Dearie Awards 2010: Movie of the Year - I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS

This was a tough choice to make at the end of a great year for GLBT-themed films, both domestic and foreign. We decided on I Love You Phillip Morris as our top pick, though, not only for its sharp, alternately hilarious and touching screenplay (which was just announced as a surprise nominee for this year's Writers Guild Awards) but for the sheer fact that it was finally released in the US after a tortured, nearly two year wait.

I Love You Phillip Morris, which starred Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor (both delightful) in the true-life story of misguided convicts in love with each other, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January of 2009, then opened in virtually every European country, but saw its American opening held up by marketing concerns and financial squabbles. It finally played a number of US theaters just last month, to mixed critical and box office success. Nevertheless, everyone — gay, straight and in between — ought to see this bizarre yet oddly universal, resonant love story. We love Phillip Morris too!

Honorable Mentions:
A leading contender in this year's Oscars, The Kids Are All Right was also nominated by the WGA, as well as for a host of Golden Globe and other awards. This topical tale of a lesbian couple (the fabulous Annette Bening and Julianne Moore) coping with their rapidly maturing children's desire to develop a relationship with their sperm-donor father (a similarly great Mark Ruffalo) struck a chord among parents of all stripes. Though it received mixed reactions in the GLBT community, the general acclaim heaped upon The Kids Are All Right serves as a testament to how far we have come as film viewers and filmmakers, and the movie is probably the most significant mainstream achievement in that regard since 2005's Brokeback Mountain.

Burlesque won't go down as a cinematic classic, but this contemporary homage to A Star is Born melodramas had enough musical pizzazz and camp charm to win over gay audiences. Add Cher (in her first film role in seven years) to the time-honored mix and we had, if not a blockbuster, a Xanadu-esque pop pageant that will likely stand the test of time. As Cher prophetically sings on the soundtrack, "You Haven't Seen the Last of Me." Christina Aguilera didn't suck, Cam Gigandet showed his shapely derriere, Stanley Tucci played gay (again) and Kristen Bell amused as the alcoholic diva. Oh, and out actor Alan Cumming appeared sporadically in a variation on his Cabaret MC role. What's not to like?

Click the following links for our original reviews: I Love You Phillip Morris, The Kids Are All Right and Burlesque.

UPDATE: I Love You Phillip Morris is now available on DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.com.

By Rev. Chris Carpenter, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and the Orange County and Long Beach Blade.

Dearie Awards 2010: Documentary of the Year - STONEWALL UPRISING

The seminal event in GLBT liberation history finally received the unadulterated film treatment it deserved in the revelatory documentary Stonewall Uprising. Previous docs have dealt with events leading up to and following the riots that occurred in and around Greenwich Village's Stonewall Inn in the summer of 1969, and one fictional movie (1995's Stonewall) depicted some of the events and players involved. It wasn't until 2010, however, that this assemblage of you-are-there archival footage and interviews with participants on both sides of the divide came together with the admirable intent of trying to separate fact from legend.

The result is more inspirational than anything we've witnessed before, and Stonewall Uprising (due on DVD April 26) is a true must-see for neophyte students and long-dedicated activists alike. When a New York City police officer (now in his 80's) who was there questions the wisdom of the crackdown on the Stonewall, attention must be paid.

Honorable Mentions:
8: The Mormon Proposition was an eye-opening, if not exactly unbiased, exploration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' well-organized support of California's Proposition 8, which sought to amend the state's constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage. Of course, there's no rule that says filmmakers, including documentarians, have to be unbiased; if there were, Michael Moore would have been out of a job long ago. As legal challenges to the now-infamous Prop 8 continue to be filed and heard, time and justice will hopefully declare it unconstitutional once and for all. Until then, the religious forces of opposition to marriage equality need to be called out, and this film does an exceptional job at that.

