EATING OUT: OPEN WEEKEND

Zack and Benji open up their relationship while at an open weekend. Naughtiness ensues and Casey arrives to stir things up. I don't know if it's because I'm more invested at this point after 4 other films, but these films really do just get better and better. Sure the acting is still atrocious but the guys are hotter, the movie is funnier, sexier and more engaging. Plus it has the biggest heart of the whole series. If it ends on this chapter it's definitely on a high note.

7/10

EATING OUT: DRAMA CAMP

The boys end up at drama camp with a whole bunch of new studs with the sexual hijinks to match. This is even better than the others. Although these aren't great films they're very entertaining. Sometimes intentionally so and sometimes not. This time around relationship lines are pushed and the main continuing couple is challenged. There's of course even more eye candy this time around and despite some truly awful performances its funnier and sexier than the others.

7/10

EATING OUT: ALL YOU CAN EAT

A woman helps a gay friend find love with his crush on a dating website by posting his profile with a pic of her hot ex. But problems arise when her ex arrives and they have to keep the charade up. Although it's really more of the same this is the best entry yet. The two leads have good chemistry, although all of the performances leave something to be desired. There's lots more eye candy this time around and the movies even more raunchy. Hunky Chris Salvatore is a welcome edition and underneath all the whoriness is a heart.

7/10

EATING OUT 2: SLOPPY SECONDS

A gay man and his two girl friends hatch a plan to discover a sexy male model's orientation. Kyle the male member of the trio takes the model to a seminar about "going straight" and hijinks ensue. This is a bit more entertaining than the first and like that one it's funny and sexy with a bunch of eye candy. Although it's all quite predictable its more than amusing and is another somewhat successful entry in the growing queer sex comedy franchise.

6.5/10

EATING OUT

In this raunchy everything sex comedy a man falls for a girl. However his roomie makers her believe he's gay to get close to her hottie gay bestie whose into her new guy. It's pretty slutty but also sexy, sassy and funny. It's entertaining with pretty bad performances but it all works well enough for the guilty pleasure sex comedy that it is. Some of the side characters like Tiffani make it more entertaining by adding some much needed spice. But the actress who plays Gwen is quite annoying. All in all it's amusing but nothing groundbreaking.

6/10

XANADU

Olivia Newton John headlines this queer musical classic about a muse that falls in love with her target. A fabulous record album artist who decides with a stranger to open up a roller skating rink with magical results. Or at least I think that is what it's about. The whole movie is like being high on shrooms. It's super colorful and wonderfully gay. But besides a visual feast and a great soundtrack nothing's really going on. It tries desperately to connect the muicals of yesterday and modern day at the time but never finds the right vibe. The charachters are pretty but lack personality and depth and so does the story. On that aspect it was really hard for me to be completely engaged. That being said my fiancee and best friend love this movie and will probably murder me after reading it, so I'll end on a positive note. It's pretty and fun. <3

Budget: $20M

Box Office: $23M

6/10

KILLER UNICORN

A serial killer dressed as a hot unicorn strikes horror in West Hollywood when he targets a group of friends. It's a fairly generic setup with a queer twist. The acting is not great but the movie is surprisingly fun with some cool kills. The movie obviously struggles with budgetary constraints but makes good on what it has which includes a super campy and fun villain. 

6.5/10

FEAR NO EVIL (1981)

This has to be one of the queerest horror movies ever made. Joining the ranks of films like Nightmare on elm St. 2 and Hellbent, Fear no evil tells the tale of a kid that gets bullied and discovers he's the devil's son of sorts. Add zombies, demons, glitter, lasers, lots of homoeroticism and a spattering of male nudity and there you have it. I discovered this gem a few years ago and was happy it got the blu ray treatment recently. It's not a great film but it's definitely got that sleazy, retro horror feel that makes it worthwhile.

