Petunia
Comedy/Drama
Starring: Thora Birch, Brittany Snow, Tobias Segal, Eddie Kay Thomas, Christine Lahti and Michael Urie
Writer/Director: Ash Christian
 
If The Family Stone (2005) had you laughing, Petunia will have you peeing your pants.  The dynamics of this film are similar, as it is the story of one hysterically dysfunctional family.  Part relatable and part unpredictable, but one thing is for sure – it will have you rolling in tears of laughter!
 
Christine Lahti – who had me LOL, ROFL, LMAO and any other acronym you can think of - plays the Mom who is also a therapist, and go-figure - she avoids any real feelings of her own.  The father has erectile dysfunction; all three of the brothers have sex issues, either avoidance or over abundance; the sister-in-law is depressed and  just plain crazy; and then there’s the cousin, who is married to a woman, and having an affair with a gay man.
 
Though laughter is always the best medicine, I am a hopeless romantic at heart, therefore the ending was my favorite part.  Seriously – put this on your watch list!
 
Released digitally August 6, 2013
Released on DVD September 3, 2013
 
Twitter: @PetuniaMovie

A Perfect Ending
Lesbian Romance Drama
Starring:  Barbara Niven, Jessica Clark, John Heard, Morgan Fairchild, Rebecca Staab
Directed by:  Nicole Conn

Rebecca (Barbara Niven) is a wealthy housewife and mother of three, who has dedicated her life to being the ‘family stone’.   Now middle aged with grown children and a husband more dedicated to his work than his wife, Rebecca toils with thoughts of something missing in her life.
 
With the help of friends and a Hollywood Madam, Rebecca is introduced to Paris (Jessica Clark), a beautifully sexy and much younger, call girl.  As the passionate love affair begins, so does the complications at home.  The untold stories of the past – and the future - are slowly revealed.
 
A Perfect Ending is a fun and relatable lesbian romance and drama film, boasting an all-star cast with an honest chemistry between the main characters.   It offers excitement, humor, intensity, and anticipation with an unsuspecting ending.
 
Available at WolfOnDemand 
http://wolfeondemand.muvies.com/reviews/1854-a-perfect-ending-

Living Adoption
Documentary

Photosynthesis Productions, in association with the Human Rights Campaign, have created this inspirational, moving and honest documentary of gay and lesbian individuals who chose to become adoptive parents.

The 21-minute video gives insight into all facets of the adoption process, from the beginning thoughts of being a parent to the struggles of raising a teenager, as well as societal issues and racial concerns. Each of the parents, with their honest and well spoken feelings, share their challenges as well as the joys of their journey. This documentary is informative and educational and comes highly recommended for ALL parents. Our 14 year old Assistant ‘Editor-in-Training’ enjoyed the feature so much, that she chose to watch the bonus scenes as well. When I asked her what she learned from this video, she said "It’s a great reminder of how racism, in all forms, affects so many families." 

DVD available at: www.photosynthesisproductions.com  www.hrc.org  www.amazon.com

As featured in Connextions Magazine, Issue 5.

Training Rules: No Drinking, No Drugs, No Lesbians
Documentary
Released: 2009

SYNOPSIS:
Training Rules is a 63-minute award-winning documentary, co-produced and co-directed by Dee Mosbacher and Fawn Yacker.  The film examines the degree of homophobia in women's collegiate sports, and focuses on the women's basketball program at Pennsylvania State University under head coach Rene Portland and her policy of discrimination (or lack there-of).

REVIEW:
I've had this film in my play-list on Netflix for a few weeks.  Since I'm not a sports fan, I wasn't driven by desire to watch a film about basketball.  My interest quickly turned to intrigue and undivided attention, about 30 seconds into this documentary.  I was deeply disturbed and saddened by the destruction that one head coach was able to cause to some of America's most talented athletes.  Jennifer Harris will simply be regarded as a hero in the community fighting for equality.  The courage she displayed by telling her story will no-doubt pave the way for others to live a life of their dreams!

Have you seen this film?  Let us know your thoughts.

Welcome to New York
Short Film by Steven Tyler O'Connor
Starring: Sherry Vine

SYNOPSIS:
Welcome to New York is about unique first experiences in New York City.   This 30-minute short film, starring Sherry Vine as Dr. Kitty Rosenblatt, the unorthodox yet wildly successful therapist, gives a close look into the lives of 5 therapy patients, who are adjusting to NYC life.   

REVIEW:
This short film, written and directed by Steven Tylor O’Connor, is a humorous look into the lives of five characters, who are trying to balance daily life, while looking for love and following their dreams in the big apple.   At the start of the film, each of the characters have one thing in common, their unconventional, eccentric and humorous therapist.   By the end of the film, O’Connor cleverly depicts how each of the five characters lives are intertwined. 
 
I especially appreciate how Dr. Rosenblatt gives her patient (Mick) a dumbfounded look, after a conversation where Mick explains his profession about performing as a “man in a dress.”  This particular part, gives a clear understanding, with unspoken words, just how ‘normal,’ the LGBT community sees itself.  
 
O’Connor has a unique ability in his script writing, to give any audience something to smile about and relate to, not to mention, a craving for the sequel.  Kudos on another successful film!

