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Best. Gay. Week. Ever. (July 25, 2008)
A GOOD GAY DETECTIVE AND A GAY ACTION HERO! If that isn't enough gay genre for you in one night, then head over to SCI FI where you can catch part two of Doctor Who's three-part season finale which includes the return of Captain Jack (John Barrowman). And he's not the only Torchwoodie making an appearance in the finale. Ianto (Gareth David-Lloyd) is back as well. Janto! Janto! Janto! If you missed the first part of the finale, fret not AfterEltoners as our own Steven Frank recapped the episode for you! Saturday night David Bromstad will do his best to keep you entertained on Color Splash.
David Bromstad, Chad Allen, Maulik Pancholy Steven is out of the Big Brother house, yet another gay contestant gone before we knew him. We'll give you a chance to learn a bit more about him when we post our interview with the gay rodeo champion. However, Matt Locke is one of the two finalists on Design Star so things aren't all bad for Team Gay. Also on Sunday night is Brooke Knows Best and the return of AMC's Mad Men featuring the closeted Salvatore (Bryan Batt). Get ready for a surprising development in Salvatore's personal life! Weeds has a new episode on Monday night and Michael reported from the TCA that Weeds' creator Jenji Kohan says Sanjay (Maulik Pancholy) would be popping up again on the show soon. Tuesday offers up a gay boy we love in the form of Carson Kressley on How to Look Good Naked and one we already mentioned who scares us, that being Jeff Lewis on Flipping Out. Wednesday night is episode two of Sordid Lives on Logo. We lost another gay on Project Runway, but all the gay boys survived on Shear Genius. Rod McCullom of Rod 2.0 recently weighed in with his thoughts about Jerell Scott, one of the few gay men of color currently on television.
Jerell Scott Finally, Kathy Griffin will light up Thursday as she always does during summer with her D-List life.
POSTSCRIPT Which is a call for a rousing rendition of the old Patsy Cline hit “Back in Baby’s Arms” if I’ve ever heard one! How about this catchy version by indie country singer Kevin Montgomery, whose father, Bob Montgomery, just happened to write the song for Cline. This version of the song, which is good, but still doesn't hold a candle to the Cline original, appears on Montgomery’s new CD, True.
Incidentally, I’m still unclear how every single week can be the “best gay week ever.” Isn’t that a little how if every kid is special, no one is? I’m also confused as to whether we’re talking about the week that just happened that’s the “best,” or the one that’s coming up. But if they’re all the “best,” I guess it doesn’t matter, does it? Anyway, it’s a job requirement that I end this column wishing you the BEST.GAY.WEEK.EVER!
Submitted by on Thu, 2008-07-24 20:35.  Ha!Submitted by
Fuego (255 points) (59 posts) on Thu, 2008-07-24 23:33.Believe me, there are many, many fans that remember exactly what happened during the X File's run. I worship that series! And I have to COMPLETELY agree about Brendan Fraser! He is a wonderful man, and by god, he's still handsome. I hope he keeps landing big movie roles...he disappeared there for a while. v.v I know I will be the first in line to see The Mummy 3.  Swingtown and SuperherosSubmitted by
Randy (589 points) (118 posts) on Thu, 2008-07-24 23:54.I just watched a few minutes of Swingtown and was not so impressed. There are no gay characters, just the same straight relationships going down the drain. As for Ryan McPartlin, he played Sam Bennet's brother on Passions but did not have a very big part in the show and eventually disappeared. The last time he was shown, he became a cop like his brother. Gawd he looked sexy in the cop outfit. Funny that he was never paired up with any woman or had any romanic liasons, hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, very interesting. As for Superhero movies. LOOOOOOOOOOVE them. I can't wait for the Avengers to come to the big screen. Both the Incredible Hulk and Ironman both alluded to it at the end of both movies. I've watched all the superhero movies made and want more especially the Justice League. BTW is there a new Angry Puppy vlog coming. It's been a long time since the last one. Love me some Marc. Live Long and Prosper
Oh, BTW Brendan Fraser,Submitted by
Randy (589 points) (118 posts) on Thu, 2008-07-24 23:59.Oh, BTW Brendan Fraser, HAWWWWWWWWWWWWTTTTTTTTTTTT. Can we all say SEX GOD. My dream boyfriend. Just prescribe me a pill and Brendan Fraser for what ails me. Live Long and Prosper
 Superhero moviesSubmitted by
Insideguy (2490 points) (496 posts) on Fri, 2008-07-25 00:35.With the legendary Stan Lee, who sold Marvel for Zillions plus a percentage of profits on every film in which they use one of his characters, getting on board with Perry Moore to executive produce HERO I think we will actually get to see the first gay superhero movie.
