Gay Movie Review: Bear City (repost)

Summary:

Learn about bear culture in a rowdy comedy from the director of Raising Heroes. A bear chaser bursts onto the scene, where he finds friendship and conflict.

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Aside from Bear Cub, few gay films give much screen time to the bear community. BearCity not only provides a crash course in the unapologetically hirsute gay subculture but also provides frequent laughs and shows a heart much bigger than any of the exposed bellies.

Though young and cute, Tyler (Joe Conti) hates the twink culture that welcomes him. He secretly longs for the company of less fashion-obsessed and thin-obsessed men. When Tyler finally gets up the nerve to visit a bear establishment, he finds some of the same gossip and cattiness that he found elsewhere, but also finds men that he sees as potential friends, or potentially more.

The movie quickly spins into subplots, but keeps them threaded together. The comedy and sexual tension often give way to surprisingly dramatic or tender moments.

When Tyler moves in with Fred (Brian Keane) and Brent (Stephen Guarino of Logo’s The Big Gay Sketch Show), he becomes intertwined in their rising relationship changes and in their circle of friends. From the attractive and unattainable Roger (Gerald McCullouch) to the loving mama bear Michael (Gregory Gunter), all the characters help Tyler discover himself and his place in the local bear community.

Douglas Langway (Raising Heroes) directs, from a script he wrote with Lawrence Ferber. They provide a fast pace, with the more serious moments interjected between lighter ones.

Some of the more graphic scenes will offend many viewers. However, the movie’s honesty and the characters’ search for acceptance in a world of supposed perfection will attract many other viewers.

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I wrote the above review long before the sequels arrived and haven’t seen them but hope to do so in the future.

Thanks for visiting my blog! Please read about my books, including the small-town fiction collection The Acorn Stories and my free eBook Degranon: A Science Fiction Adventure.

El & Em by M. E. Samm LGBTQ Book Review

El & Em by M.E. Samm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At times, M. E. Samm’s novel El & Em feels much like a music biography or an episode of MTV’s Behind the Music. However, this rock narrative also centers around the attempts of two bisexual men to form a lasting relationship in an atmosphere where that love could easily destroy their careers. It starts in Philadelphia, in 1972, continuing decades beyond that.

Luke seems to love nothing more than his music, and he often fails to see the ways he dismisses the feelings of others while trying to make the live performances and studio recordings match the vision he creates for his songs. Complicating matters, his desire to add a trumpet player will awaken other desires.

As a fan of both classic rock and stories about gay or bi men, the premise of this book caught my attention. It delivers on both fronts. The descriptions of the long tours and long studio sessions ring true, along with how the musicians must endure both obscurity and the pressures of fame. The fear and longing the two men experience also seems all too real as they constantly attract and repel each other.

Samm writes with subtle grace, turning a lingering touch or gaze into a stepping point for a relationship that will take years to even begin. At times, I wasn’t even sure if Luke and Emmett were really the title characters El and Em, thinking maybe one of them might fall in love with some other guy who could fit within that title. Still, the connections exist and keep reemerging over the years.

The novel’s long span of time not only captures the highs and lows of a popular band but also shows how AIDS, racism, and homophobia impacted countless lives in countless ways during those years. Fortunately, the focus mostly stays on music and love. M. E Samm gives us an entertaining rock and roll story about people who often seek perfection in their work but often miss it in how they treat themselves and each other. I won’t give more away, but I hope more people download the book and hit the road with El & Em.


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Gay Movie Review: Whirlwind

Summary:

Director Richard LeMay presents the story of a group of gay men whose views and situations vary in terms of relationships. A newcomer shakes all of that up in unexpected ways.

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I sometimes complain that way too many gay films and books take place in the gay scenes of New York or other large cities. However, director Richard LeMay gives a fresh twist to the familiar “gay guys in the big city” storylines that work so well in films like The Broken Hearts Club and Gypsy Boys but wear so thin in countless other works.