7/10

THE TRIP (2002)

I love revisiting all these classics I haven't seen since they were released. The Trip was always one that really touched me. Plot wise there's nothing new here but the performers are adorable, talented and they have great chemistry. The film chronicles the love story between two men who meet under odd circumstances when one of them is supposedly straight. Over the years their relationship deepens and than something tears them apart. Years later one of them receives word that the other is very sick and abandons his life to rush and spend whatever time is left with the other. The movie is funny and sad, really sad. In fact the finale is one of the biggest tearjerkers ever. It's definitely worth a watch.

8.5/10

VELVET BUZZSAW (NETFLIX)

Written and directed by Dan Gilroy of Nightcrawler this is a unique film unlike anything you've ever seen for better or worse. The aptly titled Velvet Buzzsaw stars Jake Gyllenhaal (Nightcrawler), Toni Colette (Hereditary), Renee Russo (Ransom), Zawee Ashton (Nocturnal Animals), Tom Sturidge (On the Road), John Malkovich (Red), Billy Magnussen (Game Night) and Natalie Dyer (Stranger Things). It's an awesome cast in a movie that works as a dissection of the Art world. The vapid, hollowness of exchange. The charachters and storyline are more symbolic than actually fully realized entities. The movie isn't completely successful at all its endeavors but it's ambition is intriguing and the results are polarizing. It's no doubt a horror film but it's definitely an indie art film as well combined with a hefty budget and stylish direction. This is definitely a film you will either like or hate but I was definitely a fan.

7/10

THE HAUNTING (1999)

Alot of people hate on this movie. But since it has come out on my birthday in the summer of 1999 I've loved it. I know it's goofy. But it's one of the only big budget Hollywood scare fests. And although it's not very scary or even very suspenseful it lacks something genre films desperately need, it's absolute fun. A genuine rush of pure entertainment. Starring Liam Neeson, Lili Taylor, Owen Wilson and scene stealer Catherine Zeta Jones. The film centers on a group of characters who are unwittingly participating on a study on fear in a giant grotesquely beautiful mansion with a sketchy past. The film is not subtle at all and when the floodgates of paranormal activity begin. It's a barrage of CGI that has everything from furniture to stone sculptures springing to life and attacking. Like I said before the movie it's a ton of fun and a truly rare example of an imaginative Hollywood reimagining with a budget so that the director of Speed and Twister can do everything his little heart desires. One of my faves.

Budget: $80M

Box Office: $180M

9/10

OTTO; OR UP WITH DEAD PEOPLE

This weird avant garde gay zombie movie is unlike anything you've ever seen for better or worse. It's confusing but I think it's about a crew shooting a gay zombie movie that comes upon a cute emo undead twink named Otto. It follows his adventures as he roams the countryside hooking up with randos and culminating in a big orgy. Like I said it's really odd. There is however a certain grotesque charm about it all. The film is definitely a metaphor for the aimlessness of youth and sexual hunger. It's not a porn but it is kinda soft core. There are penises but usually they're in undead stomachs. It's overly gory and overtly campy but the film manages to work well enough if only for originality.

6.25/10

THE HOT CHICK

This is my favorite Rob Schneider movie. I know that's not saying much but I just happen to love this in. Even though I know it's kinda awful. It centers on a young woman played by Rachel McAdams ( Notebook) who steals a set of cursed earrings and ends up switching bodies with a petty criminal. When she awakes as Schneider she reaches out to her disbelieving best friend played by a hilarious Anna Farris (Scary Movie) and they try and discover how to solve it with a group of misfits all the while dodging her hot boyfriend played by a smoking Matthew Lawrence. It's hilarious and overly silly and although most of the humor is in bad taste this is one of those rare times that it just works.

