raymarsh-51084 Reviews

When We Rise (2017)

THANK YOU CLEVE JONES FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION.

[4/10 · 1 January 2024]

I think that Cleve Jones is an interesting personality, but even a legendary personality like Harvey Milk only got about.2 hours and 8 minutes in the Oscar winning movie "Milk". Cleve Jones deserves a movie, but an 8 part miniseries is a bit too much. I really had to force myself to watch it, and didn't get past episode six until about six months later. It was especially difficult because the last thing I watched was Fellow Travelers. I read in the blurb that this represented gay liberation over the last so many decades, but gay liberation is far far more complex than this. The actors in this - very protracted - narrative act more out of necessity than heroism. This is a story that has been told to death. The facts are historically known by most gay people, and there is no real insight. No poignant dialogue. Only a narrow window into the gay condition. It is like someone who tells you that they were at 9/11, and then they spend most of the time telling you what they had for lunch on that day. Tedious. It could have been easily cut down to 3 episodes. If they made a movie about the Mattachine Society now, for instance, it would be more interesting. It is something that is still a mystery - even to most gay people.

Hollywood (2020)

HO' LLYWOOD. ANY RESEMBLANCE TO PERSONS LIVING OR DEAD IS PURELY COINCIDENTAL.

[1/10 · 28 July 2023]

Sleaze par excellence. Historical revisionism at its very worst. Human degradation and sexual exploitation have never been OK with me. I still watch the Simpsons because they still have a moral at the end. This series aggrandizes sexual exploitation. If it had any basis in reality, it would be different. When did Rock Hudson get around with a black protege? I have read his biography and looked through all the photos on Google and Bing, and can't find any evidence of that. Politically there is a vibe about the characters, as if they are post-feminist, and post black liberation (of the 1960s), and not really creatures of their time. Politically, it is interesting in the manner that it reverses the tables. When a straight guy is pursuaded to go to a sex party for gentlemen only, he is told that gay men pretend to be straight all the time; they are apparently what "makes the (Hollywood) world go round". Why shouldn't a straight guy oblige gays for once and pretend to be one of the other...?

The Capote Tapes (2019)

Not A Legitimate Biopic. More A Vicious Character Assassination.

[1/10 · 11 July 2023]

Honestly, this is one of the nastiest, most biased depictions of a historic literary figure that I have seen. After the opening sequence, it starts in a semi-objective manner, but then becomes a cruel character assassination. One thing that particularly disturbed me was the claim that Truman Capote had been urging the authorities to end the stays of execution for Perry Smith and Richard Hickock (the two killers in the book, In Cold Blood). It implies that due to Capote's ambition for publication and success, he threw them under the bus. However, it fails to note that if not for Truman Capote, the pair would have been hung many years before. It is possible that Capote actually wanted the stays of execution to end because he wanted the death sentence to be commuted to a life sentence. Afterall, it was Truman Capote who organized a reputable lawyer to lodge their first appeal. This was a biased production. It made me wonder, who financed The Capote Tapes? I felt that it was homophobic in parts. As if a Gay kid in high school was being rounded on by a group of malicious students, bitter that he'd had the audacity to be a success. At the beginning there are a series of recorded voices commenting on Capote. Two remarks stood out to me.. A man claims: "He was a freak, an absolute freak". A woman's voice quips: "I haven't had a good laugh since he died." - The full series of comments are predominantly spiteful. Those quotes set the standard for what follows...

The Exorcist (1973)

NO SENSE OF THE RIDICULOUS. ALL HELLISH SIZZLE, AND NO SUBSTANCE.

[1/10 · 26 May 2023]

Personally I thought this was very abrasive. Every component of the narrative is so illogical.