Most of the film’s conflicts involve the gorgeous newcomer Drake (David Rudd). Drake inserts himself into the intertwined lives of several gay men in the Big Apple. While the group already includes a king of one-night stands, Drake not only demands the title but also challenges ideas of monogamy or celibacy for the rest of the group.

Each character is in a different place when it comes to relationships, but Drake seems determined to exploit their commitments, fears, and dreams. No matter how much he claims to care about their best interests, his motives always seem suspect.

The cast of stage actors includes Brad Anderson (A Chorus Line), Desmond Dutcher, Mark Ford (Rent), Alexis Suarez, and Bryan West (Hairspray). Writer Jason Brown makes each of the characters flawed yet loveable in different ways, and the actors all manage to bring out the individual struggles and ambitions of their characters. The dialogue Brown gives them also brings humor, drama, and realistic depth to a sometimes somewhat racy film.

While I still want to know what happened next with one potential relationship, I found the ending satisfying and the entire movie enjoyable. The various subplots and large cast all blend together well.

Jason Brown received an Emmy for his screenplay adaptation of his play Tender Places. Richard LeMay also directed the gay film 200 Americans. Whirlwind received the Best Feature Audience Award at the Atlanta Out On Film Festival, as well as the Jury Award: Best Male Feature at the Long Island Gay Film Fest.

Thanks for visiting my blog! Please read about my books, including the small-town fiction collection The Acorn Stories and my free eBook Degranon: A Science Fiction Adventure.

Book review of Immortal: The House of Ganymede by Robert A. Karl

Immortal: The House of Ganymede by Robert A. Karl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Robert A. Karl, author of the Clubbed series of books and The Goldies: 50th High School Reunion, returns with Immortal: The House of Ganymede, a tale that mixes gay teen drama with timely topics, social media, and Greek mythology.

Inspired by a role model who comes out, Jason wants to reveal his true self to his best friend and secret crush. To put it mildly, Jason’s plan goes awry.

While searching for acceptance and befriending a new student, Jason finds himself involved with her twin brother, Youngsoo, an out and proud gay teen. He also becomes involved with the ZEUS Universal Group and the face of their male skin-care line, IMMORTAL.

The Greek mythology enters slowly into a story that at first reads like a typical coming out story. That blending allows Robert A. Karl to create something unusual from familiar but disparate story elements. More importantly, the emotions drive the story, with Jason wanting comfort, love, acceptance, and even adulation.

The modern allure of social media acclaim blinds Jason to the misogyny and elitism of his new companions, though we still get flashes of his insights within his thoughts and observations. He seems to have risen above the homophobia he faced but still finds himself surrounded by people who look down on others.

Another person with condescending attitudes might be planning something much worse than Jason ever predicted. Despite the complicated tensions and ambitions within the story, Karl keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace that never gets bogged down by its mixed elements. Some of the reviews I read of this book give too much away, so I’ll just say to read it for yourself and be ready for some strong emotions.


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Thanks for visiting my blog! Please read about my books, including the small-town fiction collection The Acorn Stories and my free eBook Degranon: A Science Fiction Adventure.

Louder Than Words - an LGBTQ ( GAY ) Film

Louder Than Words is a sensitive and touching gay short film about a deaf dancer, his close friend, and someone new who has entered their lives. Unlike too many other gay films, it's not only well-made but also projects a happy and hopeful tone.

Same Sex Book Review

Same Sex: Gay SF Clone Erotica by J W Steed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Author Peter Schutes introduces two tales of clones and gay male desire. Schutes offers an introduction that shows a love for science fiction and concerns about oppression.

That introduction also explains the unlikely genesis of this unique collection. Despite similar concepts, the stories differ in feel and setting, both going in unexpected directions while both delivering an enjoyable read.

