played Erica Barry, a successful playwright. Although this film isn’t groundbreaking, it is unconventional in its portrayal of an aging woman. I hate how aging women are often portrayed as asexual matriarchs. In this particular film, Erica had what appeared to be a perfect life. She was divorced but happy, and there was no indication that she was in any hurry to find the perfect man. She was content with her life as a single woman.



Erica finds love under unusual circumstances. She fell for her daughter’s much older suitor, Harry (played by Nicholson). Harry, of course, is the typical playboy who loves younger women. His relationship with Erica was short-lived but intense. He ends up breaking her heart. So, that’s kind of typical of other movies, but Erica turned around and wrote a phenomenal play. She moved on and started dating a younger and much hotter man.

Although the film is predictable and trite in a lot of ways, I just couldn’t get enough of Erica Barry—of Diane Keaton. She cried when she saw Harry with another woman. However, during a conversation with her daughter, she explained that one has to take risks in life—something her daughter tended to avoid. She loved and accepted loss as a part of life, and that’s why I found this character quite memorable. Erica Barry is a strong woman. She is a character to love!

Timeless Beauty: Elizabeth Taylor

Thank goodness for TMC and AMC, two cable channels that show commercial-free classic movies. A few days ago, while channel surfing, I stumbled upon the 1951 Oscar-winning film "A Place in the Sun.” I hadn’t seen it in ages. I must say, Elizabeth Taylor is without question a Hollywood icon. What a stunning beauty. And Montgomery Clift is a great leading man.









Montgomery looks a little like Julian McMahon in this picture. Actually, I think it’s the other way around; Julian looks like Montgomery. Hot!

Grindhouse and the Cheating Pecker

I’m really looking forward to the new Tarantino-Rodriguez double feature Grindhouse. I’m not sure if I can handle all the gore. It’s not usually a problem for me, but something tells me this film is going to really push the limits of goriness. Eli Roth contributed a faux trailer (more blood and guts). I’ve seen it, and there’s no question that Eli is one sick puppy. I actually think he’s kind of hot. Rose McGowan and Rosario Dawson both star in this potentially awesome project. I hope Grindhouse lives up to the hype.

There’s something that’s been bugging me for the past few weeks. First, let me just say that I like Rose McGowan. She’s edgy and unconventional, which is great. Good for her. Now, on to the bad; Rose is a home wrecker. Yep, she had an affair with Robert Rodriguez, a man who has been married for over 15 years. Oh, he also has five children. It gets worse. Some have reported that Robert was screwing Rose in his trailer, while his wife was on the set. She’s a co-producer on Gindhouse, and she has produced most of his films to date. There’s probably more to the story, but everything I’ve read seems to suggest that he cheated on his wife, plain and simple.

Hm, I wonder if Paulette Bonafonte has any words of wisdom for Mrs. Rodriguez?


"He's a guy who followed his pecker to greener pasture. Sure, you’re a successful movie producer, but you’re middle aged (with stretch marks) and you have a fat ass."

Paulette’s interpretation of the situation may seem right, but it’s not! I don’t think he followed his pecker to greener pasture. He made a stupid mistake. He threw away over 15 years of companionship for a brief (and meaningless) fling. Honestly, I doubt he and Rose are going to live happily ever after. She’ll probably move on to the next producer, actor, or whatever (maybe another shock rocker). I guess that’s life.

300 Movie Poster

Here's just one of many 300 movie posters. Lena Headey is amazing.

300: Hypermacho and Homoerotic (I Love It)

Much has been said about Steven Snyder’s new film, 300. It was released a few weeks ago, but people are still talking about it. Most agree that it’s visually stunning.



Nathan Lee of the Village Voice described the film as both “homophobic and homoerotic.” And although many gay bloggers have complained about the homophobic remarks made by a few of the characters, one must not forget that this film is based on a graphic novel by Frank Miller. Honestly, what did you expect?



I enjoyed the film very much. Come on, who wouldn’t enjoy watching three hundred hot men on the big screen. The one thing I most enjoyed was that the director didn’t shy away from sex.



Ah, the love scene between the actors Lena Headey (Queen Gorgo) and Gerard Butler (King Leonidas) was great. The sexual intensity between those two was phenomenal.



The film also has its share of problems. First, it is not historically accurate. However, as stated before, it’s based on a graphic novel by Frank Miller and it’s made with a certain target audience in mind. I’m sure that audience couldn’t care less about historical accuracy. I also didn’t like the way the Persians were portrayed in the film. The Persians at that time had some great qualities. They allowed various subject nations to govern themselves. So, they did grant some freedom to defeated territories, which was rare during that time in history. This issue is considered more in depth by the folks at flimsktaler.co.uk.

Below is one more picture of the lovely Lena Headey. She’s my new favorite person for the next weeks. I should also mention that Gerard Butler will always have a special place in my heart.

Masculinity is a Beautiful Thing

I remember watching Psycho for the first time in the early 90’s. I loved it! Hitchcock really was (and still is) the master of suspense. He also knew that the camera loves certain people more than others. And he seemed to have a good eye for that sort of thing. John Gavin is a case in point. Hitchcock used to refer to Gavin as “the stiff,” apparently, Gavin wasn’t the greatest actor. He was, however, a very attractive man. As I watched him on the screen with Janet Leigh, I remember having two thoughts circling in my head—I wanted him and I wanted to be (like) him.


Janet Leigh & John Gavin

I had a similar feeling watching George Peppard in Breakfast at Tiffany's. He was a much better actor than John Gavin, and I was immediately attracted to George for more than one reason. In addition to being handsome, he was a class act. He’s the type of man you take home to mother.