Logical questions: If this was a demon, why would it bother to keep occupying a human body when that body is bound with straps? And why would an immortal entity with unlimited knowledge and experience not have the capacity to prevent being strapped? If the entity wanted to kill the girl, why not just enter an unstable man in the street with a gun and have him shoot her dead in a random attack? If you repeatedly stab your groin with a metallic crucifix, how come you are not taken to a hospital due to blood loss? If someone's head does a 360 turn, why isn't the upper spinal column broken as it would be? Not to mention the irreversible, paralyzing damage to the spinal cord. If a young girl had lacerations all over her face caused by infection, trauma and holy water, how on Earth could she end up with perfect skin, and no profound scarring? Why did a demon have to enter another human body to release its first victim, when originally it didn't seem to be in anyone in particular?... The Hollywood pulp writer, William Blatty, had no sense of the ridiculous. Ditto the director.

Grace and Frankie (2015–2022)

HOW DID THIS LAST FOR 7 SEASONS?

[2/10 · 7 May 2023]

Firstly, this is a great gesture - showing elderly gay males in a flattering light. It definitely had its entertaining moments. 2 stars worth of them. But it is not funny. It is droll, sometimes black humor. The actual concept of a woman restarting life after her husband takes up with a man is not really new. That Fran Drescher show, Happily Divorced, was similar. At first the show did slightly remind me of the old British sitcom, Absolutely Fabulous, with the (barely) post-hippy mother with the two adopted children, one of whom is black. And there is the tall, thin beauty product matriarch who is slightly viperous. I didn't mind this until about episode 7 when Grace started to date the guy who ate his companion after an accident in the wilderness. The parallel between the gay romance and the romance of a woman with a former cannibal disturbed me a bit. Here other liaison was with a "convict". This would have made a great movie, but as a TV show, I thought that it was too drawn out. What carries it is the reunion of Tomlinson and Fonda, many many years after 9 To 5. Coincidentally there are actually references to Dolly Parton.

Looking (2014–2015)

FALSE STARTS AND FICKLE HEARTS. Q.A.F. (LITE)

[9/10 · 10 April 2023]

First, the soundtrack is brilliant. Looking deals with the lives of three central characters: Dom, Patrick and Agustin. There is an everyday quality about the characters that gives their San Francisco Pilgrims Progress a reassuring familiarity, coupled with redundancy. Redundant in the sense that their plight is already your own. This is no transport - You are already there. They all have mundane dreams - to continue a career, find their true calling, sell chicken from a take away window. The binding thread is a search for meaning: One derived from their sexuality. To find security - and to be loved in a city with shifting ideals, receding hairlines and swelling real estate prices. It engages the viewer with a sturm und drang of sensual enigmas. Tales Of The City by Maupin is another narrative series set in San Francisco. Maupin's characters often have to leave the city to find their true selves, but in Looking, Dom, Patrick, and Agustin are already at the end of the rainbow. Where you will find that someone and be happily transfixed; a perfect union in all time and space. Dom complains that, "At 40 Grindr sends you your death certificate." But still he only laments his age because the torch still burns so bright. Chasing ideals that they themselves are not even unwilling to violate - Maybe there is that someone who can perfectly complete them (even beyond one encounter). But for the characters, alas... As Elton John sang in Song For Guy: "Life isn't everything."

Tales of the City (2019)

PC Overkill.

[1/10 · 5 April 2023]