 I'm not sure if you meanSubmitted by
Schequeerazade (35 points) (7 posts) on Fri, 2008-07-25 01:09.I'm not sure if you mean stage musicals turned into movie musicals, but I can think of plenty that are even recent. RENT, Sweeney Todd, The Producers, the Phantom of the Opera, all within the past few years. And for musicals that weren't stage productions first, you have Moulin Rouge, Across the Universe (which admittedly had a far more limited release compared to most of the rest of the list).
I'd say that Mamma Mia! easily earned its breakthrough, especially considering its opening the same night as The Dark Knight, as I imagine TDK drew a large fanbase that would have seen Mamma Mia too.
 To be clear I LOVED the movieSubmitted by
 I hadn't seen it when I wrote this column, but I saw it today. That said, the musical genre has still pretty much been dead except for a very few exceptions, hasn't it?
Read my books! Explore "Brent's Brain" at http://www.brenthartinger.com no votes  Brendan in 3DSubmitted by
octobercountry (1368 points) (311 posts) on Fri, 2008-07-25 01:36.I had a lot of fun viewing "Journey to the Center of the Earth" also. A rather silly film, but most enjoyable. Okay, let's face it, I just love 3D films, and am so pleased that the technology has finally been perfected so that such films can be enjoyed by a wide audience. But heck, Brendan in 3D certainly wasn't hard on the eyes either. (I've never thought of him as being a stereotypically handsome fellow, but I do find him very appealing...) As for superhero films---I'll agree with you there, as well. I just don't get it. I have never understood the appeal of these pictures, and am slightly puzzled by the enthusiasm they generate... I'm like a superhero, with no powers or motivation...  Swingtown Sucks; CBS Needs TalentSubmitted by
GaySpouseDotCom (1126 points) (360 posts) on Fri, 2008-07-25 02:46.
It is 2008. Shamelessly pandering to gay viewers, at a minimum in this day and age, means that on a show some of the hot guys HAVE TO BE GAY CHARACTERS and they actually ARE GAY - specifically are gay ON CAMERA - kissing, dating, courting, serenading, eloping, marrying, divorcing, hugging, fighting, making-up, handholding, and all the other activities heteros do millions of times each day on television (hets even do these things in commercials!). Swingtown is just another het show, boring! And it's set no less than in the 1970's, an era about as interesting to the average viewer as a shot to the back of the head at close range. CBS needs to fire its aging executives and hire some talent who were not alive when dinosaurs roamed the Earth to get some fresh ideas on screen. Are they still aiming for the Civil War veterans crowd or what? Younger execs are more likely to produce gay-inclusive shows (and that means with characters that really are as gay on screen as hets are het).
Brendan FraserSubmitted by
Bill S (1844 points) (373 posts) on Fri, 2008-07-25 05:35.Totally adorable-I've been crushing on him since "School Ties", and went to see "George of the Jungle" soley to see him in a loincloth. That he also act is a plus-those two movies seem to be on opposites sides of the spectrum, but he was actually good in both of them. Plus he was on "Scrubs" as Christa Miller's lovable brother. Alas, I'm completely blind in my left eye, so I've never been able to see 3-D effects (unless those glasses have changed-they're hard enough to fit over my regular glasses.)
