VALENTINO Comes to the Dryden

Attention all film lovers and/or fashionistas! The Dryden at George Eastman House has the perfect cinematic summer treat for all of us. The highly-acclaimed and well-reviewed festival sensation VALENTINO: THE LAST EMPEROR is finally coming to Rochester with limited engagement screenings from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5. The feature-length documentary follows legendary designer and Haute Couture icon, Valentino Garavani, and his longtime companion and business partner, Giancarlo Giammetti, as they confront the final two years of a nearly 50-year career amidst the changing times in the fashion business and the world economy. What unfolds is an intimate, touching yet funny story about love that goes beyond money and fabulous gowns. This film is not to be missed.

Check the Dryden calendar for screening times.

~MG

Goodbye MJ and FF!

I was in the middle of a movie yesterday and my cell phone kept buzzing. I was getting text messages about MJ's sudden demise. And I was still mourning FF's passing from earlier in the day! Needless to say, I could not concentrate on the film I was watching. Thank god it wasn't that great. (And I'm not naming films! LOL.)

Anyway, the Frameline sched is keeping me busy so I have not been able to post anything here. But hopefully you are following me on Twitter?

I definitely have lots to share when I get back. And let me tell you, the San Francisco audiences are amazing! And very wild and crazy! I (and many other Programming Directors here) so envy this festival which could pack a 1400-seat theater at 2pm on a week day! And the women come out for the films too!

A few more movies to watch this weekend and I'm on a plane back to my Rochester reality. Sad and happy. But definitely needing some sleep ... which will be impossible with what's waiting in my DVR and the DVD screeners to watch. Ugh!

Frameline, Here I Come!

Well kids, I'll be heading out very early tomorrow morning to San Francisco for Frameline, their GLBT film festival. Looking forward to watching more queer films (as if I don't have enough backlog on DVD screeners) over the next 10 days or so. Thanks to reconnecting with friends who used to live here in Rochester, I'll have a place to stay for free making the trip more affordable. But the trickier part is getting time off from work. You know how it is ... I'm actually using my precious vacation time from my day job to do more work! But it will still be fun to see friends from the film festival circuit and hopefully recruit some guests for our own festival in October.

I do hope to be online and get you updated on the goings on there. If not here on the blog, definitely follow ImageOut on Twitter. Look us up!

~MG

GOSSIP GIRL's Chace Crawford is Hottest Bachelor

People Magazine releases it's 376th list of {insert superlative here} people in the world for 2009. This time GOSSIP GIRL heartthrob Chace Crawford beats out tween-fantasy-of-the-moment Robert Pattinson (currently starring in the gay drama LITTLE ASHES at the Little Theatre) for the title of Hottest Bachelor of the Year as decided by a couple of the magazine's editors. Yeah. I know. But. Whatevah.

So check out the pictures of 8 of the featured hunks here and please tell me why these male beauties do not do something to control those eyebrows? Well except for our favorite reality singing competition star Adam Lambert, of course! I might need to forward my brow architect's number to some of these guys.

Analog to Digital Signal Switch

So what was the big deal? I thought all the non-digital TV sets would just stop working without the $40 converter box. But I didn't really read up on this hoopla since I only have one old TV left in the house and I rarely watch anything on it except something on DVD or (gasp!) video. So I was expecting it to give me some snowy or blank screen when I turned it on the other night. But RNews came on just fine! Hmmm. So it prompted me to find answers. I guess anyone who has cable subscription or anyone who does not depend on a TV antenna for their reception is fine. So must be there are still millions of users of the ole rabbit ears.

I guess it was naive of me to think that everyone has cable. LOL.

DLB's Milk Turns Sour?

Rising and MILK's Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black finds himself in hot water when a former partner sold intimate and very private 3-year old photos to a media outlet. Celebrity wanna-be and sleazeball gossip blogger Perez Hilton posted the uncensored and explicit images in his website last week. In this age of rampant amateur porn and with naked celebrity pics readily available online, this should not be a big deal, yes? However, one of the images shows DLB engaging in unsafe sex. Oh scandalous! Well what do you think?

DLB has released an apology this weekend. “It is unfortunate that individuals and other outside parties are trying to profit from material which is clearly private” DLB said in a statement. “I have had the privilege to speak to people across the country, both gay and straight, on a number of critical issues including safe sex. More important than the embarrassment of this incident is the misleading message these images send. I apologize and cannot emphasize enough the importance of responsible sexual practices.”