In “Journey’s End,” author J. W. Steed brings readers to a terraformed planet. Jeremy still harbors feelings for Benny, but Benny falls for one of Jeremy’s clones. Complications arise, with Jeremy worried about his obsession with observing that new relationship. It affects his job and his interactions. The tone becomes whimsical at times, thanks to Jeremy’s observations and quirks.

“Billy Club,” by Frank Slater, takes place in a different future but a more down-to-Earth setting, with a crooked system of cloned cops. This story features much rougher characters than the first one and focuses much more on desire. The officers, all known as Billy but with different badge numbers, become entangled with local gay men in a way that might expose corruption. The first-person narrator often sounds like he belongs in an old detective movie, but he takes the story into racier territory.

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Thanks for visiting my blog! Please read about my books, including the small-town fiction collection The Acorn Stories and my free eBook Degranon: A Science Fiction Adventure.

Gay Movie: Strapped (Repost)

Summary:

A young hustler becomes trapped in an apartment building. The tenants there affect him in surprising ways.

Text:

Young hustler Adam (Ben Bonenfant) shares a surprisingly honest and gentle encounter with a man who longs for a gay experience. Adam tries to appear concerned while actually remaining detached, but his concern becomes real.

After leaving the man’s apartment, Adam becomes lost in the apartment complex. His encounters with other tenants range from touching to funny to scary. Adam transforms, chameleon-like, whenever his eyes meet another man’s. He becomes what that man wants, in order to make money. Behind the games and the handsome face, however, Adam obviously wants something other than money. He wants an acceptance and understanding of himself.

Writer/director Joseph Graham manages to create a world within the tangled confines of the apartment complex. Every room reveals a different part of that world, and a different side of Adam. It all happens within that small setting, and within the span of little more than a night.

Ben Bonenfant’s charm and emotional range help make the story believable and compelling. Though he works with several actors, the movie relies on his individual chemistry with each of them. A strong soundtrack and intriguing camera work further strengthen Joseph Graham’s unusual film.

Thanks for visiting my blog! Please read about my small-town fiction collection The Acorn Stories and my free eBook Degranon: A Science Fiction Adventure.

Gay Movie: At the End of the Day

Directed and co-written by Kevin O'Brien, At the End of the Day effectively uses humor and drama to challenge hateful attitudes. A religious professor with anti-gay views finds himself involved with the LGBT community in surprising ways.

Gay Movie Review: Longhorns (revised repost)

Summary:

The writer/director of Redwoods and Rock Haven switches to outrageous comedy. During 1982, a Texas college student meets a man who makes him confront his gay feelings.

Watch the Longhorns trailer on YouTube. NSFW.

Text:

Set in 1982, Longhorns draws its laughs from several intertwining lives. Stage and short film actor Jacob Newton plays Kevin, a young Texas college student who lives in denial about his gay identity, even while constantly acting upon his feelings. Derek Villanueva—from the upcoming web series Fabulous High—plays Cesar, a gay man who is decidedly open about his orientation, which makes Kevin both interested and uncomfortable. Kevin flirts with Cesar, while telling himself that Cesar makes all the advances.

Kevin’s college buddy Justin (Kevin Held) clashes with Cesar while pursuing Cesar’s best friend, Marsha (Bonnie Marion). The tangled lives of the four characters provide humor and occasionally touching scenes.

It all becomes even more complicated when Kevin flees his budding relationship with Cesar for a getaway weekend with his two best friends. Dylan Vox (from The Lair, Homewrecker, and Vampire Boys) plays Steve, who enables Kevin’s closet games by taking advantage of him. Writer/actor Stephen Matzke plays Daniel, not Danny. Matzke’s facial expressions and adorable awkwardness give the film even more heart and humor.

When plans with their girlfriends collapse, Kevin finds himself alone with his buddies and his thoughts. The entire film leans toward raciness and silliness, but always with an affectionate look at the characters, making it funny and charming.