 Doctor Who and John BarrowmanSubmitted by
Ashley (552 points) (129 posts) on Fri, 2008-07-25 08:30.I've seen the two Doctor Who episode's coming up and John Barrowman is great in both of them. I loved both episodes and can't wait to get home (being in London for the past month is getting hard) to watch them again. John Barrowman's The making of me was on last night on BBC1. I watched it on the BBC Iplayer and found it quite interesting. John was trying to figure out what makes him gay. He went to Chicago, LA (and was at Long Beach Pride), and London to some people to see if they could explain why if he was born gay or not. There was very little of his partner in the show, but Scott made a couple of appearances. Hopefully BBC America will pick up the one-hour special because it was very good.  Barrowman, the most OutSubmitted by
Psionycx (7936 points) (1610 posts) on Fri, 2008-07-25 08:49.Okay, now we need to find a highly visible gay celebrity and a network willing to do a similar show here in the U.S. Think it can be done? Major kudos to Barrowman and the BBC for doing this. No Taste whatsoeverSubmitted by
Metabaron (1691 points) (356 posts) on Fri, 2008-07-25 13:05.Brent, jealous much? Yes, how sad that Hollywood isn't interested in yet ANOTHER COMING-OF-AGE-GAY-TEENAGER-STORY of "The Geography Club". Talk about trite. I've seen Batman the Dark Knight and it is amazing. It's the best movie I've seen in a long time. Also, I don't believe for a minute that line "I have loved comic books all my life". If you were, then you wouldn't mind the good Comic Book Movie adaptations. Although I totally believe that you're a D&D geek. They're much more unstable.
WhoaSubmitted by
octobercountry (1368 points) (311 posts) on Sat, 2008-07-26 00:40.Whoa, why so harsh? There's room for all tastes in the world of cinema. I pretty much have zero interest in superhero movies myself (though I do see one now and again---enjoyed "Hellboy," for example). But "Batman"---couldn't care less, and I doubt I'll ever even rent it.... 'Course, comics were not part of my childhood, so the current obsession with superhero films just seems kind of silly to me... I'm like a superhero, with no powers or motivation...  Michael RadySubmitted by
zanefan (1416 points) (327 posts) on Fri, 2008-07-25 13:14.Michael Rady, a twink? Really? I must be out of touch. He's a beefy, dark-haired hunk of a man. When I think twink, I think thin, blond guy. Maybe the definition has changed? Maybe I'm just getting old...  Well He has a point -Submitted by
isoron (2324 points) (537 posts) on Sun, 2008-07-27 13:51.Michael plays a twink-type character but anyone who saw that shower scene in the CSINY episode on "time travel" would certainly agree with you!
 Rady's not a twink to meSubmitted by
Joseph (7150 points) (1457 posts) on Sun, 2008-07-27 18:44.Brunets can be twinks, but Rady doesn't fit my definition of twink: thin, young, even appears to be underage, but isn't. From the looks of him, Rady appears more of an A&F frat boy type.  Brendan Fraser is indeed adorableness itselfSubmitted by
David Ehrenstein (7805 points) (1725 posts) on Fri, 2008-07-25 13:19.I was on the set of Gods and Monsters for two days and he was just the biggest most loveable puppy dog you ever saw, seated in awe at Ian McKellen's feet.
Another vote for "Chuck"Submitted by
Roguy (66 points) (13 posts) on Fri, 2008-07-25 15:04.To echo the recommendation of Giovanni... yep, "Chuck" is a great little show -- funny, good action, and Mr. McPartlin's Captain Awesome is the icing on the cake. Matthew Bomer also has a recurring role on the show-- if you don't know who he is, you need to check him out as well!