From Chastity to Chaz

You probably heard by now that longtime gay rights activist Chastity Bono is transitioning from female to male and will now be living as Chaz. Will he actually go through a gender reassignment procedure? Only time will tell. But for now, let's send our wishes of happiness to the man of the hour.

Review: THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123

I love a movie that can jolt my midweek and energize me enough to make Friday happy hour seem a lot closer than it is. THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123 is one high-octane action thriller that is stylish, engaging, and entertaining. Of course, I think I'm the only one who did not know that this film is a remake of a 1974 classic. So I'm not going to give you the full synopsis. All you need to know is that an NYC subway dispatcher's day becomes a lot more exciting when one of the trains on his assigned tracks gets hijacked with hostages held for ransom at $10M. The city has one hour to deliver the cash. And the clock is ticking. Denzel Washington, John Travolta and James Gandolfini are all excellent in this movie. I cannot think of a better bad ass subway hijacker than Travolta. He makes being bad seems so enjoyable.

PELHAM 123 is just mindless entertainment. The key word is entertainment -- it's a lot of fun! And you know that you are just watching a movie. I know films about NYC and a terrorist attack seem to bring nostalgia all the time. But this one for sure feels like just an enjoyable ride sans the emotional baggage.

I'm sure there are purists out there who find it blasphemous that a remake of what already is a great movie (as I was told) is even made. Let them have ulcers.

~MG

THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123 opens in theaters nationwide tomorrow, Friday.

Miss California USA Dethroned!

This news just in: Miss California USA, Carrie Prejean, who gained notoriety at the Miss USA Pageant last April for her controversial views against same-sex marriage, has been officially dethroned for "contract violations," including her unwillingness to make appearances on behalf of the Miss California USA organization. Prejean, 22, retained her title last month despite a controversy over topless photos and her statements against same-sex marriage. Runner-up Tami Farrell, will immediately assume the Miss California USA title.

Now I can breath easy knowing that if Miss USA, North Carolina's Kristen Dalton, wins the ultimate crown of Miss Universe, there is no more possibility of Prejean taking over the Miss USA title (I know, it sounds complicated).

Films to Watch at The Little

I'm very excited about a couple of films that are coming to the Little this weekend.

EVERY LITTLE STEP is the fabulous new film that follows the casting process of the 2006 Broadway revival of the legendary musical, A CHORUS LINE. Not only do we get an inside look at how hardworking performers do everything they could to land a coveted role, and get emotionally involved in the heartbreaking rejections and the joyous selections. But we also get a background on how the original show was born, complete with interviews with some of the original performers. For an even better theatrical experience, The Little is hosting one of their talk-back sessions after the 6:30pm screening on Saturday, June 13, featuring special guest Mark Cuddy, Artistic Director of Geva Theatre Center. Screenings with talk-back sessions usually sell out fast, just so you know.

And for those looking for a local connection and also an added bonus for fans of the better dance show SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, resident Broadway and jazz choreographer Tyce Diorio who was in the Geva production of A CHORUS LINE from a few seasons ago was one of the rejected auditioners.

From one of ImageOut's Premier Sponsors, here! and its sister company Regent Releasing, comes LITTLE ASHES, a drama set against the backdrop of Spain during the 20s and 30s, as three of the era's most creative young talents meet at university and set off on a course to change their world. Luis Buñuel watches helplessly as the friendship between Salvador Dalí and the poet Federico García Lorca develops into a steamy love affair. Did I mention that TWILIGHT's resident hunky moody vampire Robert Pattinson plays the role of Dalí?

Definitely two great choices for your film viewing agenda this weekend. For more information and show times, check out the Little's website.

See you at the movies!

~MG

Adam Lambert is Out!

Our favorite American Idol finally comes out (which really is more like clarifying it to those fans who have been in denial) in the latest issue of Rolling Stone Magazine hitting newsstands today. I'm surprised though that people were still questioning his sexuality up until this point. But I suppose this is a good thing for Adam to do considering that some people in the gay community are giving him flak for keeping mum about his sexuality. Now that this issue has been settled, can we just focus on his music please???

Adam has been seen around with his boyfriend Drake LaBry, a Southern gentleman. We have seen him on the show seated with Adam's family during almost all of the American Idol telecasts. He's a cutie! Where can I get one of those?