I watched all of this series, but it did depress me. If you could liken a TV show to seasons then the orignal 1993 Tales was Spring and Summer. This series was definitely a more Autumnal or Winter experience of political diatribe. Between 2007 and 2014 Maupin had released three titles continuting on from the original six books in the Tales series. The new three titles were: "Michael Tolliver Lives", "Mary Anne in Autumn" and."The Days of Anna Madrigal". Why didn't they just amalgamate the narratives from these three books into a mini-series? Maybe they hoped to create a long multi-season series, but the new version was too different in character to the original. The actual 2019 series started out as the continuation of a previous set of Tales, and following the storylines of the new three books would have been better. The Tales 2019 screen writer produced something very different to the original ethos of Tales. Shawna is not a likeable character. Anna seems like a boorish suburban matriarch for a lot of the series. Michael is not a really likeable character anymore - A man in his 50s playing carefree, young and cutesy really doesn't work. When Michael's partner seriously criticizes him for his immaturity it came as a relief because my own feelings as a viewer were expressed. I have to agree with the other reviews - Laura Linney is the only thing that works, but even she is pushed to make a script with excessivley protracted, contrived tension work. There are some serious production problems. For instance in Episode 2 Anna Madrigal is smoking a joint, but she exhales no smoke and there is no smoke coming from the joint. Olympia may not have been able to do it, considering her advanced age, but at least they could have just added smoke using special effects technology later... In a later episode Michael, his partner and Mary Ann are in traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge. The set-up shot is a still photo. They also use a still photo in another set-up shot. That is just so amateur and low budget. I am surprised that this series lasted 10 episodes. The series was worth making because there needs to be LGBT cinema. But if it is a true representation of the San Francisco of today, then it is a city with tales that I am not all that interested in. Back in the early 90s libertarianism was still fairly novel. The PBS series was attacked by the religious right. But now.... With apps and hook ups and people doing anything and everything you can imagine (or see on the Internet); and trans people visible in the streets in all Western cities, the Armistead Maupin brand of the risque is really dated. The unique Maupin brand of humor and quirky coincidence however is not, but that was nowhere to be found in this dismal miniseries.

Call Me by Your Name (2017)

THE EROTIC AWAKENING OF ELIO. THE SOPORIPHIC OF OTHERS....

[3/10 · 10 February 2023]

Very Italian, but not in a good way. Very slow paced. Achingly tedious and obviously created to appeal to a more heterosexual audience despite the homoerotic theme. The bi appetites of Elio don't seem to have any implicit logic. In terms of editing there are scenes where something suddenly happens, and then suddenly you are a faced with a different non-continuous scene as if they cut the footage at random. I don't know why people make movies like this. Elio is like a Caravaggian catamite enticing the intellectual, though manly male. It works well in the Italian narrative tradition, but not as a modern piece of post-Stonewall cinema - in my humble opinion. I have read that a movie should "transport" the viewer. I didn't find that with this movie. It is like Firebird, or Brokeback Mountain or so many other adventures into the Hades of Gay misfortune and futility. I wish that I had not wasted the time watching it.

Firebird (I) (2021)

GREAT PRODUCTION VALUES. BUT DEPRESSING.

[5/10 · 9 January 2023]

I actually watched this movie until the end. It has suspense, handsome protagonists, great production values (directing, wardrobe, props, locations, casting etc.). But it has too cruel a dose of reality for my liking. I watch a movie hoping that it will transport me, you know: uplift me. I didn't find that with this movie. I had a similar unfortunate experience with movie I am Michael (2015). I saw it, appreciated the expertise involved in making it, but wished that I hadn't seen it. If you are Gay (and I suspect that a lot of the viewers might be) I would not recommend this movie. If you are having friends over and want a movie - to have a good time - then leave this one alone. There is no gratuitous violence, and the sex scenes are very tame and tasteful. I would class them as homo-sensual rather than homo-sexual, If you enjoy movies like Titanic.(1997), The Boys In The Band (2020) or Brokeback Mountain (2005) then this could be for you. If you are looking for something like Shelter,(2007), Fair Haven (2016), Jeffrey (1995), Beautiful Thing (1993), The Bird Cage (1996), or Apart From Hugh (1994) then probably not.

Kiss the Bride (2007)

THEY LIVE HAPPILY (BUT NOT GAILY) EVER AFTER.

[2/10 · 23 August 2022]

Not a very convincing movie and not one with an ending that would generally please either a Gay or Straight audience. Acting is OK, but characterization bordered on caricature at points. I wish that I hadn't watched it. You can get some really great LGBT themed movies on Youtube , (free to watch) like "Shelter" or "Apart From High" or "Juste une question d'amour", but "Kiss The Bride" is not notable in my opinion... Another user here - who reviewed this movie a while ago - wrote words to the effect that if this if the state of modern Gay cinema, then we are in trouble. And I agree 100%.

Tales of the City (1993)

100% Recommended. Sweet Decadence.

[10/10 · 25 July 2022]

Set in the near-zero national debt year of 1976.

