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thecineastes-blog · 6 years

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LGBT Pride Month Film Selections

Happy LGBT Pride Month everyone! To celebrate here is a list of a few great queer films to watch throughout the month of June!

Brother to Brother (2004) Directed by Rodney Evans

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Larry Gilliard Jr., Roger Robinson, Duane Boutte, and Daniel Sunjata.

Written and directed by Rodney Evans, “Brother to Brother” tells the story of Perry (Mackie), a young, gay, black artist struggling to find his place in this world and his own community. His horrendously homophobic father catches him with another boy in his room and ejects him from his house and his family’s life He is supported unconditionally by his best friend Marcus and another friend Jim, Perry spends the early part of the film wandering around, going through a seemingly endless existential crisis; unsure of the purpose of his life. Then he meets Bruce Nugent (Robinson) who is down on his luck and living in a shelter where the young man works while attending school. Nugent, an older artist, and writer, who attempts to guide Perry through this tricky path of self-realization. In doing so, Bruce reminisces about his life in 1920's New York at the height of the Harlem Renaissance.

The film moves from the present time to Bruce’s fantastical remembrances of the Harlem Renaissance. Bruce tells his stories, we see parts of Harlem and the people who worked to buck conventions in trying to produce art that accurately reflected their authentic experience. We know writers and artists like Langston Hughes, Zora Lean Hurston, Wally Thurman, but we question so much of their personal lives were so shrouded in mystery. The actors playing Bruce's Harlemite social set are incredible, from Daniel Sunjata who plays Langston Hughes to Aunjanue Ellis who captures the zest and life of Zora Neal Hurston. It is bawdy, risky, and works to great effect. As we see Perry affected by these stories, we, as an audience, are also equally affected. This definitely has all of the hallmarks of an independent film, adding a rawness of realism to the story.

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Stonewall (1995) Directed by Nigel Finch

Starring: Guillermo Díaz, Frederick Weller, Duane Boutte and Brendan Corbalis.

Debuting 20 years before the dreadful Roland Emmerich and Jon Robin Baitz film of the same name, this "Stonewall" is based on the memoirs of Martin Duberman. Matty Dean (Weller) arrives in 1969 New York City and meets La Miranda (Díaz) an elusive cross-dressing sex worker. Miranda and her friends escort Matty to the Stonewall Inn, a gay watering hole in Greenwich Village. But the rose-colored glasses are soon pulled off Matty's head when the bar is raided. He and La Miranda are arrested and must be bailed out by Bostonia (Boutte). Subjects like the Vietnam War, the Mattachine Society, respectability politics, sex changes, and the necessity for civil rights. Many will learn about the "revolution" that changed and marked the queer lifestyle, perception, and rights as we know them today. This movie shows the evolution of the gay movement through clandestine groups who published newspapers, pamphlets and had meetings that later developed in marches. It shows a very different Fire Island, the "gay paradise" most know it as today started with same homophobic restrictions that Gays suffered all over the nation. Nigel Finch keeps entertainment as a prime consideration, with occasional asides into fantasy musical numbers and some excellent humor (and true drama). We form emotional bonds with several characters - Matty, Bostonia and La Miranda. Bostonia gives us a rare understanding of each transgender's right to choose what they want for their body. Duane Boutte plays this powerful and pivotal character to perfection. "Stonewall" - The Movie was the last film project by Nigel Finch and he died before it was completed. He succeeds in stunning fashion in combining the joys and struggles of youth in an emerging gay rights movement, with the stories of people who already live through severe struggle every day - Blacks, Latinos, transgenders. "Stonewall" shows that the white middle-class gay men were coming from a privileged position - they try to challenge the law and can't even get themselves refused a drink.

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Watermelon Woman (1996) Directed by Cheryl Dunye

Starring: Cheryl Dunye and Guinevere Turner

A fantastic film about the mutable nature of memory and identity from writer/director/actor Cheryl Dunye. Dunye's character is a clerk at a video rental shop who wades through the history of Black representation in Hollywood and her own identity as a black lesbian. Cheryl tries to find information about a black actress informally known as “The Watermelon Woman” from the 1930s. She known for playing the stereotypical "mammy" roles relegated to black actresses. She begins the seemingly arduous task as many black actors, male and female were often left uncredited for the films they appeared in. Soon, Cheryl’s love life begins paralleling the actress that she is researching.