Budget: $34M

Box Office: $54.6M

8/10

SHOWGIRLS

 

Back in 1995 Paul Verhoeven (Basic Instinct) unleashed his criminally misunderstood high trash masterpiece. I remember I was 16 when it came out and I was only allowed to see it because I worked at the theater. I was quite popular in school because I would sneak my friends in with me. I had no idea how much the film would make an impact on my life. From my humor to my writing, my dancing and the way I view films in general. Now don't get me wrong the film is indeed bad in almost every fathomable way. From its ridiculously over the top performances to the ultra cliched storyline and odd directorial touches. The film centers on Nomi played by a perfectly ferocious Elizabeth Berkley (Saved by the bell) who lands in Las Vegas in hopes of becoming a professional dancer but ends up in a seedy exotic club. But after a series of events she lands in a big, topless show at the Flamingo. And before she knows it shes thrust into a dark world of ambition where everything is for sale. What makes the film so great is the intensity in which everything is delivered. Because it takes itself so seriously it's easy to enjoy the unintentional funnies. Of which the film is filled with along with lots of nudity, sex and even a crazy fight scene. It's a soap opera on cocaine with Red bull thrown in. There will never be anything else like it and that's why it's one of my favorite movies.

Budget: $45M

Box Office: $37.8M

9/10

LEGEND (2015)

Based on the true story of the gangsters the Kray brothers the film should have been a perfect showcase for hunky Tom Hardys creative range and talent. Instead it's a half realized piece of Hollywood entertainment that never goes deep enough to be anything spectacular. Tracing the events of the rise of their criminal empire it also shows the abuse one of their wives endures. Props to the makers for keeping the gay element intact but for the most part it's kept off screen. Still for gangster movie fans especially it's a fun, engaging flick that's sadly forgettable. And as for Hardy, he's great but there's not such a huge difference  between the characters that it's as impressive as it could have been.

Budget: $25M

Box Office: $43M

7/10

4TH MAN OUT

A man decides to come out to his group of bros with interesting and funny results. Things of course change but they try and be their most accommodating by taking him to gay clubs and even on double dates. But an accidental misreading tears the group apart and he does his best to bring them all together. All the while trying to find someone of his very own. The movie is fun and heartfelt but there's nothing really new here. The approach is however refreshing and the film feels genuine.

7/10

SHELTER

Continuing my Pride month marathon I finally got around to this splendid gay film after lots of reccomendations. Centering around a young man named Zach who begins hanging out with his best friends gay brother played by hunky Brad Rowe (Billy's Hollywood screen kiss). At first the two bond over surfing but it soon becomes something more as Zach has to deal with not only the effect of his relationship but the courage to pursue the life he wants. There's really nothing new here but it's done very well. The film is beautifully shot with solid chemistry from its leads and the story has a genuine, relatable feel due to the elevated, confident direction.

8/10

ALL OVER THE GUY

This is one of my favorite LGBTQ films. Mostly because it's just so damn entertaining but also because it's quite painful to watch for personal reasons. It's simplistic in it's plotting as two gay men are set up on a blind date and hate eachother. But as their friends get engaged they are pushed into each others lives and opposites attract. The cast is great all around and the movies take on the subgenre is refreshing and genuine with no easy outs. It leaves an impression far after the credits roll. The film is sexy, romantic and really funny. A hidden gem that deserves a watch.

8.5/10

FABULOUS STORY OF QUEER CINEMA

I'm always interested in any film documentaries especially when there about the history of queer films. As a gay man I am a huge movie fan and love seeing myself in the films I love. That being said this 2006 film is just slightly disappointing. After the superior Celluloid Closet it not only lacks the information in that film but also doesn't really bring anything new to the plate. That being said it's fine but there's definitely better explorations of the topic out there.

6/10

RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE S6 AND UNTUCKED S5

This is one of the best seasons of Drag Race. Mainly due to the presence of Adore and winner Bianca Del Rio. From the fun snatch game where adore impersonates Anna Nicole Smith and Bianca is Judge Judy to the rusical and more. It's definitely an overly fun group of characters.

9/10

This is also the last actually good, campy season of untucked. There are some fantastic moments with Bianca, Adore and others that really help you to see who they are.