 Superheros and moviesSubmitted by
netogeno (3122 points) (856 posts) on Fri, 2008-07-25 15:52.Asking why another superhero movie is like asking why buy the latest issue of the man in tights (or woman, lets be inclusive here) of your choice. Its the hope that a compelling story will be told about that character you like or identify with. Granted, they are not always done well, but if they keep you entertained you keep the hope for the next one. And of course, because there is a lot of money in it. And get ready because they will keep coming. With The Avengers, Watchmen, Capt. America, Thor, Ironman,the X Men: Origins franchise, the next Superman movie and the apparent Spiderman 4; the next three years are going to be interesting. Great column this week, Brent. Glad to know you are going to have Michael back. I guess we are going to have you both MIA for week or so. So do have The Best Week Ever. HmmmSubmitted by
I think I'd feel the same if there had been 50,000 parlor mysteries in the last ten years. Hollywood only makes so many movies in a year...why not try a genre that is more fresh? Yes, of course, there's always room for another excellent movie, no matter the genre. But honestly, I used to YEARN for these movies...and now I'm at a point where I don't even gon (it doesn't help that I didn't like BATMAN BEGINS...).
Read my books! Explore "Brent's Brain" at http://www.brenthartinger.com no votes  Ryan McPartlin = Captain America!Submitted by
Strepsi (521 points) (150 posts) on Fri, 2008-07-25 19:30.MAybe that'll get the "zing" back in your superhero movies?Honestly you MUST watch "Chuck"Zachary Levi is adorableAdam Baldwin is hunky and hilariousThe "real" spy is played by my TV boyfriend, Matthew Bomer (Traveller)Ryan McPartlin is perfection.(the show is pretty good too...)
 SWINGSubmitted by
Jeff P in Boston (45 points) (8 posts) on Fri, 2008-07-25 19:56.I have to say I came late to SWINGTOWN (if you can call watching episode 5 of a new series late), as I was mucho skeptical about its seemingly gratuitous premise. Having watched eps 5, 6 and 7, I was compelled to go back to the start to see what I missed. I can't say it is revolutionary nor exploring much ground we haven't already seen. But in these dog days of summer, I was delighted to watch a show with an actual plot (GOSH, what is THAT?), with characters that are in relationships, in interesting situations, etc. Don't get me wrong, I'm a BIG fan of Project Runway, Kathy Griffin, American Idol (sorry, I am), and Amazing Race, but I think there is TOO much reality tv on tv. I like a scripted show with good actors, and I think the scripts are pretty good, and the performances real solid. Characters like Susan (the wonderful Molly Parker from Deadwood), Trina and daughter Laurie (a natural, subtle and underplayed teen girl who is smart -- thank you writers for giving her some sense, strength and still letting her be a teenage girl). And although I like Grant Show (I admit, I was a MELROSE fan), I really like the other two husbands Bruce and Roger. How great that the writers are letting relationships develop SLOWLY. Plus, I have to say how much I love the MUSIC and the clothes. Tacky but also nostalgic! I hope it survives and gets renewed. Oh, at least I have MAD MEN, returning. I really did miss the scripted series.
 Ageed. Swingtown is...Submitted by
Janet (2391 points) (466 posts) on Fri, 2008-07-25 21:04....fun, visual entertainment that isn't only about decadence and debauchery (as my annoying friends insist) It has a story and doesn't only uphold one point of view. Bad stuff happens to those I was rooting for, and good stuff to those I hated. It keeps turning and twisting and I find it over-all "take me away from my sorry life" type of entertainment. I'll keep watching.
I say we take the warning labels off everything and let nature take it's course. Swingtown reminds me soSubmitted by
zanefan (1416 points) (327 posts) on Sun, 2008-07-27 01:25.Swingtown reminds me so much of the best of the 80s primetime soaps. Frothy, thisclose to over-the-top, character-driven plots. It's like watching what Knots Landing would have been like had it been slightly more kinky.  Excellent post, Brent!Submitted by
QueerTwoCents (516 points) (135 posts) on Fri, 2008-07-25 20:48.I enjoy Brendan Fraser too. Tres adorable. I didn't expect to get into Swingtown as much as I have but I am enjoying it (the actresses r-o-c-k). I totally forgot about the 3rd Strachey movie! I'm looking forward to seeing Chad Allen (love love love him). Cheers, - QTC oh and Brent...Submitted by
Janet (2391 points) (466 posts) on Fri, 2008-07-25 21:08.....I just *love* that you miss Michael so much. I mean I'm sorry that you have to miss him, but I love that you do. There is hope for all of us yet....