Walt Disney Studios had a notoriously difficult time adjusting to meet more sophisticated audience expectations between the 1970's-1980's. Waking Sleeping Beauty provides an intimate peek behind the scenes during the company's late 80's makeover that ushered in an animation renaissance with such massive successes as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King. Interestingly but perhaps unsurprisingly, the film hints that these significant Disney achievements might not have been possible if not for the artistic contributions of gay talents/visionaries Howard Ashman (who died, tragically, of AIDS-related complications in 1991) and Elton John, among others. An all-around insightful film for all of us "Disney queens" out here.

Click the following links to read our original reviews: Stonewall Uprising, 8: The Mormon Proposition and Waking Sleeping Beauty.

UPDATE: Stonewall Uprising is now available on DVD from Amazon.com.

By Rev. Chris Carpenter, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and the Orange County and Long Beach Blade.

Dearie Awards 2010: Man of the Year - JAMES FRANCO

Much was written in the mainstream press this past year about the seemingly inexhaustible talents of James Franco. When he wasn't studying for two Master's Degrees, publishing a book, writing poetry and saving the world from an onslaught of intelligent apes (oh, sorry, that's later this year, when he will headline the sci-fi prequel Rise of the Apes), Franco was playing one of Julia Roberts' lovers in Eat Pray Love, stalking hunky Steve Burton on General Hospital and directing a gay-themed short film (The Feast of Stephen) that appeared on the 2010 queer festival circuit.

Franco has long held viewers' attention, and gave memorable performances in both the Spider-Man trilogy and the Oscar-winning biopic Milk. The latter film, especially, sparked considerable "is he one of us?" speculation about Franco on the part of gay fans (according to recent reports, the actor is dating a woman). But Franco has also been regarded at times as laid back to a fault on screen. That perception changed dramatically in 2010, when Franco did exuberant, even joyful work in Howl and 127 Hours. In the first, Franco embodied the Beat Generation energy and protest spirit of gay poet Allen Ginsberg. In the second, the actor rivets in a largely immobile role, contemplating life as a hiker literally stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Next on Franco's growing list of broad achievements: co-hosting the Academy Awards ceremony with Anne Hathaway on February 27, where he will also more than likely be a nominee. Will nothing hold him down? You go, Franco! Movie Dearest salutes you.

Honorable Mentions:
The first season of Fox's hit musical-dramedy Glee introduced Chris Colfer to the world in the role of Kurt Hummel, a gay high school student who zigzags through various points of the coming out process. The untried actor-singer reportedly snagged the role shortly after stepping off the bus for his first professional audition. Colfer and Kurt have since become role models for a new generation of GLBT teens, with Colfer participating in the 2010 "It Gets Better" video campaign in the wake of a tragic number of suicides by bullied young people. I had the pleasure of being present last summer when Colfer presented his Glee co-star Jane Lynch with the Outfest Lifetime Achievement Award, and was impressed by his poise and sincerity. And can he sing! His rendition of "A House is Not a Home" this season was a standout among a number of impressive musical moments, culminating in his holiday duet on "Baby, It's Cold Outside" with Kurt's maybe-boyfriend, Blaine (Darren Criss). Keep up the great work!

We loved Colin Firth's performance as a gay college professor mourning the death of his longtime lover in last year's A Single Man. Duly Oscar nominated, Firth tragically (in the opinion of some of us) lost the award to Jeff Bridges. If Lady Justice is gay, she'll make sure the scale tips Firth's way this year for his acclaimed performance in The King's Speech, when he and Bridges will likely compete again in the Best Actor category. However, Firth has the edge this time around since (A) he hasn't won before and (B) he gave a simply glorious performance as stuttering, stammering King George VI. Definitely more crowd-pleasing than A Single Man, if no less significant a character study, The King's Speech explores the importance of national leadership at a time when the subject couldn't be more critical. Firth has turned in consistently great work (he was also fun in last year's St. Trinian's School for Girls), and now as a king in addition to his previous "queens."

By Rev. Chris Carpenter, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and the Orange County and Long Beach Blade.

