I Can't think Straight

I somehow managed to miss the release date for this first effort film by writer, director and producer Shamim Sarif. I believe that this film and it's sister film The World Unseen were released rather soon after another, with this film being released at a slighter later time. However, this movie was filmed first and while it's exciting and great to have another queer Asian film out, I hate to say, that it is evident that this is a debut film.




Warming Spoilers Follow!

The story takes place in England, between Tala (Lisa Ray) and Leyla (Sheetal Sheth) as two young women of middle eastern and south Asian decent who struggle against traditional views in order to find love. For the most part the story is light, despite such heavy and serious undertones. As a film the movie strives to be both a comedy and a romance with some political commentary thrown in. I understand the need to bring forth the issues that queer women face in their families that are both related to their queerness or their culture but I didn't feel that the film did a good job of managing that in a way that wasn't stilted and was very preachy. For example when Tala and Leyla met, Tala engages Leyla in a rather (I feel) confrontational conversation about Islam (Tala is Muslim) and why her religion doesn't offend her. As a viewer I found that odd and unbelievable, as the conversation was totally unprovoked and way out of line on Tala's part. The dialogue too could have used some help.

As a romance the film fell upon cliche's (really, K.D Lang and Sarah Water's novels prominently displayed and suddenly your sister gets a clue about your "gayness"!?) and while there was some truly sexy scenes and great chemistry between the characters, their was some cringe inducing moments of romance cheese that I could not overlook. A box of roses with a love letter (handwritten, nonetheless) waxing poetic about Tala's yearning for Leyla. Um. No. I read trashy, lesbian fiction all the time, but even that was a bit too much "cheddar" for me.

Another issue I had with the film was the soundtrack. I like and enjoyed the choice of music, but felt that they were too obvious and heavy handed in using the soundtrack to illustrate "important themes" and to compensate for bad scripting. Unfortunately a tactic that was used one time too many throughout the film.

Overall, despite my criticisms, I did enjoy the show. The main actresses worked with what they had and made it work for them. The cliche's and contrived plot did lead to a fluffy, but still fun (if occasionally cringe inducing) movie.



"You want my character to say what? But that's...so...cheesy!"


Hotness!

They need to stop, no really they do...

Warning Spoiler Alert!

I just finished watching last night's episode of Grey's Anatomy and I have to say that I am both surprised and annoyed that they are continuing Callie's unbelievable storyline of being broke. She spent the entirety of this last episode avoiding Arizona (her current gal pal) and being generally vague about what her problem with her new girlfriend was. While, Arizona was very adorable chasing Callie around and demanding an answer, Callie's ultimate reason for her issues...not being able to afford dinner at a nice restaurant was just too unbelievable. Pediatric surgeons make an average of 340,000 a year, same as orthopedic surgeons! And I'm pretty sure that Arizona had to pay for her own education...so how in the world is Callie broke and Arizona isn't? At least Arizona had to pay her own rent and other luxuries over the past few years. I also can't believe that her dad cleaning out her bank account is legal or that a 20-30 year old woman doesn't have her own personal bank account. So yes, I am annoyed that that's the best that the show could do with Callie and her current story. Though the scene with Callie and Arizona at the end eating pizza, half nekkid was certainly sweet.

Wash!

Warning Spoilers Ahead!

What! What! Last night's episode of Doll House was awesome only because of one thing...Alan Tudyk! Wash! And to think I was just waxing poetic about Firefly two days ago, oh happy day. I usually don't route for the antagonist of shows but holy crap was Wash awesome as Alpha. Major bad ass. And the way he and Ecco made their exit? Beautiful. Can't say I'm too attached to any of the other characters, but I do like Sierra and Adele. Agent Ballard annoys the hell out of me (a Prince complex? Really?) and the writing has been so, so...but just because of how awesome Alpha was, I'm hoping they renew for another season!

Rydyk-culous...

Warning Spoilers Ahead!

Despite my disappointment in the Grey's Anatomy producers and writers in allowing the character of Erica Hahn to so suddenly and conveniently disappear into the proverbial sunset because she was not the "right" (i.e. marketable) gay, I've continued to follow the show. I'm a medical student (veterinary) and so I have an appreciation for that (albeit badly written) aspect of the show and I just love Christina Yang (Sandra Oh). The show is like a trashy romance novel that you don't want your smarty, snarkier friends to find out you read. Well, despite the many errors of the show, I generally try to keep the complaining in my own living room and amongst my friends. However, last night I really was just amazed at the amount of "suspended belief" the writers expect us to execute in order to push forward a story line. Callie (whom I'm kinda ambivalent about to be honest) and Arizona (who apparent is gay in the right way, she just got a regular spot on the show) are now the new budding couple at Seattle Grace. Cue in the drama.

