Georgia Rule-2007

I have to admit to having a grudge against movies with actors who lead less than positive examples in their personal life; as well as actors who unduly use their celebrity to irresponsibly push their politics. I feel that whomever is making a movie tacitly approves of the actors they employ; either in whole or in part.

But there occasionally are movies that can make me overlook and in some cases soften my overall outlook about the actors. Sorry Lindsay, that would not be you in this case. Some of her actions in the movie are all too similar to her real-life irresponsibility and come dangerously close to being unbelievable as a result. But in Jane Fonda's case I'd have to say I'm taking a different look at Hanoi Jane. What a surprise to learn that she is a strong opponent of gender stereotyping, as well as a supporter of the first all-transsexual cast production of The Vagina Monologues.

I sometimes wonder if there are ANY families that are wholly untouched by sexual abuse, either of children or adults. My own family history is rife with it; my ex-wife's family and those of many of my friends are also affected by it. If you've been a victim or part of a family where it's happened, I don't think you can walk away from this movie without an appreciation for the exposure it gives to the subject.

I don't think Lohan's acting had much to do with it, it's the script instead that gave the movie authenticity and power. It very ably shows why untangling the lies and deceit inherent in any child abuse is sometimes so difficult, but usually is just a matter of looking at who stands to lose the most if their lies are revealed. Do not let Lohan's real-life reputation fool you, most of her character's actions in this movie are pretty authentic in my experience.

If you are a victim, directly or indirectly of sexual abuse, don't watch this alone. Watch it with your parents!

Fritz The Cat-1972

Animated films are a weakness of mine, especially in the style of Max Fleisher through Robert Crumb, to Richard Elfman.

The Heavy Metal movies are also a favorite of mine, and in hindsight seem to owe quite a bit to this era of animation.

"The 60's? Happy times, heavy times...."

The lead in vocal says it all about the spirit of this film. Somewhat factual, always naively whimsical; it strikes me that as early as 1972, people were pining for the hedonism and high mindedness of the supposed decade of love.

The X-rating this film garnered at the time is a bit laughable, and as director Ralph Bakshi has pointed out, "Now they do as much on "The Simpsons" (1989) as I got an X rating for Fritz the Cat." Yet I still would not have the kiddies watching this ;)

As anachronistic and hypocritical the hero might be; I found myself first crying about the ugliness the film exposes about the era, then laughing at the "why can't we all just drop the crap and have a love-in" ending.

If you've ever just heard about this film and wondered if it's worth the time, I'd tell you it's good fun. If you are an animation fan, I'd say it's a must see.

TRANS RELATED MOVIES

Strange as it might seem, I don't like most trans related films. Very few are written from a transpersons perspective; and damn few less even have any transpeople in them. Maybe that's 'cause most are about how the poor confused transperson or their lover ended up dead? Gee, there's some motivation for ya!

I've mentioned this movie in blogs before but given my spiffy new soapbox here I'm throwing it out again. I think anyone with the least interest in anything transgender needs to see this movie, Beautiful Boxer. It's by far the best movie with a transgender subject line I have ever seen and almost totally refutes what I said above about trans related movies. Parinya (Nong-Toom's fem name) actually has a cameo in the film. She has since moved on to become a model and well known actress in Thai television and cinema.

It's the story of a Muay-Thai kickboxer, Nong-Toom, who makes her transition while still competing in kickboxing. It's a foreign movie with subtitles, but it's one of those that will make you forget you are reading subtitles. There is one error in the movie caused by the Thai-English subtitle translation; she is referred to as being a transvestite, though she is transexual.

Most MTF TS's have a similar story, but her story so closely parallels mine! I strongly identify with her experience, the chief parallel having been my military service. Her realization of self and childhood experiences are very similar to mine.

Even outside of the transgender subject matter, this is a fabulous movie, the scenery and cinematography are wonderful. The actor portraying Toom is himself a Muay Thai boxer, and did a wonderful job.

MUST SEE!