Dearie Awards 2010: Television Show of the Year - TRUE BLOOD

A vampire king and his male lover. A vampire queen and her female lover. Homoerotic dreams starring two straight, hunky heroes. A burgeoning romance between the flamboyant fry cook and his mother's male nurse. An often shirtless resident himbo. An often naked pack of werewolves. And, oh yeah, the revelation that the lead character is a fairy (OK, not that kind of fairy, but still... )

No doubt about it, the third season of HBO's horror series True Blood was the gayest thing on TV in 2010. It has also been one of the sexiest, goriest and most addictive television programs in recent years. Created by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Alan Ball and starring Oscar winner Anna Paquin, True Blood is a blood good time. And that's the truth.

Honorable Mentions:
ABC's hit, multi-Emmy Award winning Modern Family continues its hot streak in its second season. The clever comedy even silenced its critics when gay couple Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Cameron (Emmy winner Eric Stonestreet) finally had an on-air kiss.

On the reality TV front, Logo's RuPaul's Drag Race became a pop culture phenomenon with its sophomore leg. A high camp, low stakes hybrid of America's Next Top Model and Project Runway (complete with hostess RuPaul in Tim Gunn mentor drag), this show really works it, girl.

Dearie Awards 2010: Women of the Year - ANNETTE BENING & JULIANNE MOORE

How do you choose between Annette Bening’s tightly wound Alpha-mom and Julianne Moore’s warm and sensual earth mother as Woman of the Year? The answer is, you don’t! We at Movie Dearest are pleased to honor two of our finest contemporary actresses for their perfectly in-sync performances in Lisa Cholodenko’s deceptively subversive family comedy, The Kids Are All Right. As uptight Nic and laidback Jules, Bening and Moore made their unconventional family feel normal yet universal. Each woman nailed their character’s comic highs and dramatic depths and more than that, Bening and Moore truly made you believe that they were in a loving, long-term marriage.

Right before the film opened in June, Bening experienced an ironic family situation that undoubtedly dimmed her euphoria over her well-received performance. Her daughter Kathlyn Beatty was quoted as officially announcing her intention to get gender reassignment surgery and the tabloids trumpeted how “devastated” Bening’s husband Warren Beatty was at the prospect. Moore, on the other hand, found herself having to defend her character’s decision to sleep with her children’s donor father, slyly played by Mark Ruffalo. Many (lesbians and others, including our own Father Chris) cried foul, but Moore was eloquent in her praise of gay and lesbian parents and her commitment to her character’s motives and sexual orientation.

The very fact that both women give such rich, full-bodied performances in the same film may cost them each an Oscar, but we at Movie Dearest think that Moore and Bening are much more than “all right”, we think they’re perfect!

Honorable Mentions:
It must be harrowing as an actress to go where director Darren Aronofsky sends you; who can ever forget Jennifer Connelly’s vile degradation at the end of Requiem for a Dream? However, few actresses could make such a sublime experience out of losing her mind as Natalie Portman in Black Swan. The notorious perfectionist was perfectly cast as high-strung NYC ballerina Nina Sayers, who dramatically unravels once cast as the Swan Queen in Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Who knew that plastic actress who played Queen Amidala in the Star Wars films had it in her? Her character’s latent lesbian desires towards her sexy rival Lily (Mila Kunis) only force her closer to and then over the edge. It’s a red-eyed, feathered freak-out you’ll never forget, and we’re in agreement with Nina herself when she says, sizing up her opening night performance, “It was perfect.”

Noomi Rapace, the previously little-known actress, made a huge international impression this year as Lisbeth Salander in the Millennium trilogy (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl who Played with Fire and The Girl who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest), the fierce vigilante at the heart of the bestselling books and their hit Swedish film adaptations. Unfamiliar with the character prior to seeing these movies in 2010, we were struck by the vengeful, bisexual pixie in leather but even more so by Rapace. Her full-throttle dedication to the role, which entailed harrowing scenes of sexual abuse as well as exhilarating moments of justice long denied being served, testifies to Rapace's talent and commitment. She will soon be seen in bigger projects (including the Sherlock Holmes sequel) but I expect Lisbeth will be the role for which Rapace shall be remembered.