Writer/director David Lewis previously made the dramas Rock Haven and Redwoods. Producer H.P. Mendoza also directed the musical Fruit Fly; he provided original music for Longhorns and several other films.

Producer Lewis Tice also worked as a producer for Bear City, helped market numerous TLA Releasing films, and worked at numerous film festivals. Lewis passed away in April 1, 2014. Though we never met in person, I enjoyed our email correspondence about upcoming LGBTQ movies and his enthusiasm for supporting independent films. The image below is one of his publicity pictures; you might have seen him at a film festival.

Thanks for visiting my blog! Please also read about the Texas comedy, drama, and closet cases in The Acorn Stories.

Gay Short Film Review: Battersea Power Station

L. T. Hewitt served as writer, director, producer, editor, and composer of this short film, while also starring as Peter, a young man who just moved in with his boyfriend, Lloyd. Vaslov Goom plays Lloyd as loving, supportive, and extremely understanding. Peter’s not coming out to his mother or siblings makes their visit awkward and funny.

Battersea Power Station succeeds as a comedy, but it also captures a range of emotions and suggests much more. It looks at how some secrets can divide us, keeping us from truly knowing or seeing our loved ones. It also explores how even places that many see as forgettable or even hideous can become important places in our hearts. While many short films feel like random fragments or like a puzzle with most of its pieces missing, this one successfully captures a pivotal moment in the lives of its characters.

Not surprisingly, this 2019 film has won awards and has received (at this writing) 72,841 YouTube views. I’m glad I came across one of Hewitt’s posts about it on social media and took the time to become one of those viewers. I suggest it for fans of gay films or anyone who likes an entertaining story. Even the names of the characters are funny.

Thanks for visiting my blog! Please read about my books The Acorn Stories and Degranon: A Science Fiction Adventure.

Gay Movie Review: The Men Next Door.

This is a repost of a review I wrote for ThisWeekInTexas in 2012.

Summary:

A gay man finds himself with two romantic interests, not realizing those men are father and son. Writer/director/producer Rob Williams returns with a comical look at intergenerational romance.

Text:

Doug (Eric Dean, star of Arizona Sky and Nine Lives) wants to celebrate his 40th birthday, but none of his friends show up. He listens to a string of excuses as we slowly meet more of the cast.

Unfortunately, Doug made no plans with Jacob (Michael Nicklin), the handsome fifty-year-old he recently started dating. After sending away a female stripper, Doug mistakes his new neighbor Colton (Benjamin Lutz) for a male stripper. Doug also finds him attractive. It turns out they also have a ten-year difference in ages, with Colton being the younger man this time.

Unfortunately, Jacob and Colton happen to be father and son, and Doug falls in love with them both. In the DVD extras, writer/director/producer Rob Williams explains that he wanted to explore the common tendency of May/December romances among gay men, but decided to add an unusual twist.

As with his other movies, Williams turns low-budget filmmaking into an interesting exploration of gay relationships. He also looks at relationships in general this time, and how we might keep various ones separated, such as coworkers, lovers, family, and friends.

The cast also includes Heidi Rhodes, Mark Cirillo, Christopher Schram, Rachel Alig, Devon Michael Jones, and David Alanson. Fans of independent and/or gay film will recognize most of the actors here. They all look like they’re having fun with the script’s funny lines and unpredictable plot twists.

Rodney Johnson co-produced this feature from Guest House Films. He previously collaborated with Williams on several films, including one of my holiday favorites, Make The Yuletide Gay.

Thanks for visiting my blog! My comical story FAT DIARY is now available as a free eBook.

Gay Movie Review: Bad Boy Street

Summary:

A gay Parisian takes in an American and finds an unexpected romance. Todd Verow wrote and directed this imported comedy.

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One night in Paris, Claude (Yann deMonterno) finds a drunk young man (Kevin Miranda) and gives his bed to him for the night. The next morning, Claude’s visitor identifies himself as an American actor named Brad, and they begin a relationship.