I don't know about you but I'm excited to pick up Adam Lambert's debut album when it comes out in the fall (he also just signed a recording contract). But in the meantime, I can't wait to be at the Aug. 15 Idol concert at the Blue Cross Arena. I'll be front and center in the floor area. I hope to see some of you there!

Tony Awards: Oh What A Night!

In my opinion, any respectable gay man should have been watching the Tony Awards last night. LOL. Even the evening's fab host, openly gay actor Neil Patrick Harris, claims the Tonys is the gayest show on TV with icons Liza and Elton leading this year's guest stars and performers. It doesn't really matter to me how gay the show is -- last night's was just pure entertainment. Period. There were many fine moments during the show but the most memorable for me was honoring Jerry Herman and his amazing body of musical theater work. I'm proud to admit that I could sing along with every number shown on his tribute montage and I did see all the shows in various stagings ... in revivals or regional productions, of course. Although I would have paid anything to have experienced the grandness of the musical theater experience of old.

Anyway, before I get too carried away, I was also very glad for BILLY ELLIOT's big win. I had to work hard to get my ticket for that show late last year and it was worth it! The show brought the "big musical theater" back to the Broadway stage. The three Billy's winning the lead musical actor award was a delightful surprise too. Although I only saw Trent Kowalik in the show (he did the show's featured number in last night's telecast), I did meet both David Alvarez and Kiril Kulish backstage and got them to sign my playbill and program as well. I am such an autograph whore when it comes to my Broadway playbills and programs. Ha!

I hope GOD OF CARNAGE is not closing any time soon! Need to plan my next trip to the big city.

By the way, this morning I was reading some of the news about the show and was surprised to see all the brouhaha about Brett Michael's accident with a descending stage prop. I did see that happen last night but I wasn't sure if it was a mishap. That stage was sooo busy and bustling with sooo many talents for that opening number that it was difficult to keep track of all the actions. It was indeed one of the best openers I've seen in recent years.

So did you watch the show last night? What are your thoughts? Have you seen any of the productions that were nominated? Oh do share.

~MG

The WTWM DVD Raffle Winner is ...

BOB MARTIN! Congratulations Bob. Wolfe Video will be mailing you the DVD directly. Please contact me if there are any issues with not receiving the disc. Hope you enjoy it!

"Enchanting! Endearing! Striking! Movie musical magic!" - The New York Times

Armed with a magical love potion and empowered by dazzling musical fantasies, struggling with his identity and acceptance, adorable teen, Timothy (dreamy Tanner Cohen) turns his narrow-minded town gay while capturing the heart of Jonathon (buff Nathaniel David Becker), the rugby jock of his dreams. Also starring Wendy Robie (Twin Peaks), Broadway star Judy McLane (Mamma Mia), Zelda Williams (House of D), and Jill Larson (Opal on All My Children), WERE THE WORLD MINE uses vibrant imagery, a first-rate cast, and innovative music to push modern gay cinema and musical film beyond expectation.

Coming to DVD on June 9th or place your advance order now at WolfeVideo.com.

Our Big Summer Event!

Tickets are now on sale for our spectacular summer event -- Suzanne Westenhoefer: Finally Legal ... In A Few States. Click here for more information and to buy tickets online.

DELICIOUS AMBIGUITY Premieres in Rochester

DELICIOUS AMBIGUITY, Flower City Flicks regular contributor Beth Bailey's new feature-length film, premieres on Wednesday, June 3rd at 6pm at The Little Theatre on East Avenue. There will be a Q&A session afterwards as well as a dessert reception. Tickets are only $10 each! Click here for more information.

Support your local GLBT filmmakers.

Nadal in Hot Pink!

The biggest talk in sports (well, at least, among tennis enthusiasts) over the weekend is the surprise ouster of Rafa Nadal in the 4th Round of the French Open. Nadal who won the last 4 men's titles here was upset by 23-ranked Swede Robin Soderling. But to me, just as shocking was Nadal's bold color choice of hot pink for his Roland Garros outfits. And the bluish grey, hot pink and canary yellow ensemble looks great on him! You gotta love a straight man who is not afraid of being colorful. I will surely miss his Spanish hotness on the orange court this week. Federer better win this missing slam from his trophy collection!