By Neil Cohen, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and Phoenix's Echo Magazine.

Dearie Awards 2010: New Star of the Year - DARREN CRISS

Sparks flew on Glee when Chris Colfer's Kurt Hummel first met Darren Criss' Blaine, leader of rival singing group the Dalton Academy Warblers. Those sparks turned into a bonfire when the dreamy Blaine launched into an a capella rendition of Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream". Just like Kurt, we the audience knew it: we were in love. And a new star was born.

Thanks to Criss' smooth vocals and undeniable charm, "Teenage Dream" soon turned into the hottest Glee track to date. His other performances on the show — "Hey, Soul Sister" and the playfully romantic Blaine/Kurt (Blurt?) duet "Baby, It's Cold Outside" — also became "Gleek" faves. It's no wonder then that multi-talented actor/singer (known previously for his magical, musical turn as Harry Potter in a popular viral video) was quickly signed on as Glee regular. We eagerly await Criss' — and Blaine's —return when the show resumes its second season next month.

Honorable Mentions:
In a show that already serves up more than its fair share of beefcake, it must be hard for the new hunk on the block to stand out. But when Joe Manganiello, as heroic wolf man Alcide Herveaux, first stepped on to True Blood (and out of his clothes... Google it), we definitely took notice; his sexy shape shifter leaves us howling at the moon.

As for the big screen, no other actress had as great a breakout year in 2010 than Mia Wasikowska. Her first major starring role was as the title character in the worldwide smash Alice in Wonderland (and its endless franchise potential). Later in the year, she proved she has the acting chops playing daughter to moms Annette Bening and Julianne Moore in the indie hit The Kids Are All Right.

Dearie Awards 2010: Stage Show of the Year - THE DIVINE SISTER

2010 saw a lot of great GLBT friendly shows come and go on and Off Broadway. However, no other show exhibited the sheer gleeful hilarity of Charles Busch’s comedy The Divine Sister. Based on any and every movie where women wear wimples (not to mention The Da Vinci Code and Tea and Sympathy), The Divine Sister was a fabulous return for Busch (and longtime friend and co-star Julie Halston) to his Theatre-in-Limbo roots, where he gave life to such camp classics as Vampire Lesbians of Sodom and Psycho Beach Party.

Set during the same mid-sixties period as Doubt, The Divine Sister celebrates more innocent nun-centric favorites like The Sound of Music, The Singing Nun, The Bells of St. Mary’s, The Trouble With Angels and its sequel, Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows, not to mention Agnes of God. Plus, the whole production design looks like a period Catholic School play (convent bricks made out of kitchen sponges and a chandelier made of plastic forks and spoons spray painted gold? Brilliant!).

When asked to comment on his win, Busch responded, "I love Movie Dearest and I'm sincerely very honored to have my play The Divine Sister chosen Best Stage Show." The Divine Sister was the funniest thing to hit the Catholic Church since the Crusades, and we are happy to bless it with a Dearie Award.  (Tickets are available through February, but since January is a tricky month for productions, it’s the perfect time to see this divine production. Visit the show's official website for tickets and more information.)

Honorable Mentions:
After a woozy revival starring Robert Goulet, it was a bracing breath of fresh perfumed air to see La Cage aux Folles once again on Broadway... and once again win the Tony! British comedian Douglas Hodge recreates his West End triumph, reinventing the character of Zaza... think Ricky Gervais in drag with killer pipes. Kelsey Grammer was his understated foil, and Les Cagelles were a leaner, meaner group of queens with major attitude. "The Best of Times" is indeed now at La Cage aux Folles, but it may get even better: come February, Harvey Fierstein and Jeffrey Tambor will star!

The hit of last year’s New York Fringe Festival, Devil Boys from Beyond was a lovingly vulgar send-up of 50’s sci-fi movies, McCarthy-era politics and His Girl Friday. Playwright Buddy Thomas and director Kenneth Elliot set their raunchy romp in 1957 Lizard Lick, Florida, where the beer-bellied Bubbas are being replaced by studly muscle hunks from beyond Uranus. Their horny housewives couldn’t care less; they’re thrilled with their new diet of beefcake. It’s up to tough-talking Mattie Van Buren to uncover the surprising reason for this alien sexual invasion.