Claude’s friend Catherine (Florence d'Azemar) seems happy for him, but also worries, because he had previously regretted following a lover to America. When Brad stands Claude up, Catherine stays over to provide solace. It keeps getting more complicated from there as Claude and Brad develop a passionate love affair.

Despite some sad moments, the story mostly leans toward humor and romance. It also includes some clever satirical jabs at Hollywood. The soundtrack is usually enjoyable enough, except for when it seems to get stuck on certain notes. The photography brings viewers into the Paris streets, showing why they appeal to the characters.

Bad Boy Street is in French and English, with English subtitles. Acclaimed gay filmmaker Todd Verow (Frisk, Vacationland) wrote and directed this likeable film.

Thanks for visiting my blog! Please read about The Acorn Stories. “A lush tangle of small-town life branches out in this engrossing collection of short stories.” -Kirkus Reviews.

Book review: The Right Price by M.G. Cobbett

The Right Price by M.G. Cobbett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The conflict of two people resisting love and even fearing it adds to the tension of this short novel. M.G. Cobbett presents a story of two boys who see each other as threats at times but certainly not as friends, much less boyfriends.

The attraction between them grows amid a series of awkward encounters, with their separate worlds often intersecting. They both try to act tough, often out of perceived necessity. They co-exist in an atmosphere that includes rugby, parties, bikers, tattoo parlors, and broken families, but not one that would seem to support gay romance.

M.G. Cobbett gives distinct voices to Mitchell Price and Owen Andersson, flitting between their perspectives in a way that captures the hesitation, misunderstandings, and joy of starting a romantic relationship. Does that relationship stand a chance? Will their separate worlds keep them separated from their true feelings? Grab this short, engaging read to find out what happens.


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Thanks for visiting my blog! Please read about The Acorn Stories. “A lush tangle of small-town life branches out in this engrossing collection of short stories.” -Kirkus Reviews.

Judas Kiss: Gay Movie Review

Judas Kiss: Strong Ensemble Creates Tale of Magic, Redemption.

Summary:

Gay film favorite Charlie David stars as a reluctant movie festival judge who encounters a film with the same title as his past entry, made by a young man who shares his name. David leads an ensemble cast in a tale of magic and possible redemption. This is a repost of one of my 2011 reviews for This Week In Texas.

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Judas Kiss brings special effects and some twists on the familiar redemption tale to gay cinema. Though both work well, the strong ensemble cast in particular makes this new J. T. Tepnapa film memorable.

Besides his novels, screenplays, and constant appearances in gay films, Charlie David has worked as a host on several TV networks. His easily recognizable face and voice become slightly haggard and troubled in his role as Zach, especially after Zach’s friend Topher convinces him to serve as a judge at a film festival.

Unfortunately, Zach previously derailed many of his ambitions by cheating with his entry years ago, at the same festival. So returning brings back countless bad memories. Those memories become worse after an anonymous one-night stand. The young man from that night appears before the judges, using Zach’s real name, Danny Reyes, and presenting Zach’s film, Judas Kiss.

By this time, the audience can already see that Zach has entered some sort of alternate time line or parallel dimension, in which he can interact with his younger self, to put it mildly. The film’s descriptions and trailer give away these same details, and much more—too much, really.

Richard Harmon gives a brooding and sometimes creepy performance as Danny, the young film student with a dark past and a desperate need for people to see his film. Harmon’s previous movie and TV roles include Smallville, The Killing, Caprica, Tower Prep, and Percy Jackson & the Olympians.

The cast also includes Brent Corrigan (In The Closet, Milk, Chillerama, The Big Gay Musical); Genevieve Buechner (Caprica, The 4400, Finding A Family, The Killing); Timo Descamps (a Belgium actor/pop star who also sings on the soundtrack); and several other talented actors. They all give strong performances, certainly much better than some of the wooden acting in otherwise likeable gay films.