Unlike other films dealing with gay characters or themes, "Watermelon Woman” is not pretentious or preachy. Instead, it tells a simple story which touches upon universal themes such as searching for one's place in the world. Dunye, while not a polished actress, is nonetheless appealing in her lead role. Her character possesses a youthful charm that makes you really care about her journey. The other members of the cast are also appealing. Adventurous filmgoers tired of formulaic plots will find much to savor in this film. Aspiring filmmakers can also look at the film as a guide on how to create a compelling story on a modest budget.

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Leaving Metropolis (2002) Directed by Brad Fraser

Starring: Troy Ruptash, Vince Corazza, Lynda Boyd, Cherilee Taylor, and Thom Allison

Writer/Director Brad Fraser (who ass also a writer and co-producer for the enormously popular "Queer as Folk" television series) Adapted his play "Poor Super Man" (1994) onto the silver screen with great success.

The story revolves around a gifted painter David (Ruptash) who lives with Shannon (Thom), his transsexual friend who is awaiting gender-reassignment surgery while coping with being HIV positive. David and Shannon also have a witty and acerbic reporter friend Kryla (Boyd). David has painter's block and to escape that state he seeks anonymous employment as a waiter to observe life, seeking visual input for his canvases. He starts working at the Main Street Diner is run by a newly married couple - Matt (Corazza) and Violet (Taylor). David finds his muse in Matt and paints beautiful nude portraits of Matt without his knowledge. Once the cat is out of the bag, the two of them begin a passionate and tumultuous affair; all with the threat of the dissolution of Matt's marriage looming if Violet ever found out. The film is set against the backdrop of several events in the fictional life of Superman in the early 1990s, including Clark Kent’s marriage to Lois Lane, his revealing his secret identity to her, the Death of Superman storyline and ultimate resurrection.

On the surface, the story may sound a bit on the soap opera side, but in Fraser's hands and with the accomplished acting of this physically beautiful cast, it all works. The cinematography is beautiful, the art designing is excellent (the paintings David paints are the creations of a fine artist), and the musical score is sensitive, witty, and well edited. Brad Fraser is a force to contend with and if there is anyone able to incorporate the 'gay world' into mainstream moviemaking, he surely is on top of the list. Despite some fine steamy scenes (Matt in bed with both Violet and then with David), this film is for general audiences who are open to understanding the meaning of extended family. Fraser has the ability to write about the gay world without making a 'gay movie' primarily because he shows such comfort with the variations in gender identities that he can explore all facets. The result is a film that is more about people than about stereotypes, and a fine job he does in writing scenes for characters who, in other director's hands, might seem contrived at best and silly at worst.

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Lilies (1996) Directed by John Greyson

Starring: Marcel Sabourin, Aubert Pallascio, Jason Cadieux, Matthew Ferguson, Danny Gilmore, Brent Carver, and Rémy Girard.

Based upon the play of the same name by Michel-Marc Bouchard; "Lilies" is a hauntingly poignant story of three teenagers and how their seemingly sophomoric choices have lifelong ramifications. In 1952 Bishop Jean Bilodeau (Sabourin) visits a local prison hear the confession of Simon Doucet (Pallascio), a dying inmate who has been serving a life sentence for the past 40 years. Unbeknownst to Bilodeau Doucet has something else in mind for them. He has enlisted his fellow inmates to stage a play set in 1912 when Bilodeau and Doucet were classmates in Roberval, Quebec. The plot of the play involves an incident which happened 40 years earlier, wherein one of the major characters dies. Its a story about forbidden love, death and finally, redemption.

Most of the film consists of the play within the film, presented by the inmates for Bilodeau and Doucet. Because it is taking place within an all-male prison, the female roles are portrayed by the male prisoners (much like in Classical Greek and Shakespearean theatre). The young Bilodeau and Simon are performed by younger inmates (Ferguson and Cadieux). Transitions between past and present, between prison and real life, between costume-wearing inmates and actual characters ... all of these segues are as smooth as the surface of the glass from which a movie camera's lens is made. Dealing with ghosts of the past, created by intense hurt and obsessions, the characters are forced to reckon with reality, no matter the price to pay. It is obvious we are dealing with forbidden love and obsession, but it is the struggle itself that is the focal element. Beautifully well crafted, the film exposes, then challenges, the delusions we internalize in order to conform and be accepted by family, society, and ourselves.