With an all-male cast that included the amazing Andy Halliday, a Charles Busch Theatre-in-Limbo alum, and a show-stealing performance from the brilliant Everett Quinton of Charles Ludlam’s Theatre of the Ridiculous fame, Devil Boys from Beyond was a welcome return to the gender-bending Golden Age of the 80’s Off-Broadway. Along with The Divine Sister, Devil Boys proved that drag theater is as funny, fierce and fabulous as it ever was. Watch the skies for Devil Boys from Beyond: a regional production is opening this weekend in Phoenix and at other theaters throughout the US.

Click here for Neil's original review of The Divine Sister.

By Neil Cohen, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and Phoenix's Echo Magazine.

Dearie Awards 2010: Foreign Film of the Year - UNDERTOW (CONTRACORRIENTE)

With its achingly real story of hidden passions set against a picturesque background, it's easy to see why Undertow (Contracorriente) can be called "Brokeback Ocean".  Filmed alongside the Peruvian seacoast, writer/director Javier Fuentes-León's romantic tale of tragically lost love recalls Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands, as married fisherman Miguel (Cristian Mercado) is visited by his secret lover, painter Santiago (Manolo Cardona), from beyond the grave. The bold screenplay, which isn't afraid to show its characters' realistic flaws, culminates in a final scene as heartbreaking as the "Ennis finds the shirts" moment in Brokeback Mountain.

Undertow, our very first Foreign Film of the Year, is Peru's official selection for this year's Academy Awards.

Honorable Mentions:
Starring a kick-ass bisexual action heroine named Lisbeth Salander, The Girl with the Dragoon Tattoo (and its two sequels) was hard to ignore this year. Meanwhile, in a calmer section of Sweden, a homophobic teen outcast disrupts the not-so-perfect life of a gay married couple in the sweetly moving dramedy Patrik Age 1.5.

Click here for Chris' review of Undertow (Contracorriente).

UPDATE: Undertow is now available on DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.com.

Movie Dearest Proudly Presents: The 4th Annual Dearie Awards!

Yes, it's that time of year again, time for some awards that are even gayer than the Tonys: The 4th Annual Movie Dearest Awards!

The 2010 "Dearies", chosen by myself and my fellow Men on Film, Chris Carpenter and Neil Cohen, honor the best and brightest of film, television and theater as covered here on Movie Dearest.  (Click here to view past "Dearie" Award winners.)

We'll start the festivities later today with a new category, Foreign Film of the Year, and continue the celebration through to next Sunday, with the announcement of our Movie of the Year!

Madame Dearie, the envelope please ...

Dearie Awards 2009: Movie of the Year - A SINGLE MAN

Reverend was dumbfounded to discover in late November-early December various online articles and blog posts dismissing Tom Ford's gorgeous directorial debut A Single Man as having been "de-gayed" prior to its release. Most of these writers and bloggers hadn't seen the film, while I had and could attest that A Single Man (based on the landmark novel by Christopher Isherwood) isn't only the best gay-themed mainstream film since Brokeback Mountain, but also goes its predecessor a step further in that its multiple gay characters aren't self-loathing closet cases living hypocritical, double lives.

While George Falconer — the film's lead character beautifully brought to life by the duly-acclaimed Colin Firth — is depressed and contemplating suicide à la some of his maladjusted, homosexual cinematic predecessors, it isn't because he hates himself. George simply finds it impossible to continue living happily without his beloved partner of 16 years, who was tragically killed a few months prior in a car accident. He finds renewed hope, however, through a pair of younger gay men who represent a new, less repressed generation.