7.5/10

THE IN CROWD (2000)

The director of Pet Sematary slums it with this awesomely trashy teen thriller. It centers around a young woman recently released from a mental institution. Her doctor gets her a job at his club. A place for the rich and bored filled with some really mean pretty people. She of course becomes entangled with them because she's sexy and than finds herself discovering a dark secret they would kill to protect. The movie is pure trash and it's not shy about it. This elevated lifetime flick is overly predictable but there's a reason they make so many of these movies. It's because when they work, they're fun as hell. Plus it all leads up to a truly epic girlfight in evening gowns, heels and even a pool. So if this seems like your kind if movie. Seek it out, trust me it's worth the effort.

Budget: $15M

Box Office: $5M

7/10

ADAM AND STEVE

This charming gay romantic comedy centers around two men that have an unfortunate incident in their youth. One night in the 80s they're at a club and spot one another. They take the party home and end up doing a bunch of drugs which leads one of them to poop on himself. Years later and after many failed relationships they come across one another and hit it off, not realizing their past. Their two best friends played by the funny Chris Kattan and the hilarious Parker Posey try to keep the two together as their secret comes out. It's a really fun, romantic flick. The two leads have great chemistry and the clever screenplay keeps things fresh and exciting. It's definitely one of the better LGBTQ flicks focusing on the characters instead of their abs. Although they are quite cute.

8.5/10

THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE THE BEGINNING

I love the Chainsaw franchise, the original is my favorite horror film of all time. I'd be lying if I didn't say its definitely an uneven group of films and this entry is on the lower end of it's cinematic totem pole. After the stylish, kinetic rush of Michael Bay's surprisingly great remake my hopes were high for this prequel. Walking out I enjoyed it but definitely found the whole experience to be darker and not as effective. In a sense the film was a buzz kill. Now anyone familiar with the franchise knows this wasn't gonna be a pretty picture with a well rounded finale especially considering it's predecessor. But in this entry the origin of the Hewitt's are explored and some of the questions are answered sometimes with an unintentionally goofy tone but always dismal. The film centers around two brothers and their girlfriends celebrating their last days of freedom before they are drafted to Vietnam. The performances from the main people are solid all around with a powerful turn from LGBTQ icon Matt Bomer and another from the gorgeous Jordanna Brewster( Fast and Furious). The movie takes a bit too long to get going but it is sadistic and overly brutal, at times unnecessarily so. Still it's a solid, grotesque piece of slasher entertainment even though it's kind of an expected downer.

Budget: $16M

Box Office: $52M

7.25/10

LOVE SIMON

At this point I've seen this movie about 12 times and it's just amazing. Being a gay man myself I never thought I'd see a mainstream release like this in my lifetime. I remember the first couple times I saw this the film audience went bonkers clapping and I was just in tears. Yes I'm kind of a wuss but this story feels so personal to me and to see a realistic, positive representation still blows me away. Especially since the film was a modest hit and more films haven't been made. The movie centers on a young man named Simon played by an impressive Nick Robertson who's outed by a jerk off classmate and has to deal with the repacutions including the fellow student he's mysteriously been messaging with. It ranks up there with the best of John Hughes. Its genuine, heartfelt and engaging. Truly one of the best films of its kind ever made.

Budget: $17M

Box Office: $66M

9/10

HIGH TENSION

*SPOILER* This is a brilliant but totally divisive horror film amongst genre fans. Originally titled Switchblade Romance Lionsgate picked up the release along with House of 1000 Corpses to rope in starved horror audiences. Sadly the domestic release had awful dubbing but the goods were still there. It centers around two young women Marie and Alexia who are driving into the French countryside to spend time with family and do some studying. Late at night they are attacked by a brutal serial killer who kills Alexia's family including her little brother and takes her hostage. Marie is the only one to get away and chooses to follow the man which leads us to some of the most intense sequences ever seen in the genre. As the movie barrels towards it's fierce climax we suddenly are made aware that Marie is the actual villain and we've been experiencing the film through her minds eye. This is what pushes people off alot because they feel very misled. But in my opinion the twist really works and even enhances the proceedings because Marie has a romantic crush on Alexia and because of her inability to be honest about her feelings it has led her to create a violent persona as an outlet. Sure it's a lot to bite but it's quite intriguing. Also splatter movie fans won't be disappointed because theres a multitude of impressive cringe worthy practical effects and waves of the red stuff. Cecille De France is amazing as Marie making the character feel genuine on every front. And as for the direction from future star film maker Alexander Aja the movie is an inspired work of genre cinema showing a ton of promise and a truly refreshing outlook.