George Peppard

And then there’s the Spaniard Francisco Rabal. Yes, I saved the best for last. Rabal’s performance in Luis Bunuel’s film Viridiana was powerful; he was a truly gifted actor. Rabal was tall, dark, and handsome, a very trite phrase that’s often used to describe attractive Mediterranean men. But Rabal was much more than that; he brought a level of intensity to his character that one rarely sees on screen anymore. His virility was unforgettable. Gosh, I need to take a cold shower.


Francisco Rabal

My take on the 79th Annual Academy Awards

Cate Blanchett was the best dressed woman of the evening.

Reese Withersppon looked stunning.

Ellen DeGeneres did a good job hosting the 79th Annual Academy Awards. Everything appeared to go smoothly, but nothing really exciting happened. There were, however, a few surprises.

I was disappointed that Pan’s Labyrinth didn’t win the Oscar for Best Foreign Film. The honor went to Germany’s The Lives of Others. Pan’s was the front-runner and most critically praised film of all 5 nominees, but that wasn’t enough for the Mexican/Spanish film. Riding on a cloud of critical praise was enough for Jennifer Hudson, Helen Mirren, and Forest Whitaker. Martin Scorsese finally got his Best Director Oscar. Did he really deserve it for this particular film (The Departed)? Who knows! In all fairness to Scorsese, The Departed also won for Best Film.

Now, let’s talk about Oscar fashion. This year was a bit boring. Cameron Diaz looked ok, but, honestly, I didn’t like her dress at all. Jennifer Hudson had been looking fabulous up to this point. I blame her designer (Oscar De La Renta?) for making her look silly on such an important night. Fortunately, there were a few standouts. Cate Blanchett and Gwyneth Paltrow both looked amazing. Cate, in my humble opinion, was the best dressed. She is, without question, a star! Here’s a list of my favorite women:

Best Dressed Stars (the top 3):
1. Cate Blanchett (Gold Star): Cate receives the highest honor—she was the best dressed woman of the night. She looked absolutely radiant. She’s a true star.
2. Gwyneth Paltrow (Silver Star): I’m not Gwyneth’s biggest fan, but I have to admit she looked great. Very elegant. It’s clear why so many consider her a fashion icon.
3. Jessica Biel (Bronze Star): This woman is HOT! That’s all I have to say. Actually, I liked her dress a lot, but it’s her sex appeal that makes her look amazing in anything she wears.

All-Stars:
4. Reese Witherspoon: Simple and sophisticated. Great dress.
5. Jennifer Lopez: This woman knows how to dress herself. I loved the dress.
6. Rachel Weisz: The dress was lovely, and Rachel carries herself so well.
7. Penelope Cruz: Now, I personally think Ms. Cruz looks awkward (at times, she looks like a rodent). However, I have to acknowledge that her dress was gorgeous. Great choice.
8. Kate Winslet: I was surprised at how good she looked. Classy.

Honorable Mention:
9. Diane Keaton: I was shocked at how good Diane looked. She really made my evening because I love her. Diane, thank you for looking wonderful.
10. Nicole Kidman: She looked good, but we’ve seen it before.
11. Maggie Gyllenhaal: Maggie looked so good! She picked a great dress that complimented her body.
12. Eva Green: Sexy, but she needs to do a better job in the hair and makeup department.
13. Beyonce: All I have to say is thank you for not going over the top. She looked lovely.
14. Helen Mirren: She looked like a queen.
15. Queen Latifah: Another woman who carries herself like a queen. She looked great. She knows what works for her. Great choice.

And the winner is . . . Pan's Labyrinth

I loved Guillermo Del Toro's 2001 film "The Devil's Backbone." It's a shame the film wasn't considered for an Academy Award in the Best Foreign Film category that year. Well, Del Toro's time has come. His new film, "Pan's Labyrinth," will probably get nominated for Best Foreign film by Academy voters. Nominations should be announced next week. Everyone seems to love this movie. In fact, "Pan's Labyrinth" was chosen as best film of the year by the National Society of Film Critics. Impressive! I eagerly await the opportunity to enjoy Del Toro's latest offering.

Let’s go to the movies

Thank goodness it’s Friday. I’m actually looking forward to two new movies—Casino Royale and Let’s Go To Prison. First, let’s start with Casino Royale; the critics seem to really like this film. Some have even said it’s the best bond film ever. It may very well be. We’ll have to see. To be honest, the main reason I want to see the film is because of Daniel Craig. I want him!

The second film that has piqued my interest is Let’s Go To Prison, and here’s why: Bob Odenkirk (as director), Will Arnett (as actor), and a cast of funny people. I’ve always been a fan of Bob Odenkirk. I hope this film does very well.

Sofia, I still love you

I saw Marie Antoinette a few days ago. I was, to borrow a word from Michael Kors, a tad underwhelmed. My first issue with the film was the casting. Some of the actors just seemed too out of place. I also didn’t like that Sofia didn’t tackle the social changes that were happening in France during that time. Apparently, she did that intentionally. Sofia’s goal was to present Marie as a person. We were supposed to identify with this character at a human level. Unfortunately, that never happened for me. I think Sofia should have used European actors. Of course, it’s possible that she had to cast certain actors in order to get her film financed (40 million dollars, according to some sources). It’s all about the bottom line; who cares about making art.

Visually, the film was spectacular! The dresses! The food! The cakes! The dogs! The hedonism! In addition, Sofia was able to capture some great moments on film—scenes that were clearly directed by Ms. Coppola. That’s one thing I love about her films. These scenes always manage to capture some great aspect of human life and emotion. In her previous film, Lost in Translation, the audience was treated to one great scene after another. Marie Antoinette, by comparison, only manages to provide a few fleeting moments.

Although I was disappointed with this film, I am still a fan Sofia’s work! Better luck next time.