In fact, the productions values in general easily rival mainstream work. While the plot might rely on familiar conventions, it also takes some risks, and allows the actors to make its “What If?” questions appealing. As a fan of both gay film and science fiction/fantasy, I had long looked forward to finally seeing this completed project, after reading about early plans for it at the doorQ gay scifi/fantasy/horror site. Besides enjoying the end result, I want to see more from the makers of Judas Kiss.

Director J. T. Tepnapa plays a gay officer in the long-running web series Star Trek: Hidden Frontier. He has received numerous awards as a writer, director, and actor. He co-wrote Judas Kiss with his frequent collaborator, Carlos Pedraza, whose film credits include several web-based projects. Jody Wheeler, known as a writer/director and for launching doorQ, co-produced.

Thanks for visiting my blog! Please read about my books The Acorn Stories and Degranon: A Science Fiction Adventure.

MILES FROM NOWHERE | LGBTQ DARK COMEDY FEATURE FILM

Miles From Nowhere is a funny and enjoyable #GayMovie, despite the serious subject matter and conflicts. #GayFilm #LGBTQ

The director, Jono Mitchell, is on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonothonmitchell/

How Priscilla, Queen of the Desert changed the world | Between A Frock & A Hard Place

From the video description: "This is the story of how a low-budget Australian film – The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – changed the course of history, loudly and proudly bringing a celebration of gay culture to the world that continues to resonate 20 years on. Narrated by Terence Stamp, Between a Frock and a Hard Place is also a social history of gay culture in Australia, drawing on footage from the famous movie as well as Sydney in the 80s. A time when the AIDS epidemic had taken hold, this time provided inspiration to director Stephan Elliott, who wanted to tell a story about the world of gay people, celebrating in the face of sadness and fear with flamboyant defiance. Includes interviews with the film’s key players – director Stephan Elliott, actors Terence Stamp, Guy Pearce and Hugo Weaving, and the creative team, as well as drag artists and members of the gay community."

New Updates on SciFi Sons of Taldra

We thought the aliens wouldn’t find us. We thought we could trust the Maintainers. We were wrong.

“A major voice not only in American literature but also in the LGBTQ genre. Highly recommended.” –Author Grady Harp

“A gripping science fiction novel.” –Scribble’s Worth

“Truly unique and amazing!” —Author Shay Mills

“Refreshingly different, and at its beating heart is some much needed diversity that slots in effortlessly and with purpose.” –Sebastian J. Brook. Read the review at Doctor Who Online.

“Overall, this book was a quick fun read for anyone who enjoys sci-fi and adventure books. The plot was compelling and the characters were engaging.” –Fiction Flock

“An explosive book that will mean different things to each reader. The familial love and romantic love that shine make it even a deeper read.” —N. N. Light’s Book Heaven

“I recommend this book to science fiction readers and those who like complex storylines.” —Review Tales

New! Sons of Taldra Free with Kobo Plus

New! YouTube & TikTok Space Twins

New! Space Twins Artwork by Kurokoneko Kamen

A New Way to Read Some of My Books.

Kobo Plus users can now read Taldra and some of my other eBooks at no extra charge.

YouTube & TikTok Space Twins

@duanesimolke Argen (short hair) and Telius (long hair) in #Marvel or #Manga style character artwork by @kurokonekokamen based on #SciFi #sonsoftaldra#sff#SciFiArt ♬ original sound - BookTok and SciFi Geek 🌈

View on YouTube.

Argen (short hair) and Telius (long hair) in #Marvel or #Manga style character artwork by @kurokonekokamen based on #SciFi #sonsoftaldra. #sff #SciFiArt

Space Twins Artwork

Argen (short hair) and Telius (long hair) in #Marvel or #Manga style character artwork by Kurokoneko Kamen, based on #SciFi #SonsOfTaldra. #SciFiArt