I don't know how A Single Man could possibly have been "de-gayed." Between the long-term same-sex relationship at the story's heart, Falconer's intelligent lecture to his college students on society's need to identify and persecute minorities, Ford's keen visual and fashion senses, and the film's downright erotic moments involving blue-eyed, skinny-dipping, strip-teasing Nicholas Hoult, A Single Man is not only the best GLBT movie of 2009, but one of the best films depicting our lives to date.

Honorable Mentions:
Similarly stylish and sexy, Little Ashes — which reveals the previously unknown romance between Spanish writer Federico García Lorca and surrealist Salvador Dalí — didn't get the wide release it deserved but will likely be embraced by gay viewers once it hits DVD later this month. And Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire is an award-winning hit due in no small part to the insight and sensitivity of its openly gay director, Lee Daniels. Dedicated to "precious girls everywhere," more than a few gay men are appropriately counting ourselves included.

UPDATE: A Single Man is now available on DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.com.

By Rev. Chris Carpenter, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and the Orange County and Long Beach Blade.

Dearie Awards 2009: Man of the Year - HUGH JACKMAN

Hugh Jackman is the obvious choice for Man of the Year because, well, he inspired a porn copycat named Huge Jackman.

We’re kidding, of course. Jackman is so beloved because he’s a gorgeous action hero who can also sing and dance, as evidenced by his smooth Oscar hosting this year. This year he also pleased fans everywhere by offering his film X-Men Origins: Wolverine to the “hometown” that earned the most votes. Tempe, Arizona won the honors and Jackman led the film's cast at a huge premiere. He ended the year starring opposite fellow Cinematic Crush Daniel Craig in the Broadway hit A Steady Rain. The superstar duo raised more than $1.5 million for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS by literally selling the shirts off their backs each night. Oh, and let's not forget that he looked mighty fine in high definition courtesy of the Blu-rayfor Australia.

Hugh began his career on the Australian musical stage starring as Gaston in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard. He then conquered London’s West End when he played Curly in the acclaimed 1998 revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! (where he even made "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning" sexy). It was his flamboyantly fabulous Tony-winning performance as Peter Allen in The Boy from Oz on Broadway that cemented his status as gay icon, not to mention his stylish (and high kicking) hosting of the Tony Awards in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

If only all blokes were as charmingly multi-talented as Jackman, the world would be as spangly as a Peter Allen pantsuit!

Honorable Mentions:
As the dapper master of ceremonies for both the Tonys and the Emmys, Neil Patrick Harris was the host with the most in 2009. And sure, Ryan Reynolds battled Hugh in Wolverine and romanced Sandra in The Proposal, but it was a certain magazine cover that provided us with his most indelible image of the year.

By Neil Cohen, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and Phoenix's Echo Magazine.

Dearie Awards 2009: Woman of the Year - JANE LYNCH

We’ve loved Jane Lynch since we were first blown away by her performance as butch lesbian dog trainer Christy Cummings in Christopher Guest’s Best in Show. We also loved her in A Mighty Wind, The 40 Year-Old Virgin and countless TV guest spots. Heck, we would have even loved her in Taxi Killer if we knew what that film was. This year, however, Lynch has burst onto the national consciousness as Sue Sylvester on Glee.

As Faculty Coach of the fictional Cheerios cheerleading squad, Lynch’s Sue is a tracksuit-wearing ball-buster who brings new meaning to the word “power mad”. As awesome as it is to watch Matthew Morrison turn a band of high school outcasts into Glee Club stars, we can’t keep our eyes off Lynch, the perfect nemesis, who received a Golden Globe nomination for her work. Every politically incorrect line out of her mouth is a gut-buster, and Lynch is the only actress around who can pull off the outrageous dialogue and still make you love Sue Sylvester.

The openly gay actress also had a pretty great year at the movies, the highpoint being her sublime performance as Julia Child’s sister, Dorothy McWilliams, in Julie & Julia. It’s another testament to Lynch’s talent and charisma that when she’s on screen, we actually tear our attention away from the brilliant Meryl Streep (last year's Dearie winner for Woman of the Year) as Child.

