Fall Television Viewing

The fall television season is upon us (holy crap where did the summer go??) and it's time to start setting the DVR for all the new and returning shows that I'm excited to watch this year. Matt posted recently about our overall disappointment with last year's television season, so we both really want this season's shows to bring it.

Here's a list of what I'm looking forward to/ mildly intrigued by:

Mondays
The Event (9 p.m., NBC) Debuts Sept. 20
Like V, I'd like to watch the first couple episodes to see if it's worth viewing week after week, and then make a decision. V wasn't, BTW.

LoneStar (9 p.m., Fox) Debuts Sept. 20
I've heard that the pilot is AWESOME, so I have high hopes.

Tuesdays:
Glee (8 p.m., Fox) Returns Sept. 21)
I really liked but didn't love the first season. I'm really hoping season two fixes at least some of the problems I had with one.

Wednesdays:
Friday Night Lights (9 p.m., DirecTV) Returns Oct. 27)
I don't have DirecTV, so I'll hopefully be obtaining the episodes by... other means, and then re-watching them when they air on NBC. Yes, I love this show that much.

Top Chef: Just Desserts (9 p.m., Bravo)
After a lackluster season of Top Chef, I want this new spin-off to be a lot of fun. How can it not with everyone's favorite judge, Gail Simmons, taking over hosting duties?

Thursdays:
30 Rock (8:30 p.m., NBC) Returns Sept. 23
People complained that last season was a letdown, but I still found 30 Rock to be one of the most consistently funny sitcoms currently on TV.

The Office (9 p.m., NBC) Returns Sept. 23
Again, others (namely my housemates) found last season lacking, but I remained a fan. Plus, with the recent announcement that this will be Steve Carrell's last season with the show, you HAVE to watch.

Sundays:
Boardwalk Empire (9 p.m., HBO) Debuts Sept. 19
Intrigued, but since we don't have HBO, I may be out of luck on this one.

The Walking Dead (10 p.m., AMC) Debuts Oct. 31
I'm a little worried that this show won't be able to live up to my stratospheric expectations. But c'mon. Zombies? Frank Darabont? It's going to kick ass.

There's also a bunch of returning TV shows that I'd like to watch but haven't seen the previous season(s) of. Sadly, I doubt I'll have a chance to get caught up in time.

How I Met Your Mother (8 p.m., CBS) Returns Sept. 20
Community (8 p.m., NBC) Returns Sept. 23
Modern Family (9 p.m., ABC) Returns Sept. 22
Eastbound and Down (10:30 p.m., HBO) Returns Sept. 26
Rubicon (9 p.m., AMC)

And then there's the shows that have been on for several years, and I haven't watched at ALL, but still really want to:

Mad Men (10 p.m., AMC)
Fringe (9 p.m., Fox): NM (returns Sept. 23
Dexter (9 p.m., Showtime) Returns Sept. 26)

Seriously, there aren't enough hours in the day for all the TV I want to watch. ::sigh::

I'm screwed.

A reusable Starbucks cup filled with Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte. Well shit, at least I'll be highly caffeinated.

(via http://jugglinggeese.tumblr.com/)

The Last Exorcism On Chatroulette

The Last Exorcism, the latest in the "Satan-GTFO-of-my-teenage-daughter" genre of films was released today, and while I was less than impressed by the trailers I've seen, reviews have been surprisingly decent. Being one of the last remaining people in America who still pays any attention to a film's critical reception, I'm finding myself swayed into actually kinda-sorta wanting to see it. Alas, it will most likely join the ranks of the other big(ish) summer movies that I wanted to see, but none of my friends had the slightest interest in, like Piranha 3-D, The Other Guys, Dinner For Schmucks, Despicable Me, and Predators.

One aspect of the film that I'm already a fan of, however, is the viral ad campaign using Chatroulette. Having not used the randomized sex chat service myself, I can only go by what I've heard and/or read about the site, which is that it's frequented mostly by horny teenage boys out to catch a glimpse of some boobs but usually only finding a lot of exposed wangs. These ingenious ads for the film take full advantage of the lust-addled minds of the site's users, using as bait an attractive young girl, who by all appearances seems to be looking for a naughty good time. The girl smiles and flirts, but never speaks. She begins to unbutton her shirt, giggling all the while, and just when her admirers are completely hooked, her eyes roll back in her head. And that's just the beginning.

I sort of feel bad for the ad's victims --a couple seem like they're going to be scarred for life-- but I can't deny the range of reactions are pretty damn funny. Kudos to the film's marketing department, though; they've come up with a creative, memorable campaign that definitely has people talking. And hopefully, actually going to see the movie.

