REVVINCENT

The energy in this movie pulsates off the screen. I become totally absorbed.

Having grown up in a family that nearly worshiped music with one aunt graduating from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music as a Concert Level Pianist, I feel the energy of the soul in this movie. I studied piano for three years under a graduate of the Peabody Conservatory of Music, Baltimore. She told me that I "spoke" through the keyboard from my soul. I never pursued that. When Johnnie (Nicholas Galitzine) plays the violin, I become overwhelmed with emotion and excitation.

I have watched "Purple Hearts" twice, and I may watch it again. That Cassie and Luke each marry for specific Military benefits is not all that far-fetched. That they actually fall in love with each other over time also is not far-fetched.

Cassie and Luke make the perfect cameo-couple, a stunningly pretty woman and a strikingly good looking man. What draws me to this movie is its richness; its wholesomeness. It is not uncommon for young men with "issues" to join the Military. In Luke's case, it is the US Marines. As a US Air Force Veteran with a number of Marine friends over the years, I am well aware of the guts and grit of the Marine Corps. What better place to get your s**t together than in the Corps!

A lot is embedded in this film, what with Luke's past drug problems and Cassie's struggle with Type 1 Diabetes. There is an equal balance between heartwarm and heartache, beautifully reconciled in the end. Viewers should not cut off this film as the credits begin to roll, because the end is highly emotive in a very good way.

It is very seldom I give a *10 to any movie. "Heartstopper" is definitely a 10.

As an aging Boomer who came out in 1968 with my first partner, the emotions this movie triggered were off the charts. Those godawful fears. Those axxieties! Accepting one's queerness takes a lot of energy in sociaties and cultures who simply do not want to accept those who are different from the majority society. I have yet to understand why my sexual orientation is such an issue for a segment of straight society. Why does it matter? We are what we are.

"Heartstopper" is superbly acted, on target and uplifting. In so many respects, Charlie and Nick are what nearly every young gay experiences and goes through until self-acceptance is finally and fully embraced. "We" do not fit just one mold, every bit the rainbow we celebrate.

I watched this movie again this week. At points along the way, it upset me once again. Ballas' (Darren Mann) attack on "Franky" played by Josh Wiggns was violent and brutal.

The message from that assault is how Ballas was terrified of his yet to be identified sexual orientation. He and Franky had sex play one night. Ballas turned that against Franky, even spreading word at the high school they attended. That has all the pieces of fear, anxiety, paranoia. Fact: One such moment in a kid's life is not defining. But, logically, Ballas recoils into fear.

"Giant Little Ones" keeps this in perspective. The underlying psychological theme is impactful. As a gay man who "came out" in 1968, I sometimes wonder if there is simply too much information "out there in the world", making it more difficult for young people today to reconcile with their very personal self: gay, lesbian, straight, bi.

I "awarded" this Series a 5. I watched all the way through the end of S4.

The athletics are awesome. The script sucks. Between the violence, the foul language, the macho bravado on steroids -- an insult to Karate. I continued to watch this Series because of my love of Martial Arts. A few of the actors are quite good, given what they had to work with. Tanner Buchanan is the new crush for girls and a subset of the guys. You go, Tanner. You are high in my distant memory of good looking actros: Ricky Nelson, James Dean, the Everly Brothers.

I rated this film an '8'. That is because the film touches upon a number of human behaviors and emotions. In that respect, "Saint Narcisse" is bold.

While Dominic struggles with his identity and his homosexuality, his twin Daniel is sequestered in a monastery. Daniel is the chosen lover of the priest/father who runs the monastery.

The homosexual love between the Father and Daniel is a bold representation of the Spirit vs. The flesh. As an ordained graduate Seminarian, I saw the conflict between dominant and submissive forces, with Daniel feeling that he has no option but to submit to the Holy Father, Andrew. Sadly, Andrew represents much of what takes place in monasteries and seminaries, even today. Sex is natural, no matter how unnatural they try to make it. The "forbidden fruit' becomes the fruit most sought after. Then, it becomes a power play.