2010 promises to bring even more hilarity to Sue’s Corner on Glee, as Lynch has been teasing audiences with the possibility of Sue Sylvester singing! For now, we have to content ourselves with her rendition of "Baby Got Bacne" from Another Cinderella Story. For all you do, Jane, this Dearie’s for you!

Honorable Mentions:
The diminutive diva known as Kristin Chenoweth was everywhere this past year, charming everyone (including Emmy) along the way. And 2009 was Sandra Bullock's year, with two hit movies (The Proposal, The Blind Side) earning her two Golden Globe nominations and, maybe, her first Oscar.

By Neil Cohen, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and Phoenix's Echo Magazine.

Dearie Awards 2009: Stage Show of the Year - SHREK

The 2009 Broadway season boasted shows loaded with GLBT sensibilities: tap-dancing British boys, naked flower children, and, yes, even mothers throwing silverware and singing about being bipolar. However, the best of the best was Shrek The Musical. It touts one of the cleverest, funniest and most inventive scores to come along in a great while. Shrek shines as a beacon, not just for the GLBT community, but also for anyone anywhere who has ever been made to feel less than they are simply because they're different.

The book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire (a wordsmith to keep an eye on) remind children of all ages that “what makes us special makes a strong” in the tune “Freak Flag”, a song which soars to the level of a pride anthem in which Pinocchio (John Tartaglia) cries “I'm wood, I'm good, get used to it!” Jeanine Tesori's musical score is inspired and runs a gamut of musical genres, with stellar orchestrations by Danny Troob and vocal arrangements by Tesori and Tim Viel. The cast does full justice to the brilliantly ridiculous material, with a breakout performance by Brian D'arcy James in the title role. Sutton Foster sparkles as Princess Fiona, especially in the song “I Know It's Today” in which she sings an inspired trio with her “younger selves.” And Christopher Sieber is a comical joy as Lord Farquaad. In an ever-increasing line of movie-to-musical shows, Shrek delivers the goods time and again and should stand as a model for the genre.

Honorable “Dearie” mentions go to the Tony Award winning revival of the surprisingly enduring hippie musical Hair and to the highly entertaining and sorely underrated 9 to 5 The Musical. Though not as polished as Shrek, Dolly Parton's freshman musical theater score boasts very singable and well-crafted songs, which bode well for her next proposed foray into musical theater: a show based on her life story. Parton is hopeful that Broadway diva (and Movie Dearest favorite) Kristin Chenoweth, will play the lead in the show.

National tours are planned for both Shrek and 9 to 5 and hopefully will be coming soon to a city near you. In the meantime, both shows' Original Cast Recordingsare available on CD. So, on your next road trip (possibly to some pride festival far-far away) have a great sing-along with one of these highly enjoyable new recordings and maybe even let your own freak flag fly!

By James Jaeger, Los Angeles based actor and resident television critic of Movie Dearest.

Dearie Awards 2009: New Stars of the Year - SCOTT EVANS & BRETT CLAYWELL

Soap operas have had gay characters before, but none have been as fully-realized as Oliver Fish and Kyle Lewis, the One Live to Live couple (collectively known as "Kish") expertly brought to life by Scott Evans and Brett Claywell.

Since their storyline began in early 2009, Llanview Police Officer Fish has come out on national TV, been ostracized by his conservative parents and, oh yeah, unknowingly fathered a secret love child (this is a soap after all). Meanwhile, his former college boyfriend Kyle has dodged blackmail charges, returned to med school and almost got married in a mass gay wedding. In the end, they found true love in each other's arms, culminating in a groundbreaking New Year's Eve love scene the likes of which daytime — or even primetime —television has ever seen.

Prior to their breakthrough roles on OLTL, Evans was primarily known as the gay brother of Fantastic Four's Chris Evans (god bless that gene pool), while Claywell had a recurring role on the teen sudser One Tree Hill. Now, with passionately loyal fans that follow the super couple's every move via live blogs, YouTube clips and tribute sites, the dynamic duo are certified soap studs ... and our New Stars of the Year!