Budget: $2.5M

Box Office: $6.8M

8.5/10

GET REAL

This was one of the first lgbtq movies I saw in my youth and it's my favorite in the subgenre. The story centers around Steven Carter a young man whose coming into his sexuality and discovering what he wants. In a chance encounter he ends up meeting the school's star soccer player at a secret meetup spot. And a romance begins. It has it's ups and downs like any other secret romance but the struggle is real. I had a little bit of a similar situation in high school so I really related to this. I found the movie funny and very genuine. The performances are strong across the board and it approaches the subject matter in a refreshing, engaging and unique way. It's a great film for really anyone whose felt like an outsider but especially for queer youth.

9/10

INSIDIOUS CHAPTER 2

After the surprise success of the original film there was no question that there would be a follow up. The thing is they left off the original in such a state that it was kind of hard to continue on in a way that would be as simplistic and creepy as the first. The result is a film that's not scary by any means but has a few jump scares and a whole lot of unnecessary backstory. Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Barbara Hershey and even Lin Shaye are back as they try and conjure up a way to get Dad back to normal. Wilson has some creepy effeminate bits thrown into his performance and the cast try as hard as they can. There's just a bit too much going on and it's all just a little too pretentious. That being said we know Wan and Bousman have done better and will do much better things. But as for Insidious 2 it's not awful just overly mediocre. I do however appreciate the odd "Sleepaway Camp" twist it gave the proceedings a much needed spark of life.

Budget: $5M

Box Office: $161.9M

5.5/10

THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE THE NEXT GENERATION

This movie has aged extremely well. Yes Oscar's alum Renee Zellweger (Jerry Maguire) and Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyer's Club) which they made this right out of college. But there's more to it than that. Yes the film falls into the so bad it's good category with some truly ridiculous performances and dialogue outside of the two leads. But There is a raw primal intensity that rules the film making the overly comical feel like true horror especially with the insane twist. Now I'm not saying it's believable by any means but theres a twisted theology that resonates through the proceedings. Written and directed by Kim Henkel of the original film it definitely has a weird retro feel to it all. Both Zellweger and the sexy and twisted McConaughey come out on top of the film. Both of their performances are solid and definitely leave the promise of their future cinematic endeavors and Oscar wins. All in all there's nothing like it. It's flawed and nowhere near perfect but its original and wild. As a young chainsaw fan I traveled from my home in the Nj suburbs to the city for a mostly empty matinee screening and it was worth it and still is.

Budget: $600,000

Box Office: $185,898

7.5/10

JAWBREAKER

The Rotten Tomatoes score for this is Shockingly low at 11%. I definitely think it's time for a critical revisit because the movie has become such a cult classic. It centers around a group of popular teen girls in high school. The Alpha played by a perfectly poisonous Rose McGowan (Scream). Rebecca Gayheart (Urban Legend) the nice one and Julie Benz (TV's Buffy) as the ditzy follower. They play an unfortunate prank on their girlfriend and she chokes on a large Jawbreaker. They try and cover it up while the Alpha takes it to questionable lengths. It's a darkly humorous teen flick that's now better than ever. Filled with quotable dialogue and one hell of a lead performance from McGowan. It's fun, disturbing and hilarious in all the right ways. Judy Greer (Halloween 2018) stars as Fern a witness they give a makeover, Pam Grier (Jackie Brown) as the feisty detective and Carol Kane (Scrooged) as the kooky principal. Even Marilyn Manson shows up for a cameo.

Budget: $3.5M

Box Office: $3.1M

8.25/10