White people exploring their freedom without checking their privilege at the door (unless they are straight).

What "War & Peace" is to Russian literature, Tales of the City is to Gay Cinema.

I have watched it several times and the only fault that I have found with it is a minor continuity error with a cigarette.

Simply brilliant.

Do You Take This Man (2016)

Form Over Substance. Production Values: 7.4 - Acting: 8.8 - Dialogue: 5.2.

[7/10 · 30 June 2022]

I am not going to start with any comment on the double entendre of the title. That is something that more involves the end... A pleasant, very decent movie with a professional cast. I didn't quite believe that these two could be a real couple, or that they would live in such a - somewhat - prosperous ambience with no visible means of support. Their economic background should have been written into the dialogue, somehow. Daniel confides to his friend that he has bought his betrothed a $300.00 pen in a tone suggesting that that is a lot of money to him. However, they are living in a large house in a neighborhood walking distance from the Hollywood sign... And we don't get any idea as to how Daniel got this money; his love interest Christopher is apparently an artist (and how many unknown artists ever make any real money?). The only person who ever bought a quantity of Christopher's art was Daniel. We don't even see any of his art, so either the budget didn't allow for licensing of any actual artist's work, or this work of ersatz Cinéma Vérité lacked a props master with such foresight. A long-lost friend reappears and he doesn't show her any of his life's work: His art...? The form is far greater here than the substance. The acting is near perfectly adequate. The production values are exceptionally adequate - but not notable. I am not saying that the narrative is shallow, but if this was a day at the beach you would barely get your knees wet. There was not any single line that was memorable, no scintillating dialogue. No real contour of emotional or erotic glamour. The scriptwriter may have captured verbal realism, but if people want that they can hear it on a bus or at a Burger King. It offers self-help, but in a very contradictory form. Who needs to hear the ancient cliché that "opposites really do attract". One minute Christopher realizes that he needs to deal with his past, and the next he is dismissing the past offhand. What does acknowledging and dealing with your past actually mean in practical terms? : Rehashed pop psychology. It became tedious at about half way for me. There was no real tension. A friend cancels, and that tension could have been easily undone by Daniel taking a few deep breaths. If the wedding had been a huge financial investment then it would have been different, but that was not indicated in any of the dialogue... Was this worth making? Yes. Is it worth seeing? Yes, but not an imperative. If you like predictability you'll like this movie. You don't have to wait until the end to get the pay off - you get it right at the first encounter. Just the way you want it.

Naked As We Came (2012)

A Gay Family Movie

[9/10 · 29 March 2022]

Excellent production values. Very well cast (except that the daughter looks Spanish and the son looks British, even though they had the same father - but maybe there is a reason for that (Hold on til the end of the film.)). This movie resonates with a profundity of narrative that gives it an almost timeless quality. An antiquated ethos of modern, poignant familiarity. I have watched it three times and have discovered engaging nuances each time. This movie is especially interesting as a work of cinema that deals with homosexuality. Many films dealing with Gay issues are very low budget, because Gay themed movies don't do well at the box office, generally. But this movie is one of the top 10% of its genre.

Almost Normal (2005)

THEY SHOULD HAVE TAKEN NOTICE OF HARRY POTTER OR JACKIE COLLINS.

[2/10 · 14 August 2019]

The problem with this film is that the creators did not really understand how powerful this movie could have been. Why are Harry Potter and Jackie Collins so popular? Because the authors knew what life is not - and created what people wish life could be. If the creators of this movie had presented gays as the norm - and explored how that could work - It would have possibly been the greatest gay movie of all time. But no, the creators had to give concessions to straight normativity - even if only to inform straights of how it would be if they were the minority. It doesn't work. It is disappointing for gays. And how many straight people actually watch gay themed movies like this? The ending is kind of cliched. It doesn't save the movie.

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

"YOU MIGHT REMEMBER ME. I'M BABY JANE HUDSON"...(SILENCE)

[10/10 · 26 May 2019]

Plot, casting, dialogue, lighting, cinematography. Mesmerizing. After this producers put Crawford and Davis into many similar roles - but they never captured the magic of this movie again.