Callie's over-protective father, who feels the best way to deal with his daughter's sudden Sapphic tendency is to remove her from Seattle and have her live with him and his wife in Miami (which I'm sure is the straightest place in the world ::cue eye roll::). Now this irks in a number of ways. The first being that he was more accepting of his daughter marrying some random guy, who she ends up divorcing after a few months because he cheated on her. Or her non-romantic hook ups with the hospitals resident man-ho (Sloan). Somehow those two situations, of which I'm sure any father would take exception to, where more acceptable than the sweet, innocent and what seems so far, as a healthy supportive relationship with a woman (a cute, doctor woman!). Granted her father probably doesn't know the details of any of those relationships and he's supposed to come off as a jerk, but really?

Well apparently Callie standing up to her father has caused him to cut her off from her trust fund. Oh no. What is an ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON to do! A debt free one at that (she stated that her father paid for all of her schooling). Now, she can't even make rent! How will she be able to survive on her measly 401,000 thousand (the average salary of an orthopedic surgeon) a year! Um, no Grey's, while it's refreshing to have a coming out story involving a woman of color and her family on t.v, I have to say her situation does not represent the typical "out on your own" coming out story and no amount of Callie whining about her lack of funds can suddenly make us believe that a show about surgeons are somehow going to be broke because they don't have daddies trust fund to rely on. What? How does that make any sense? And to top it off Callie is an attending or at the very least a late year resident! Sorry, just had to rant about that ridiculousness.

I have to say, I didn't really like Jessica Capshaw's character on the L-Word, but I'm loving her at Seattle Grace. You know what really rock though? Kate Walsh returning back to Greys and Callie...now that's a good looking couple!

Did I hear gay?

Utada Hikaru's new album (her third English release) has been out in stores and I have to say, while I prefer her Japanese work, I liked it a lot. It's catchy and silly. Ms. Utada also happens to have a rather enthusiastic gay following (or so I'm told) and it seems as if she gives em a little shout out on one of her tracks in this new album.

In the first chorus...

(On & On)

I just want to dance the night, the night, away
Go ahead and make my day, Mr. DJ
(Make the night go on and on, make the night go on and on)

[Chorus:]
Honeys, if you're gay, burn it up, like a gay parade
Honeys, if you're straight, bump it up, take it all away
Intoxicated, emancipated, unapologetic's what I am today
Light me up

Here's the song for those interested in hearing the catchy tune.

Huh...so hanging out with lezzies (even fauxbians) will turn ya gay...

First it was Clementine Ford who tip toed in and then out (then back in and finally out) of the closet earlier this year, now its Kelly McGillis! Both lovely ladies had guest spots on the L-word (Clementine Ford and Kelly McGillis both appearing in season 5)and both coming out shortly after the show has completed its run. Say what you will about Clementine Ford's somewhat coincidental timing of her coming out party (as the L-Word ran towards its last episode) and it possibly being a publicity stunt, but it would appear that Ms. McGillis is just ready to join the dark side. You can read her coming out interview here at Shewire Article. I for one am always happy to embrace another out celebrity, so welcome Ms. McGillis. Who knew that the L-Word would be the jumping board for celebrities to come out? Now if only we could get a certain Ms. Sarah Shahi to join the party...

I'm Backkkk!

Sorry for the long hiatus all. Relocating, school and a large puppy kinda got in the way of my gaysian blogging ways. However, I shall be back home for the summer and gearing to get back into full "gaysian news" mode...which is really whatever random "gay" news or opinions I may have. In any event, last night I was flipping through channels and saw Serenity was on. Oh bittersweet happy day! I'm a true and through Whedonite, so naturally I love this show (Firefly), whose run was cut short prematurely. My only complaint about the show was the godawful "Chinese" that the characters would randomly start speaking. To be honest, it took me a good six episodes before I realized that was the language that they were attempting to speak.

Regardless of the language slaughter, it was still an amazingly well written show that was very character and story driven. It had a fun premise and I loved the world that Joss Whedon created. And typical of Whedon shows, a no-nonsense acceptance of queer sexualities, with some geeky humor thrown in for good measure. For a lot of folks I know it's all about Nathan Fillion (Captain Mal), but for me it's always been badass Zoe, sexy Inara and psychotic River that got my attention. Oh lovely, space traveling, bandit ladies...

Did I mention she carries a gun? A big gun?



And was I the only one who was cheering for a Zoe/Inara pairing?



River...crazy, deadly but oh so bendy!



Really though ladies, since the L-Word has so tragically ended and True Blood doesn't start up until June, take some time and check out this amazing series.