MC Lars featuring Amie Miriello - "Twenty-Three"

I'm not sure what it is about this song, never having been effected by suicide myself, but it gets me every time I hear it. It never fails to leave me feeling sad and contemplative, yet I can't stop listening to it. I suppose that's just a testament to how good it is.

Rupaul's Drag Race: Season 2 in 2 Minutes

In honor of tonight's season finale of Rupaul's Drag Race (aka the gayest and most fabulous reality show competition to ever grace America's television sets) I give you a compilation of the greatest moments from the season thus far, courtesy my favorite Drag Race video bloggers, Jon & John.

Celebs, Music, Gossip and TV News | Gay Blog

Our ImageOut Schedule

This year Matt and I are seeing a record 17 films, so there's more opportunities than ever to come join us for a movie or two and show your support! The festival runs from October 9th - October 18th. The last in-person ticket sale is on Thursday, October 1st from 6-8pm at the ImageOut Office in Village Gate. If you can't make that, just let me know and I can pick up your tickets for you, as this is the last opportunity to get the advance ticket price if you don't want to order online. Tickets are also available through the website: ImageOut.org through Thursday, October 8th at 5pm; just know that there is a $3 processing fee for all online orders.

To help you all out with your decision-making process, I've put together a list of films that we'll be attending, complete with short descriptions and links to trailers. Longer (probably more helpful) program descriptions are also available for your reading pleasure on the website.


Friday, October 9th
AND THEN CAME LOLA, 7pm (Little Theatre):
Fun comedy take-off on Run Lola Run, about a woman's race against time to deliver a package to her girlfriend and, in the process, save their relationship.
Recommended for: People who like hot lesbians and the movie Run Lola Run.
TRAILER

THE BIG GAY MUSICAL, 9pm (Little Theatre):
Really, the title says it all. It's about a production of an Off-Broadway show called "Adam and Steve: Just the Way God Made 'Em" and the love lives of several of it's cast members.
Recommended For: People who like musicals, really hot guys, and, since this is sold out except for a a few Rush Tickets, waiting in line to see movies with the possibility of not getting in.
TRAILER

Saturday, October 10th
PRODIGAL SONS, 4:15pm (Dryden Theatre):
This one's tough to summarize. Documentary about a trans woman and her complicated (to put it mildly) relationship with her adopted brother. If you can only see one film in this year's festival, make it this one. It's the best movie we're showing IMHO.
Recommended For: Everyone.

EATING OUT: ALL YOU CAN EAT, 9:30pm (Dryden Theatre):
Third film in a trilogy of gay sex comedies. (No, you don't need to have seen the previous two to get this one) Hilarious, profane, and often pretty steamy.
Recommended For: People who like raunchy humor and loads of male nudity.
TRAILER

Sunday, October 11th
THE BUTCH FACTOR, 2:00pm (Dryden Theatre):
I haven't actually seen this film, but the trailer looked really interesting. Doc about the conflicted relationship between gay men and the societal definition of masculinity.
Recommended For: People interested in the sociology and psychology of sexuality (C'mon, there's got to be a couple, right?)
TRAILER

RIVERS WASH OVER ME, 4:15pm (Dryden Theatre):
Drama about a young, gay African-American teen from NYC who moves to the South after his mother dies.
Recommended For: Fans of gritty independent films, and the South.
TRAILER

BABY LOVE, 7:00pm (Little Theatre):
French drama about a gay man who goes to great lengths to become a father even though gay adoption is illegal in his country.
Recommended For: Fans of French cinema and the Matrix trilogy (apparently the lead actor had a fairly large role in Reloaded and Revolutions).
TRAILER(French)

OH HELL NO! ( ImageOut There! Shorts Program), 9:15 (Little Theatre):
Shorts program for the ImageOut There! series, which focuses on films of a more mature nature. I haven't seen any of these, but I've heard good things.
Recommended For: Fans of challenging short films.

Monday, October 12th
ZOMBIE PROM (Youth Shorts Program), 6:30pm (Ingle Auditorium):
Shorts program for the festival's Youth series, with Zombie Prom as the featured short. It's a blend of the 50s horror movie, comic book, and musical genres. It's AWESOME.
Recommended For: Fans of zombies, musicals, and EC Comics.
TRAILER

Wednesday , October 14th
ZMD: ZOMBIES OF MASS DESTRUCTION, 8:45pm (Little Theatre):
I LOVE this movie. Zombies invade a the peaceful town of Port Gamble. Gory, hilarious, and really well done.
Recommended For: Fans of George Romero, Sam Raimi, and Shaun of the Dead.
TRAILER

Thursday, October 15th
HANNAH FREE, 6:15pm (Little Theatre):
Drama about an elderly lesbian woman and the love affair that lasted a lifetime.
Recommended For: Well done melodrama and well-made Lifetime movies.
TRAILER

I LIKE MEN (Men's Shorts Program), 8:45pm (Little Theatre):
Men's shorts program. I haven't seen these films.
Recommended For: Fans of short films and gays.

