Gay themed movies you can rent at Blockbuster, etc ... updated as of Friday, April 11, 2008
Well I can certainly tell by the response that there's a lot of us that like "gay-themed" movies. I've been overwhelmed with suggestions and it's gonna take some time to watch them all!
So, here's the short list of movies that have been suggested to me. (NOTE: The links are to the IMDB website that gives a synopsis of the movie)
There's lot's of really good movies out there to watch, so let me know which one's you really liked. And there's some not too good movies as well, so let me know about those as well. Now, on to the movies that I have seen, along with my review. There's lot's more to come, so keep checking back!
Movies that I liked and I wholeheartedly recommend
"200 American" - 2003
Synopsis - Conrad (Matt Walton) is a gay man living in NYC. He's also CEO of an ad agency and by nature a control freak. Although Conrad is still in love with his ex Martin (John-Dylan Howard), he hires a young Aussie hustler named Tyler (Sean Matic), first for a night and then to work for his company. Things get increasingly complicated as Conrad tries to rekindle things with Martin. Meanwhile Tyler (who's daytime name is Ian) falls for Michael (Anthony Ames) his new supervisor.
"Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss" - 1998
Synopsis - Billy (Sean Hayes), a struggling young gay photographer (who likes Polaroids), tired of being the "other man", falls in love with Gabriel (Brad Rowe), a waiter and aspiring musician who is probably straight but possibly gay or at least curious. Billy tries to get Gabriel to model for his latest project, a series of remakes of famous Hollywood screen kisses, featuring male couples, while also trying to win his affections.
"The Birdcage"- 1996
Synopsis - A gay cabaret owner (Robin Williams) and his drag queen companion (Nathan Lane) agree to put up a false straight front so that their son can introduce them to his fiancé's right-wing moralistic parents.
No gay themed movie list would be complete without this hilarious, side-splitting, "only Robin Williams could do it" movie.
"Breaking the Surface - The Greg Louganis Story"- 1997
Synopsis - Breaking the Surface is about the tough times Greg Louganis had on his way to becoming one of the world's top Olympic divers. Some topics discussed were Greg's childhood problems, his homosexuality, and him contracting the HIV virus.
Can we say Mario Lopez in Speedos here!!! Aside from the eye candy from "Mister Dimples," this movie tells the real story of Greg's life and I must bow down to him for his perseversence. Living through that horrible dive where he hits his head is just ... well, it's just ... and that doesn't even begin to "break the surface" ... watch this story about an American Icon, a gay American icon, that dealt with so much more than any one us ever realized.
Watch this movie. If you don't watch it for the story, watch it for Mario in a role that was perfect for him!
"The Broken Hearts Club"- 2000
Synopsis - In the palm-shaded oasis of West Hollywood, we meet Dennis (Timothy Olyphant), a promising photographer. As he prepares to celebrate his twenty-eighth birthday, he laments, ' I can't decide if my friends are the best or worse thing that ever happened to me.' The gang includes Benji (Zach Braff), the punkish innocent with a penchant for gym bodies; Howie (Matt McGrath), the psychology grad student who thinks too much and lives too little; Cole (Dean Cain), the charismatic actor who accidentally keeps stealing everybody's guy; Patrick (Ben Weber), the cynical quipster, and Taylor (Billy Porter), resident drama queen, who, until recently, prided himself on his long-term relationship. Providing sage advice and steady work is Jack (John Mahoney), the beloved patriarch whose restaurant is a haven for them all. When tragedy strikes the group, the friendships are put to the test.
"Dorian Blues" - 2004
Synopsis - A refreshing and witty reinvention of the coming-of-age comedy, Dorian Blues is a bright, cheerful story about a small-town young man who realizes why he's such a misfit - he's gay! Adolescence is proving a pain for the always-thinking Dorian (Michael McMillian). He's an outcast and the butt of classmates' fag jokes at high school. He's different and understands why when he reaches the conclusion that he's a "stereotypical gay." He soon announces this discovery to his homophobic, Nixon-loving dad. Before dad can throw him out of the house, he's off to NYU where our hero encounters a new world of coffee houses, sophisticates and handsome men.
"Get Your Stuff" - 2000
Synopsis - Two wealthy gay men want to adopt a baby, but they end up with two foster kids ... two foster kids that have been in a dozen foster homes in ten months. Never mind the profanity coming from the older brother, never mind him sneaking off to drink, never mind the kid's drunken mother showing up ...
The reviews were a bit harsh (and that's being kind), but I kinda liked this movie and I think you will too. The two brothers have been through the crap that comes with having an alcoholic mother. Enter two wealthy gay guys from Beverly Hills who want to adopt a baby. Enter a social worker with a knack for making you feel guilty. Enter trying to make love while one of your foster kids steals your vintage Mercedes Benz and drives off into the night. Hehe ... like I said, I liked this movie, reviews be damned.
"Latter Days"- 2002
Synopsis - Christian (Wes Ramsey), a hunky, 20-something, West Hollywood party boy gets more than he bargains for when he tries to seduce 19-year-old Elder Aaron Davis (Steve Sandvoss), a sexually confused Mormon missionary who moves into his apartment complex.
I thought this was a great movie and would rent it again. The one scene that really stands out in my mind is where really cute Elder Aaron Davis visits a random home. The man that opens the door listens to Aaron's opening comments then calls for his "honey" to come to the door. A big strapping man appears ... well, you get the idea.
I think the underlying message here is that we are born gay, there is no choice no matter what our religion. Being gay is a part of who we are ... and it happens to people of all walks of life.
"Get Your Stuff" - 2000