Best. Gay. Week. Ever. (September 14, 2007)

FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE
At the box office this week, we have David Cronenberg's thriller Eastern Promises which our own Brian Juergen's thinks presents a more interesting portrait of a gay character than I found in last week's 3:10 to Yuma. (Yes, I recognize that a number of folks have posted they completely disagree with me and I fully recognize your right to be wrong! LOL!)

Just the other day I commented that I missed Seann William Scott and wondered what had become of him. He's back on Friday in something called — I kid you not — Mr. Woodcock which looks to be a raunchy comedy of some sort. Even more bizarre? It stars Susan Sarandon. Did I miss the news she had suffered a stroke and now lets a chihuahua pick her scripts?

Too bad for both of them as the movie is getting horrendous reviews and makes me miss even more the days when Seann was smooching Ashton Kutcher.

Also hitting theaters today is Jodie Foster's vengeance flick The Brave One. In this week's Two Gay Guys, Brent and I have a few observations to share about our changing feelings where Ms. Foster is concerned

DVD is an interesting mix of the good and the bad, depending on your point of view. No doubt the most controversial is the release of William Friedkin's Cruising starring Al Pacino as the undercover cop who enters the dangerous, seedy world of gay men found only in Friedkin's mind circa 1980. Check back on Tuesday for our take on the movie and then on Wednesday we present our first "Recap Attack" wherein we recap the movie with our unique spin.

Considerably less controversial, not to mention more popular among gay men, is the first season of Brothers & Sisters which comes out on DVD on Tuesday. Among the usual extras — schmoozy interviews with the cast, exclusive "behind" the scenes footage, and, of course, bloopers — there really is something unique offered here. An entire episode that was never shown on television!

Titled "A Different Look at the Walkers" it was supposed to be the second episode, but the powers-that-be decided it dragged a bit. Which translates to they were already so fearful of all the bad news about the show's troublesome beginnings they weren't taking any chances with a dicey episode. Since I know what is most on your minds, I'll cut right to the chase and tell you the answer is yes — Matthew Rhys is shirtless in the episode. In fact, here is a pic!

Two things struck me while watching the first ep: A) I forgot just how adorable and perfect Matthew Rhys is as Kevin Walker. Yes, he's flawed and quirky and temperamental, but that makes him about as real as any gay character on TV right now and B) Sally Fields is simply wonderful as Nora Walker. Frankly, I'm not sure the show would work without her.

For those of you who want to know a little more about just what is in that second episode, check back on Tuesday and we'll have something for you!