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1991 TV Movie)

FAILS BY COMPARISON. SET YOUR EXPRESSION TO "CRINGE"

[2/10 · 26 May 2019]

There is a great deal of pathos about the original movie with Davis and Crawford. It is difficult to determine exactly how you should feel about the remake. It is so superficial, suburban and character-deficit. The former child star character has the infantilism of Edina on Absolutely Fabulous, except she isn't funny. Just kind of dreary and pathetic.

Angora Ranch (2006 Video)

AMATEUR RANCH (VERY)

[1/10 · 22 May 2019]

Dreadful movie. Acting, lighting, cinematography, directing, dialogue, plot. Bad. Everyone aspiring to a career in the film industry should see it. This movie is an object lesson in everything you do not want a movie to be. I appreciate that a man wanted to create a gay narrative film, but you need to at least have it up to a 5/10 standard. It would have been more entertaining narrated as an audiobook.

The Gay Deceivers (1969)

PRE-LIBERATION, WHEN MEN WERE MEN AND GAYS WERE WOMEN.

[2/10 · 18 May 2019]

This was not in any way avant garde even for its time. It depicts straight men acting out the gay nancy or butch-predator cliches. Even back during WWII, entertainments for soldiers featured drag and other forms of effeminacy - for comedic relief. This is just a continuation of that tradition of humour. This is straight people going Gay-face for the straight entertainment. I found it offensive. There is a reason that this movie has been virtually forgotten. Not recommended.

Sunny Skies (1930)

NOT A GREAT MOVIE. A FEW LAUGHS. KITSCH SENTIMENTALITY.

[2/10 · 17 May 2019]

This was OK, but not a great movie. There were a few laughs. Before I actually watched it, I'd read that it was a "precode gay classic", but that is not at all accurate. It is really the trajectories of two freshman at college. One losing his innocence and finding his burgeoning manhood, and another man full of confidence discovering his vulnerability and finding redemption. A minor 1930 comedy / drama.

God's Own Country (2017)

TOO REALISTIC - AND TOO UNREALISTIC.

[3/10 · 10 May 2019]

I watched this movie, but did not like it. The location and the nitty gritty of the farm life I actually found a bit gross - too realistic. The love story between the two men seemed totally unrealistic. Great acting and editing.

Eden's Curve (2003)

EDEN'S CURVE BROUGHT ME DOWN. FEEL BAD CINEMA.

[4/10 · 10 May 2019]

I watched this, but wish that I hadn't. If I want to see the cruel realities of life I can go by skid row or take public transport. This movie was well made, but depressing. If you are looking for something that makes your day more uplifting - then this is not for you.

Making Love (1982)

AN INNOVATIVE LGBT MOVIE. HARRY HAMLIN (GREAT CASTING)

[7/10 · 10 May 2019]

I like this movie a lot. Not only is it well scripted, directed, and cast, but it is also a milestone in LGBT cinematic history. I remember when I was a teen and it was on television one Friday night. My mother sped to the TV set and turned it off. "You are not watching that," she stated angrily to me and my siblings. Since then I have watched it twice. If I had a gay son I would actually sit him down and ask him to watch it. Recommended.

Grease (1978)

A MASTERPIECE OF ROCK'N'ROLL THEATRE.

[10/10 · 10 May 2019]

Jesus Christ Superstar, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Grease - these were the greatest musicals of the 70s. Grease remains brilliant. I would recommend it, but is there anyone alive in the Western World who has not seen it?

Hold Your Peace (2011)

A GOOD EFFORT. I ENJOYED IT.

[9/10 · 10 May 2019]

It took a little while to get into this, but after about 24 minutes the plot really starts to get gripping. The ending was a little bit unexpected. I liked it. Classy. Recommended.

Apart from Hugh (1994)

VERY GOOD INDIE MOVIE. I LIKE IT.

[10/10 · 6 May 2019]

This is an older movie now, but I think that it is very good. I have watched it about 5 times.