The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Grade: B

Nothing inspiring in the documentary telling of the story, and some really irritating hand puppets introducing various segments, but Tammy Faye is such an unintentionally funny, yet totally sympathetic character, the film inspires nonetheless. Who knew she opened her heart to gay men with AIDS long before the rest of the world? Or that she collects the glasses of dearly departed because she believes that the eyes are windows to the soul? Or that much of her scary makeup is a now a permanent result of plastic surgery? (The reaction of a make-up artist to this news is a truly priceless moment.) Her kind and decent heart comes through all the nuttiness, and when she nervously returns to the bible belt not knowing what to expect and receives a standing ovation from the crowd, you can’t help but identify with all she’s been through and be genuinely moved for her. And in case we ever doubted it, Jerry Falwell truly is evil on earth. Just in case we ever doubted it.

More Movie Info: http://imdb.com/title/tt0233687/

X-Men

Grade: B+

Who wouldn’t want to see Fascist Ian McKellan and Benevolent Patrick Stewart as respectful, even loving, enemies. Dark, brooding, breathless and exciting – this one is a terrific ride. A powerhouse opening in the Warsaw Ghetto that places the story dead center in the real world, political hate mongering that is utterly believable, a gay allegory wrapped in comic book characters. But beyond all that, it’s just plain fun, and manages to create a world we haven’t seen before, and characters with surprising weight and depth. Wish the film was longer on the front end and took a little longer to unwrap the story, and thought there were some significant plot holes (found it really hard to believe such a great complicated villain like Sir Ian didn’t realize his weapon didn’t really work. Hasn’t he ever heard of a test run?) But how often do you see a film you don’t want to end? Really looking forward to the sequel on this one.

More Movie Info: http://imdb.com/title/tt0120903/

Chuck & Buck

Grade: B+

Haven’t squirmed in my seat so much in years. This very well written, very well acted Indie film about childhood obsession and sexual repression paints a portrait of two adults – one hiding from his own questionable sexuality and the other unable to grow up, let go of an old, long dead, relationship, and get his life together. We’ve all been on one end or the other of a stalker/stalkee relationship, and one can’t help but cringe while watching someone embarrass himself so painfully. The characterization of the stalker is just a bit too weird, too childlike, too mentally challenged – the film would have been better if he were just a little more stable -- and one can’t help but feel the movie’s characterization sometimes borders on homophobia (there is even a moment of threatened pedophilia thrown in) but one still leaves the theater truly wondering (and discussing) whose life is the sadder, and who really moves on.

More Movie Info: http://imdb.com/title/tt0200530/