The merging of the twins Dominic and Daniel, both played by Felix-Antoine Duval, is very well done. Duval has a splendid body, which fact is not lost upon the viewer.

The theme of male and female homosexuality is dealt with, with dignity and delicately. Today, society continues to wrestle with those sexualities, despite their being quite normal to those who are homosexual/ gay / lesbian/bisexual.

There is a clever play off the Cruxifixion of Christ, as well, with the bleeding of Dominic (who has taken Daniel's place). The film does become somewhat confusing at this point, trying to keep track of who is Daniel and who is Dominic.

I may give "Saint Narcisse" a second viewing. While there is a play on the name "Narcisse", I see the film as reaching beyond narcissism. I also enjoy looking at naked Dominic/Daniel!

I was held captive by this movie/film. I am an avid fan of Jannis Niewohner. There were a few -- only a few -- times when the film dragged a bit.

I watched "Munich-The Edge of War" two times. I plan to watch it at least one more time. Each viewing reveals something I missed during the previous viewing.

Niewohner is a powerful actor. He "does rage" very, very well. That fact comports with some of his other, earlier films.

The actors are excellent. The tension and fear are palpable. The ending leaves us with a suspicion there could be a sequel.

I first became familiar with Gilby while watching "Tolkien" where Gilby plays the young JRR Tolkien. To say that Gilby is stunningly good looking, even pretty, is putting it mildly. He also is quite charming.

I opted to watch "Just Charlie" after seeing Gilby in "Tolkien". As a gay man who came out 52 years ago, I was curiouis. Not being fully familiar with the central them of "Just Charlie", I was at first surprised. At one point I considered simply not continuing to watch the movie. But, my inner voice said "give it a chance".

Gilby's portrayal of a teen transsexual, MTF (male to female) is superbly acted / played. Our world continues to be challenged with the widening diversity of the human experience. Being "locked into" a body that is the wrong gender for that body must be extremely challenging and even threatening.

Gilby gets five gold stars for his performance. I gave it eight.

Having watched "Tolkien" 4 or 5 times (I lost count!), I likely will watch it again. I am a HUGE fan of Nicholas Hoult, seeing him first when he was in the Jaguar Motorcar TV commercials. Hoult has a striking sense of presence.

The brilliance of JRR Tolkien is revealed superbly. I have not explored what is fact or fiction in this movie, because I am happy to accept it "as is". The interplay between Tolkien and Professor Wright is absolutely awesome. The genius of Tolkien is displayed wonderfully.

The early segment of the movie, where JRR and his brother are orphaned upon their mother's death is sorrowing. When John Tolkien (JRR) corrects the professor for mispronouncing his last name is totally awesome. Done with full respect in a most stately manner, the professor is somewhat miffed. Yet, John gains enormous respect when speaking from memory a passage from a book the students are trying to read aloud. Harry Gilby as young Tolkien is superb.

Lily Collins as Edith exudes warmth and love. It is only appropriate that she and John would later marry. The ending segment is inspiring.

The segment featuring the Battle of the Somme is uncomfortable, at least for me. The violence is somewhat exaggerated, inspired by Tolkien's trench fever. The clip where he is lying among soldiers' dead bodies above a pool of blood did not lend well to the overall personality of the movie.

The energy in this film is powerful. Each time I have watched it, I catch something anew. Hoult's brilliance as an actor, a strikingly handsome one at that, is on full display.

This movie spoke/speaks volumes to me. Having "come out" in 1968, I identify immediately with so much of what Frank is struggling with. When Frank shushes Beth, his niece, in the restaurant takes me back years. The fear of queer still haunts me somewhat. I have "passed" throughout my life. I love all the "guy" things: hot cars, rugged sports to name two.