I say we take the warning labels off everything and let nature take it's course. He's really back now.Submitted by
All is good! We've had a GREAT weekend. And yeah, I know that I'm really lucky. ;-)
Read my books! Explore "Brent's Brain" at http://www.brenthartinger.com no votes  Oy! More crankiness please.Submitted by
Mike Wong (342 points) (81 posts) on Sat, 2008-07-26 10:28.I found this article utterly entertaining, sarcastic, and funny. Be cranky more often pls, you're funnier that way.
Thanks *blush*Submitted by
But not to worry--the "cranky" is sort of second nature. ;-)
Read my books! Explore "Brent's Brain" at http://www.brenthartinger.com no votes Living With FranSubmitted by
Kworb7 (35 points) (7 posts) on Sat, 2008-07-26 16:47.You've never seen Ryan on Fran Drescher's short-lived comedy Living With Fran? It wasn't nearly as good as The Nanny, but it had some funny episodes. And with eye candy like that, who needs a good script?
 ThemesSubmitted by
Max (5 points) (1 post) on Sat, 2008-07-26 18:46.To ask if the superhero genre has been exhausted is like asking if we should stop having boy meets girl stories or good vs. evil stories. Universal themes are just that: universal. Only the plots become repetitive. The Dark Knight was an excellent piece of filmmaking (although some of the editing was a bit choppy and it was about 20 minutes too long) and as long as they keeping making good films regardless of theme, I will still see them 1000 times before watching dreck like Step Brothers. Have a great week!
100% AgreeSubmitted by
RBLstrng (1 post) on Sun, 2008-07-27 04:32.I completely agree. Superheroes have all of this mythology that changes with time, because characters are reincarnated. Yeah I mean most super hero movies are pretty lame, and repetitive. Movies like the Dark Knight prove there's so much more, that people aren't doing with the superhero genre. The film is the most well received film of the year so far, even by skeptics, who thought the film couldn't possibly live up to it's hype. Someone must be doing something right otherwise everyone else just has bad taste.
LOVED Mamma Mia!Submitted by
Finally saw MAMMA Mia today... loved, loved, LOVED it! So much fun...and Streep is luminous.
Read my books! Explore "Brent's Brain" at http://www.brenthartinger.com no votes Brendan Fraser >sigh<Submitted by
Tony (186 points) (38 posts) on Sun, 2008-07-27 16:28.I'm totally with you on Brendan Fraser being adorable, Brent. He's also one of those lucky guys who gets better looking as he ages. I loved the scene in 'Journey' where he yanks off his sleeve to match the other one which was torn off. Can't have no assymetry. As for superhero movies, Big Yawn. Except for the different costumes they're all the same. I'm so tired of watching the same Hollywood movie over and over again. Debbie Schlussel's nutty review of Mamma Mia...Submitted by
Bill S (1844 points) (373 posts) on Sun, 2008-07-27 20:01.inspired me to write a takedown of it, mocking her every stupid line. You can find it over at the weblog "World O'Crap". Here's the link: http://world-o-crap.com/blog/?p=866
Feel free to post a comment there after reading it!  I had never heard of Debbie SchlusselSubmitted by
db (3180 points) (661 posts) on Sun, 2008-07-27 21:42.but what a bag o' nuts she is--Mama Mia is a feminist plot? World o' crap could be a description of her blog.
Mama Mia, Brendan Frasier...Submitted by
db (3180 points) (661 posts) on Sun, 2008-07-27 21:40.I really like Mama Mia too--it's a lot of fun with a great cast, Steep and CHRISTINE BARANSKI! It's a dumb movie--but so much fun. I also enjoyed Journey to the Center of the Earth--and I love Brendan Frasier even more now that he's allowed to eat. I would just live to cuddle with him.
I'm not sure it's so dumbSubmitted by
I thought it was kind of brilliant in it exuberance. And it took a bunch of kinda dumb ABBA songs and made them SEEM meaningful. I've never seen a movie quite like it, so carefree and fun. But it made me FEEL a lot, which is why I'm thinking there's a genius in there somewhere...But I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU ABOUT CHRISTINE BARANSKI!!!!