WelcomeToNewYorkTheMovie.com
Facebook.com/WTNYTheMovie
twitter.com/WTNYTheMovie

Outrage
Released: 2009
Documentary

Official Synopsis, courtesy of Magnolia Pictures:
Academy Award nominated filmmaker Kirby Dick delivers a searing indictment of the hypocrisy of closeted politicians who actively campaign against the LGBT community they covertly belong to. OUTRAGE boldly reveals the hidden lives of some of our nation’s most powerful policymakers, details the harm they've inflicted on millions of Americans, and examines the media's complicity in keeping their secrets.

Even for the American citizens who have little or no understanding into the world of politics, you will be shocked by the factual information in this film on the number of clearly gay politicians who continually vote AGAINST equality and/or even the human right to AIDS treatment.  For a 'crystal clear' example of the word hypocrite, this is a must-see movie!

Note: Although this picture is not yet rated, we do not suggest the showing of this movie to anyone under the age of 18.

Rent on Netflix or click to the official website to watch the trailer: http://outragethemovie.com/ 

If you've seen this movie, feel free to add your review below and let others know what you thought of it.

for my wife...
Documentary
Released: 2008

This is a heartfelt documentary, starring Charlene Strong, who tells the story of how she was treated by hospital and funeral staff during the tragic loss of her wife.  Anyone who has ever loved, (no matter gay or straight) will relate to the struggles she endured.

Through perseverance and passion, Charlene changes laws to include domestic partnership benefits in the state of Washington, by sharing her story.  Her journey continues, as she becomes a representative of GLAAD, and travels America to advocate for same-sex partnership benefits and marriage equality.

I was moved, saddened, and enlightened by not only Charlene's story of love and dedication, but also by the path she has been led down to become an activist for moral justice.  If not for her tragedy, the equality movement may not have progressed as it has.  While watching a film of this magnitutude, you can't help but think... "what if that were me?"

Rent on Netflix or click to the website for more information: http://www.formywife.info/

If you've seen this movie, feel free to add your review below and let others know what you thought of it.

United in Anger: A History of ACT UP
Documentary

Director: Jim Hubbard
Producer: Sarah Schulman
Screenwriters: Ali Cotterill, Jim Hubbard
Director of photography: James Wentzy
Editor: Ali Cotterill
 
This incredible documentary, using period footage from the activist group ACTUP, gives viewers a clear understanding of the battle that was fought when the AIDS crisis first surfaced in 1987.  

Produced in chronological order, the movie documents how individuals began gathering to discuss the common goal of injustice and what actions were taken to fight for the equality of individuals with AIDS.  The movie depicts how the organization began, what the initial goals were, and how over a long span of time and quick growth of the group, it struggled internally with an ever growing agenda.  And although not the focus of the movie, it also portrays how at this time period in American history, these meetings were the ‘hip’ place to be.  All the gays attended and it was a safe haven to become a popular pick-up joint.
 
If you are of the younger queer generation, this movie is a must-see to gain an understanding of the heroic individuals who give us our freedom today.  If you lived through this era, I would also recommend making this a must-see movie! Refresh, renew,  rejuvenate, re-live and remember the experience!
 
The 92-minute movie will bring you to the edge of your seat with rage, tears, and excitement.
 
We highly recommend that all community centers, LGBT groups, pride groups, etc. should host movie-night and offer a showing of United in Anger: A History of ACT UP.

For more information or to find a showing in your area, click to: 

https://www.facebook.com/UnitedinAnger 

http://www.unitedinanger.com 
 
Here is the official press released description of the movie:

UNITED IN ANGER: A HISTORY OF ACT UP is the first feature-length documentary about how ACT UP (the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), a small group of men and women of all races and classes, came together to change the world and save each other’s lives. The film takes the viewer through the planning and execution of a dozen exhilarating major actions including Seize Control of the FDA, Stop the Church, and Day of Desperation, with a timeline of many of the other zaps and actions that forced the U.S.  government and mainstream media to deal with the AIDS crisis. UNITED IN ANGER  reveals the group's complex culture – meetings, affinity groups, and approaches to civil disobedience mingle with profound grief, sexiness, and the incredible  energy of ACT UP.

"Where the Bears Are"
Premiers August 1, 2012
Watch it at: www.wherethebearsare.tv

From the creative team of Rick Copp (The Brady Bunch Movie) Joe Dietl (The Thin Pink Line) and Ben Zook (Jack and Jill) comes "Where the Bears Are," a comedy mystery web series that follows the exploits of three gay bear roommates living together in Los Angeles, as they attempt to solve the  murder of a party guest that turned up dead in their bathroom. 

Part "Golden Girls" and part "Murder, She Wrote," the series consists of 26 four-minute episodes, and is a romp through L.A.’s trendy neighborhood of Silver Lake, and whose mystery eventually reaches it’s climax in the desert outside of Palm Springs. 

Featuring guest appearances by Bruce Daniels, Tuc Watkins, Jackie Beat, and Shawn Pelofsky, the series is designed to appeal to both gay and straight audiences alike, and premiers online August 1st, 2012 at wherethebearsare.tv 

As featured in Connextions Magazine, Issue 8.  Click here to subscribe to receive the FREE digital edition upon release Aug 1, 2012.