Out at the Movies: "Watchmen," "Phoebe in Wonderland"

Watchmen

Yes, the long-awaited Watchmen finally hits theaters this weekend, but if messed-up superheroes aren't your cup of tea, there's a terrific alternative this weekend.

Read on!

Watchmen, based on the legendary graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, hits the big screen this weekend, with director Zack Snyder (whose 300 was simultaneously homoerotic and homophobic) cramming as much of the original comic into the movie as he possibly can. (Mind you, this isn't always a good thing.)

Matthew Goode as Ozymandias

What's gay about it? Well, the opening credits include a shot of superhero Ozymandias (Matthew Goode) hanging out in front of Studio 54 with Mick Jagger, David Bowie and the Village People while, in another, Andy Warhol and Truman Capote check out Warhol's painting of Nite Owl (Patrick Wilson). The movie also implies that its villain (who I won't reveal for those who haven't read the book) is probably gay (and a pederast—he has a secret computer file marked "Boys"); oh goody, another one of those.

It's also worth noting that Watchmen, unlike recent films like Beowulf or Death at a Funeral, doesn't leap through hoops to avoid putting a penis on screen, so there are lots of shots of Dr. Manhattan's (Billy Crudup) big, floppy, bright blue dong. (We also get a lingering shot of Wilson's glutes, which also made arresting appearances in Little Children and Angels in America.)

Elle Fanning and Ian Coletti

But while Watchmen is getting all the hype for the weekend, a little movie worth seeking out is Phoebe in Wonderland, starring Elle Fanning as a young girl losing her grasp on reality while she stars in a school production of Alice in Wonderland. The terrific cast includes Patricia Clarkson, Felicity Huffman and Bill Pullman, but many scenes are stolen by young Ian Coletti as Phoebe's friend Jamie.

Jamie unabashedly auditions for the role of the Red Queen, and he's super-fierce in owning the part once he gets it. (When a bratty little girl spits "Homo!" at him, he immediately retorts with "Homo got the part!") He's a poster boy for young drama-club queens everywhere.