Frank's father is brutal; hate filled. There is that old "God'll get ya for being queer." You'll burn in hell fro sure. The vestiges of a religion which teaches one NOT to judge gives sway to all those who DO judge. I was fortunate in that my father did not like or love me but he never uttered one word about my being queer. He and my mother knew my partner at the time, along with my partner's family. I suspect my dad was a repressed homo. Someone remarked that he feared me because he saw in me all that he had denied through two marriages. Frank's father is a self-righteous ideologue who spouts forth the age old false doctrines against gays/queers-homos.

I did get angry at Walid, Frank's partner of 10 years. As a Saudi who fled Saudi Arabia because of his homosexuality, I consider Walid the LAST person to be giving Frank advice on family matters. Frank's mother played by Margo Martindale is one of my favorite actors. "A mother always knows" she says. At some level I believe fathers do also.

The most heart-wrenching moments were Frank's flashbacks to when he and Sam, in their teens, were "experimenting". Frank's harsh and cruel dismissal of Sam, declaring they are "against God" leads to Sam's committing suicide. That love which dare not speak its name rears its ugly voice once again. Despite Frank's struggle to save Sam from drowing, Frank arrives too late. I believe only someone who is gay can grasp the gravity of this moment. There are many, too many gays, even today, who want to commit suicide out of fear, rejection and negation.

I recommend this movie to anyone who really wants to connect with what being gay was like in the earlier stages of our sweeping "coming out". It was a world consumed with fear, denial and careful use of pronouns "he/she". Odd this movie takes place in South Carolina. My experience has been that some of the truly sweetest (not effeminate) lads have come from the South.

The fact I watched this movie seventeen years after its production does not diminish the theme thread. The cruelty portrayed is palpable and numbing. Sadly, such cruelty is not uncommon in all-male schools or in fraternies.

The level of cruelty dispatched against certain students might be "over the top", but one should consider the Rite of Blood Stripes exercised by US Marines. There is a wonderful book on this very topic written by Retired USMC Captain David J. Danelo.

The role of Otto played by Gustav Skarsgård is excellent. The Alpha Male sadism is keenly demonstrated by Skarsgård. Erik Ponti is superbly acted by Andreas Wilson, a deliciously handsome man!

This movie has multiple underlying themes that I will not discuss or reveal in order not to spoil for someone else whon arrived seventeen years too late! There is an extraordinary level of subthemes that speak to a sadist/satanist brutality excercised at the hands of cowardly males. Odd how that aspect inserts itself neatly into America's current political psyche where "tough guys" who are in fact weak cowards abound.

The last 10 to 15 minutes are riveting and gripping. Erik (Andreas Wilson) finally gets the last word. I would have loved to see the final episode with his stepfather.

I have to give to Otto Farrant who plays the role of Alex Rider: Farrant is a superb, versatile actor who can be described as "gifted". I seldom refer to an artist as "gifted", no matter their genre. But Farrant, as a very young actor, pushes all the right buttons.

That is not to diminish the performances of the rest of the cast. That includes Vicky McClure as Mrs. Jones.

The fact is, I had not heard of Alex Rider, period, before viewing this movie. Perhaps that fact contributed all the more to my enjoyment of the movie, which I binge watched.

I will not divulge any of the film's details. Keeping in mind, it is sci-fi imagnination and the viewer should walk away feeling sated by the entertainment.

I am still in the midst of binge-watching thise series, now into Season 3. I will elaborate with my thoughts once I have finished watching the Series to its finale. I will say the acting is absolutely superb. Until next time . . .

I binge-watched Series 1 and 2. The acting is superb. Sam, played exceptionally well by Jacob Ifan, is a pain in the backside. Sam is so insecure, needy and unstable it becomes annoying toward the end of Series 2. Sam craves affirmation, but each time he receives it he rejects it.

Gina, played by Catrin Stewart, is played very well as the perhaps the "too loving" sister to Sam. Gina and Luke (Jack Perry Jones) are well-paired.

I was disappointed to see that Gareth Jewell, DI Roberts, performed only in Season 1. DI Morgan, Dyfan Dwyfor became the DI in Season 2. Dwyfor's portrayal as the angry husband/detective is a stellar performance. He surely gave me "the creeps". Sadly there are in fact just like DI Morgan in real life.