Friday, October 16th
MAKE THE YULETIDE GAY, 9:00pm (Cinema Theatre):
Comedy about a young gay man home from college and closeted to his parents, and the hilarity that ensues when his boyfriend unexpectedly comes to stay with him.
Recommended For: Anyone who likes Christmas, gay boys, and the infinite comedic potential of the double entendre.
TRAILER

Saturday, October 17th
PATRIK, AGE 1.5, 8:00pm (Dryden Theatre):
Comedy/drama about a gay couple who, because of a typo think they're adopting a 1.5-year-old, but are actually receiving a 15-year-old.
Recommended For: Everyone.
TRAILER

Sunday, October 18th
MR. RIGHT, 4:00 (Little Theatre):
Comedy about the romantic entanglements of a group of British gay men.
Recommended For: Fans of British accents, British humor, and attractive men.
TRAILER

THE BABY FORMULA, 6:30pm (Little Theatre):
Funny and sweet mockumentary about a lesbian couple who, through an experimental procedure, are able to conceive their own biological child.
Recommended For: Pregnancy humor, faux-documentaries, and good acting.
TRAILER

JUST SAY LOVE, 8:45pm (Little Theatre):
Minimalist film version of a stage play about a love affair between a gay man and a straight man.
Recommended For: Fans of the theatre, subtlety, and people who hate sets.
TRAILER

My Personal Halloween Film Festival

I was tagged by my friend Matt in a meme on Facebook about our favorite films to watch around Halloween. The movies that still produce in you the same giddy, scared feeling you got as a kid around the holiday. He narrowed his list down to five, but I just couldn't limit myself that much, so I doubled his number.

The Lineup:


1. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
When I watched this movie for the first time at home, alone in my bedroom, I paused it at one point to use the bathroom. As I walked across the hall, I caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of my eye; a reflection in the mirror, a weird shadow, I dunno. All I know is that I yelped, jumped about a foot in the air, and sprinted to the bathroom. It wasn't until I had slammed the door shut behind me that I stopped, thought about what I had just done, and laughed at myself. No movie had ever had that effect on me before. That's pretty much the moment I fell in love.
TRAILER


2. Halloween (1978)
It may be cliche to include this in a list of favorite Halloween films, but the season just wouldn't be complete for me without the indelible strains of that theme music.
TRAILER


3. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
For years when I was young, my dad tried to make me watch this movie the entire way through, but I could never make it further than the dream sequence where a Nazi-esque monster massacres the hero's family. I eventually did make it through the whole film, and it's now a favorite. Funny, scary, and gory, it also contains the gold standard of werewolf transformation scenes.
TRAILER


4. Scream (1996)
Single-handedly revived the slasher genre. I possibly like it's sequel even more, but the original will always have a special place in my heart. And there's no denying that the opening sequence with Drew Barrymore is just plain brilliant.
TRAILER


5. Bride of Chucky (1998)
This movie is just pure goofy fun. It obviously doesn't take itself too seriously, has some inventive kills (love that honeymoon suite scene), some hilarious dialogue, and pretty great special effects.
TRAILER


6. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
This film has endured a major backlash over the years, but to me it perfectly encapsulates the fact that one's imagination is infinitely scarier than any special effect a filmmaker can come up with. Watching the trailer again, I realized that I still get chills when I hear the line "Tell me where you are, Josh!"
TRAILER


7. May (2002)
After Matt and I watched this film for the first time, we sat in stunned silence when it ended. I think that just about says it all. Unlike anything I had ever seen before, it goes to some very dark, twisted places. And that ending; in the hands of just about any other filmmaker it would have been laughable, but here... it just works.
TRAILER


8. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Funny, witty, and oh so British. Is there anyone who doesn't like this movie?
TRAILER


9. Hellbent (2004)
A throwback to the low-budget slasher movies of yore. It doesn't stray from the standard formula too much, with one exception: instead of a randy bunch of teenagers, it focuses on a group of hunky gay men on their way to a Halloween party in West Hollywood. But even without that twist to distinguish itself from the pack, the film holds it's own as a surprisingly solid little horror flick, with characters slightly more sympathetic than is typical for the genre.
TRAILER


10. Trick r' Treat (2008)
An update on the horror anthology film that contains anything you could ever want in a Halloween movie; laughs, thrills, chills, and a few surprises. I don't think any viewing experience could top watching this for the first time with an audience of hundreds at Comic-Con.
TRAILER

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
The Ring (2002)
The Descent (2005)
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)