Honorable Mentions:
Boldly going where William Shatner went before, Chris Pine brashly recreated the iconic character of James Tiberius Kirk in the new Star Trek, while Javier Beltrán brought poet Federico García Lorca to life in Little Ashes.

See more pictures of Scott Evans in The Back Room (NSFW).

Dearie Awards 2009: Television Show of the Year - GLEE

The title of Glee is most fitting, for that is exactly what we are filled with each time we watch it. Creator Ryan Murphy's musical dramedy — think Election meets High School Musical by way of American Idol — defied all the odds to become a pop culture sensation in 2009. And, if the continuing string of hit iTunes singles, four Golden Globe nominations (more than any other TV program this year) and a growing fan base of dearly devoted "Gleeks" everywhere are any indication, it is only just beginning.

Glee's deft mixture of relentless optimism and biting cynicism helped it overcome any false notes along the way (most infamously: that credibility-straining fake pregnancy storyline). It has also made instant stars of its multi-talented, Screen Actors Guild nominated cast, including Broadway faves Matthew Morrison and Lea Michele, break out hunks Cory Monteith and Mark Salling, newbie Chris Colfer, and ace scene stealer Jane Lynch. To borrow the title of its most famous song: don't stop believing in Glee!

Honorable Mentions:
Forget all those wimpy Twilight vamps with their sparkly skins; for a real blood suckin' good time, true vampire fans tuned in to True Blood, Alan Ball's sexy and smart American gothic. And the year's best made for television movie was the Emmy Award winning, dramatized remake of the cult classic documentary Grey Gardens, starring Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore as our beloved Beales.

Dearie Awards 2009: Documentary of the Year - OUTRAGE

Filmmaker-agitator Kirby Dick has turned his probing camera on increasingly sizable targets. He took on predatory Catholic priests in 2005's Oscar-nominated Twist of Faith and the Motion Picture Association of America's secretive ratings board in his follow-up, This Film Is Not Yet Rated. With Outrage, Dick names members of Congress and other US politicians who have been living closeted gay lives while supporting and/or passing legislation against the GLBT community.

A bit more balance would have been helpful in the final film (which makes its DVD debutJanuary 19) but Dick's approach, employing equal parts journalistic skill and righteous anger, is undeniably effective. With Dick's filmmaking technique continuing to improve, his will no doubt become an even more powerful voice in the fight for freedom from oppression, wherever it exists. Which bastion of enduring hypocrisy will be next? The US Armed Forces? Network television? The Vatican? They had best beware of Kirby Dick!

Honorable Mentions:
My personal favorite documentary of 2009, After the Storm, played several film festivals but hasn't yet gotten a theatrical release. This shouldn't stop readers from checking out this inspiring saga of a group of New Orleans youth staging a production of Once on This Island in the wake of Hurricane Katrina's destruction. Learn more, including where the film might be available for viewing in 2010, at the film's official website. Also theatre-based and inspiring was Every Little Step, about the evolution of the enduring musical A Chorus Line. Both docs are potent reminders of how theatre, film and the arts can be truly transformative for local communities and our culture at large.

By Rev. Chris Carpenter, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and the Orange County and Long Beach Blade.

Movie Dearest Proudly Presents: The 3rd Annual Dearie Awards!

Yes, it's that time of year again, time for some awards that are even gayer than the Tonys: The 3rd Annual Movie Dearest Awards!

The "Dearies" honor the best and brightest of film, television and theater as covered here on Movie Dearest, and this year myself and my fellow Men on Film — Chris Carpenter, Neil Cohen and our newest contributor James Jaeger — are excited to announce some changes for the 2009 festivities.

First, instead of giving you all the goods in one day, we're prolonging the suspense by announcing the winners one a day for the next week. And, since there was so much to love in the past year, we're also naming, for the first time, the honorable mentions in each of our categories — Stage Show, Television Show, New Star, Woman, Man and Movie of the Year. Plus, we are adding a brand new category, Documentary of the Year, which will be announced later today.

So stay tuned ...