I enjoyed Season 1 a bit more than Season 2. The extravagance of violence and brutality in Season 2 was / is a bit much. Matthew Aubrey as Rhys (S1) performs altogether perfectly as the proverbial "bad boy".

When watching any movie or TV series, I tend to immerse myself into it becoming one with the characters. I became "one" with the actors in "Bang". Each performer deserves considerable credit for performing well done!

OMG, what a waste of my time. This movie gets a "C" rating, if that. Horrible acting, stupid plot and frankly beneath the other movies I have seen Phillippe star in. If this is best, it should be his last.

This series reminds of the now-decunct TV series "Tunnel". I wish it were in English, than in Finnish with subtitles. The acting is excellent. Tilkanen has a remarkable resemblence to James Dean, our American iconic actor in the1950's. Vitala plays a wonderful "tough" role as the female detective. I am not in S2, binge watching it. If you can get past the need for subtitles, I encourage you to watch it. I will admit that reading the subtitles is a distraction and a dectraction.

The end was a gut punch. I wept. Yes, indeed I did. This love can be so frightening and daunting, even in a widening culture where gay love is not regarded with such hostility and negativity. But, the fears are still palpable among many gays and lesbians.

Will, played affectionately by Lucas Linehan and Mike, played with such love compassion, are a young couple who have fallen in love. This sort of thing is not new to society. This "love that dare not speak its name" has been around since the days of David and Jonathan. That Will was reviled by his alcoholic abusive father comes as no surprise, even before he know Will's "secret".

Mike's mother played a coarse role, making matters worse when she discovered Mike's and Will's love for each other. Then, she contacts Will's father. You can imagine the rest. In the end, she somewhat comes to terms with Mike's being gay. Mike's father is so COOL about. WOW. You go, Dad!

The passion shared by these two young me is known to me. I was with my first partner for 8 years. That was 1968. Even after we "divorced" eight years after those passion driven moments we remained bonded friends.

I will not mention the ending, for those who may not have seen this movie. It was made in 2013, not so long ago. I may watch it a second time, as it took me to moments past but not lost.

I came across this movie just this week. Despite its being produced twelve years ago, so much of it is current. One's denial of their homosexuality for most will last only so long. This movie speaks deftly to the trauma coming out as a married man with two children can cause.

Going through the motions of straight life is exceedingly difficult for the queer man. "Mulligans" really does a great job of dealing with this with compassion. The reality is there. The sense of brokenness is there.

I decided in my early twenties after honorable Military service that I would not live a lie. I accepted and embraced being a homosexual. I have had many straight friends over the years, a few women who said, "If you ever change . . ." I was flattered.

On the other hand, I had a friend who married and sired two sons. But his reality caught up with him. He once remarked how he was not sure which of us had followed the more difficult road: My accepting being gay or his playing the straight role and later coming to terms with his own homosexuality. There is no right answer. The stain and shame society places on homosexuals is so misguided and destructive. We can resist our true nation for only so long.

What drew me to this movie is the fact Aidan Quinn stars in it. That was an immediate draw.

I was not fully prepared for the sadistic brutality of Brother John, expertly portrayed by Iain Glen. Brother John is a varifiable bully monster, extremely abusive toward the lads in this reformatory and intractible enough to hold the other clergy at bay. Brother John's rage and anger toward one of the lads leads to Br. John beating the kid to death.

Aidan Quinn as William Franklin, the teacher, is such a magnificent balance of love and compassion that plays well against the monstrous Br. John. In fact, Quinn reminds me of Robin Williams in "Dead Poets' Society". In the end, Franklin wins the day. This was a splendid ending.

Since the film is historical fiction, it speaks volumes about the child abuse of young boys in the Roman Catholic system of reform schools. Sadism and sexual molestation were a trademark among Catholic rehab facilities. It is reputed these "schools" for the less fortunate and the troubled children were violent and extremely abusive up to the time they shut their doors in 1984.

