After all the hoopla surrounding Brokeback Mountain (and the disappointment at the Academy Awards), it might seem hard to remember there are other gay movies in existence. In fact, for many gay men, having to go back to the usual slim pickings of bad indies, homophobic summer comedies, and a mixed bag of supporting characters might be a serious downer. Have no fear—there are flicks out there for you to see this summer and some of them might surprise you.

While you're unlikely to find anything to rival Jack and Ennis, it does feel like gay men have moved past being solely the punch lines or nominal gay best friend. This summer's movies feature levels of queer content ranging from the gay protagonist in the The Night Listener—to those with obvious gay subtext—X-Men: The Last Stand—to those with guys we just like to look at—Brandon Routh in Superman Returns. There are even silly big budget comedies with gay heroes and villains.

May 5th Mission Impossible 3 starring Tom Cruise. What's of interest for gay men: not what you think. Yes, this is strictly an eye candy movie, but it does include Philip Seymour Hoffman in his first major role since Capote. His work here probably isn't as subtle as his work playing Truman. MI3 is also worth seeing for Billy Crudup (Stage Beauty) and Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Velvet Goldmine), who have both played gay and can act. Too bad you can't say the same about Tom.

May 5th Art School Confidential (limited release) starring Jim Broadbent and Matt Keeslar. What's of interest for gay men: it's art school so the place is crawling with ‘mos! One of which is played by Nick Swardon. Unfortunately, the gay characters are strictly secondary, but it doesn't hurt to have Matt Keeslar as the hot, if straight, self-absorbed artist on the fast track. You might remember Matt from his role as a gay man in Urbania.

May 12th Poseidon starring Kurt Russell. What's of interest for gay men: it's a camp classic remade! We also get Richard Dreyfuss playing a gay man who becomes suicidal when his relationship goes belly-up just before the boat sails. Needless to say, when the boat goes belly-up, Dreyfuss suddenly rediscovers his will to live. Or maybe it was getting to hang with a soaking wet Josh Lucas that kept Dreyfuss' character going. Either way, word is Dreyfuss lends a helping hand saving lives as opposed to the usual sniveling role we end up with in action movies. When we end up in action movies, that is.

May 19th The Da Vinci Code starring Tom Hanks. What's of interest for gay men: Ian McKellen, of course. Plus the Catholic Church and Pope Homophobe XXV are mad as hell about it. See it—twice!

Page 1 / 2 / 3 - Next