For "Grey’s Anatomy" fans, the fact that Garry Marshall’s new ensemble romantic comedy "Valentine’s Day" features both Patrick Dempsey and Eric Dane is reason enough to hit the TiVo pause and get out to a movie theater.
But this romantic comedy, about an intersecting collection of love-misadventures in L.A., offers a special bonus for queer moviegoers: Dane is reportedly playing a hot-shot sexpot NFL quarterback with a secret — he’s a gay guy having a DL relationship with another guy played by "Hangover" star Bradley Cooper. Marshall is assembling a top-drawer cast for this one; also slated to star are Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Shirley MacLaine, Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel (together at last!), Jennifer Garner, Ashton Kutcher and Topher Grace.
Shooting started in early July.
Rupert Everett drags it up for ‘St. Trinian’s’ sequel
While we Americans impatiently await the release later this year of "St. Trinian’s," a 2007 remake of a classic 1950s British comedy about a school for larcenous young girls, the film has already been successful enough in the U.K. to spawn a sequel.
"St. Trinian’s: The Legend of Fritton’s Gold" (nice "City Slickers" shout-out there) will once again feature Rupert Everett in drag as Miss Fritton, the stentorian headmistress of this diabolical institution of higher learning.
Also along for the ride this time are Colin Firth, David Tennant and Gemma Arterton. Currently in production, the "St. Trinian’s" sequel is set for a Christmas release for the Brits, but at this rate Yank audiences may find themselves waiting until 2011 to catch a glimpse. Unfair!
Doc examines Bette Davis’ ‘Queer Icon’ status
If you’ve ever launched into an "All About Eve" impersonation after the third cocktail or uttered "What a dump!" upon arrival at any less-than-A-list establishment, then you know the impact that the screen appearances of Bette Davis had on generations of gay men.
A new documentary, "Queer Icon: The Cult of Bette Davis," takes a closer look at how the star of "Jezebel" and "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" imprinted her extra-strength personality on her devoted gay following. And if you’re one of those new-millennial queers who rolls his eyes at old-school divas, the movie also asks tough questions about whether she’s the sort of icon that modern gay men even need any more. Having premiered this summer in San Francisco, the film is making its way around the festival circuit.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition July 17, 2009.