The fact Br. John, after killing Liam (played by John Travers) was moved to another parish located in Africa speaks loudly to the Church's indifference to matters as cruel and serious as kiiling a young man. The script does a good job at revealing just how "low" the boys were held in the eyes of the clergy. Not all of the boys were criminal. Many were "throwaway kids", abandoned by their families.

The implausibility of this movie is off the charts. The thrill for violence, police belligerence and insubordination are beyond outrageously stupid. I thought better of the Brits.

So often I "stumble" upon a movie that was produced some years ago. That is true for "Akron". The roles of "Benny" and "Christopher were well played by Matthew Frias and Edmund Donovan, respectively.

As lovers, they are superbly passionate in their love for each other. In my now aging life I have been fortunate to know and experience such love and passion. Thus, I relate.

That Benny and Christopher were destined to meet and become a couple is well plotted. Who would know that Christopher's mother had accidentally hit and killed Benny's older brother Davey years earlier in a shopping parking lot? What is unclear is whether Davey was hit by the car as the result of a distraction; or, because Davey bolted out in front of the car.

Upon Christopher's discovery that he is dating the brother of Davey, killed by accident by Christopher's mother, matters become very challenging. That they are able to reconcile in the end is refreshing; and, spiritually reassuring. Benny and Christopher then are assured to move along and strengthen their relationship as gay partners/lovers.

Having just discovered and watched "Private Romeo" today, I am inspired. The fact this movie was produced NINE years ago is all the more phenomenal. The use of Shakespearean/Elizabethan English is awe-inspiring and magnificently presented.

The love shared between Romeo (Seth Numchin) and Juliet (Matt Doyle) is tastefully done. The depth of their affection is telegraphed superbly. That this love affair occurs at a military academy without the brutality and dismissiveness one might expect gives huge credit to the writers and the producers.

As a gay man who came out many, many years ago, "Private Romeo" warmed my heart and spoke to me in untold ways. The movie in some respects is more contemporary and "essential" today than when it was produced. Kudos to all! We need more movies such as this one.

I likely should have given this movie a "10". The energy is riveting; the dancing beyond extraordinary. Choreography a 10+.

That "Charlie", portrayed by Harry Jarvis learned to play the piano and managed eighteen different songs is a tribute to his musical/theatrical genius.

Thomas Doherty as "Zander", the choreographer and producer is superbly represented in his artistic temperament. He is strikingly handsome, as well.

Juliet Doherty as "Barlow" is precious. I was so pleased (ecstatic?) that she finished the musical dance, owning it all the way.

It comes as no surprise how many of these performers are from Great Britain. I have an inexplicable, immeasurable love and appreciation for British and Aussie actors/actresses. Long ago I became convinced those actors are superior to what we produce in the States because most British and Aussie actors/performers perform on live stage and screen.

Since my days in high school amateur acting in plays, I have loved theater.

When I first started to watch this movie, I exited. At first, I was going to delete it from my "To watch" list. Then, several days later I said, "Oh. What the heck!"

I am glad I did. I actually spoke with a longtime good friend who has worked with asperges / autism patients for many years. They are called "clients", not patients. I have asked him to watch this movie to get his take on Tye Sheridan's (Bart's) performance; and, to inform me if Tye's performance in the role of Bart is accurate with regard to asperges. I have given this movie 8 stars because of Sheridan's performance which is excellent. I also love Helen Hunt, who plays Bart's mother.

There is an underlying depth to this movie that requires considerable reflection to appreciate it fully.

Coming from Scot/Scots-Irish ancestry, I found this documentary to be highly informative and educational. It also reveals the crass and harsh inhumanity among many white Americans who, like myself, have Scottish and Scots-Irish ancestors. Not an especially pleasant or pretty picture.

I strongly recommend this documentary film to those interested in learning more about the KKK -- especially in this very troubled period in our history.