Read my books! Explore "Brent's Brain" at http://www.brenthartinger.com no votes We'll have to agree to disagree on the dumb thing...Submitted by
db (3180 points) (661 posts) on Mon, 2008-07-28 17:18.While I did totally enjoy it and was moved from time to time the film is rather in the tradition of British panto--a sort of call and response thing. And the director doesn't trust herself enough to let the camera stand still for even a moment. But I enjoyed it a whole lot and would reccommend it to almost everybody.
Brendan Fraser looks quiteSubmitted by
FAII (583 points) (131 posts) on Mon, 2008-07-28 16:08.Brendan Fraser looks quite yummy in that screenshot (or promo photo or whatever). He'll be turning 40 in December, yet he's still as boyishly handsome as ever.
 Mia CulpaSubmitted by
Alxmouse (420 points) (86 posts) on Tue, 2008-07-29 14:50.I'll have to represent the gay public that would rather see ten Dark Knights (an epic movie deserving of an Oscar nod) versus 100 Mamma Mia(s). The last musical I liked was Moulin Rouge. Musicals are best left to the theaters where I'd be hard-pressed not to enjoy it. But alas I have Hollywood on my side so I wont press the point. I also read Hero; and cannot wait for that movie version. I just got back from Cancun. It might be I'm in a bad mood. And if so "Mia Culpa." But I really didn't agree with many of your criticism both good and bad (excluding your exceptional taste in men). Though if the "Master of the One-Liners'" book is anything like the interview; I'll be loving it as you did. |
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Superhero flicks
I'd like to think that there is still potential in the superhero movie sub-genre; I still hold cherished memories of the wonder I experienced as a child watching Superman (1978) and Superman II (1981), still two of the best comic book adaptations ever.
I've never been much of a fan of the Batman films--aside from an occasional performance (Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman, for example)--they've largely been thoroughly negligible films, with The Dark Knight as probably the least interesting of them all. (At least the Joel Schumacher-directed entries are fun for their gay campiness.)
In fact, the best superhero flick of the current crop is one that most critics dumped on: 2007's Fanatsic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, quite possibly the most subtly subversive blockbuster film of recent years, which dares to offer a critique not only of our shallow, tabloid obsessed society but also a fascinating commentary on free choice and the necessity of questioning authority.
I love 'em
Maybe because I've been a comic book geek since early childhood, this rising wave of superhero flicks is just fine with me! I'm looking forward to Captain America, Thor, Green Lantern, and the Avengers films which are reported to be coming in the next few years.
Don't get me wrong, I also enjoy other genres in film & TV & literature. I was actually dreading "Swingtown", but I have to say it has sucked me in with it's intriguing character interplay, retro-70s style, and Josh Hopkins' pecs, (maybe not necessarily in that order!). I can't imagine it lasting more than this summer on CBS, yet stranger things have happened. I hope it does, if only to see the how this all plays out for Janet, the uptight conservative housewife, (who, yes, is married to Josh Hopkins' character!).
If you're craving more Ryan McPartlin, Brent
check out the NBC series Chuck - one of my favorite shows for good male eye candy last season. McPartlin plays Captain Awesome, the boyfriend of Chuck's sister.
He often goes shirtless, as you can see, and in one memorable scene he taught Chuck how to tango while clad only in a towel.
As for Swingtown, another piece of eye candy, Mark Valley, shows up from time to time, rockin the same type of porn stache that Grant Show sports. Seriously, how does one get to be the person who casts a show like that?
I know how movie marketing folks prefer to focus on US Box Office totals, but I'd focus on worldwide figures if I were the one working on "Mamma Mia!" From what I've read, it's kicking butt everywhere but the US, including the UK, where it topped the charts the past two weeks, beating out "Hancock" and "Wall-E."
Oh! My! God!
Read my books! Explore "Brent's Brain" at http://www.brenthartinger.com no votes