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thecineastes-blog · 6 years

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Grand Prix RPDR All Stars RuView: Let Me Entertain You! (S03E01)

Break out your best gold ensemble and best repetitive catchphrase! For Grand Prix RPDR All Stars RuView, we’ll be giving you the top moments of each episode, the shadiest moment of each episode, our favorite queen and our least favorite queen of each episode, best looks on the runway, and our predictions for next week.

So all those years of praying to the drag gods have finally paid off, it’s All Stars 3! These seasons are especially difficult for queens since it’s more about snatching the crown, it’s about maintaining your legacy. We have seen in the past how RPDR alums have come back to All Stars to have it blow back in their faces.

The episode starts off with Chad Michaels and Alaska giving an interesting nod to The Handmaid’s Tale (a novel by Canadian author Margaret Atwood and the Hulu series). Apparently there’s “work to be done…” we’ll have to wait and see what that means. On a lighter note Trixie Mattel is first to enter the workroom like a ‘90s Rollerblade Barbie escaping a K. B. Toys! I’m just happy she did not fall flat on her face. Milk is the second alum to enter, looking like a Pinocchio Club Kid. Chi Chi DeVayne sashayed in with a lovely yellow ensemble (made of trash bags no less!), I just hope she brought enough Étouffée for everyone.

Thorgy comes in looking like a kaleidoscope of carnival colors, from Chi Chi’s reaction I don’t think she was expecting her Season 8 Sister to be there! Morgan McMichaels looks drop dead gorgeous (not bad for a dead bitch indeed)! Aja zooms on in riding a razor scooter, ready to slay! Ben DelaCreme follows suit, wearing an altered version of the dress she wore when she was crowned Miss Congeniality. I’m already advising people to only allow her decaf coffee. Kennedy Davenport arrives, looking like Disco exploded all over her (Mirror ball Broccoli). Last but not least, Shangela comes out of a Tiffany inspired box, unfortunately for us it seems we have misplaced our receipt.

After a cryptic video mail from RuPaul, he enters in to congratulate his terrific 9 queens...except he realizes they are one contestant short! Now there had been a lot of speculation on who the 10th queen would be, from Valentina to Willam Belli, but low and behold it’s Season One winner Bebe Zahara Benet! The nine other queens are understandably upset because Bebe has already won and has nothing to prove. But Ru explains that she wanted to give Bebe the opportunity to showcase her talent to a new generation of RPDR fans (which is a lot since most people have not seen Season 1). There’s not much time to let it all sink in as they have to prepare for a talent show! RuPaul also reminds them that they will follow the same rules of Lip Synching for Your Legacy, and will have to send one of their fellow competitors home.

As the queens are unpacking and getting settled in, the topic of eliminations comes up. Morgan rather bluntly says that if given the opportunity, she will send the queen home she most thinks is competition. They also talk about what they will do for the talent, and a majority of them will be dancing.

We finally get to the main stage, where Rupaul is doing 100% in a coral, sequenced (Where’s Roxxxy Andrews?), tulle ruched, floor length gown. She pulls it off...because she’s RuPaul. But how many tribbles had to die to make her gown?! Ross and Carson have gotten better as judges, (Carson’s reaction face is the quality content I came here for), Michelle looked utterly flawless. From her ensemble, hair and makeup-she was glowing. Vanessa Hudgens was “aight” as a guest judge, (she’s very into vogueing right now, you guys)

The talent show starts off with Shangela taking us to church with a rousing Gospel start to her dance routine that ended in a death drop. Aja’s dance routine was definitely a showstopper, she was performing the house down! It was incredible to watch. Ben’s burlesque number was very cute. She had enough tassels to give to a graduating class. Chi Chi’s step routine was very sad to watch, especially when we found out she had hurt her hand and couldn't do as many gymnastics as she had planned to. Thorgy finally showed us her classical violin skills and was a breath of fresh air. Kennedy was definitely dancing to show people she could teach Aja a thing or two. Milk came out and performed an original song while she placed cardboard outfits on her nude bodysuit...originally this is done to the song “I Am Changing” from Dreamgirls...so it makes more sense. Trixie Mattel performed one of her original songs and accompanied herself on the autoharp. Bebe performed an African tribal dance that was stellar. Morgan lip synched to a song she wrote, but it was rather lackluster.

The biggest critiques were for Morgan and Chi Chi, both of their mainstage performances left much to be desired. Ben and Aja are declared the Top 2 and lip synched to Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda”, with Ben being the winner. Ben decided to send Morgan home. When Morgan was filming her reaction to be eliminated, she was shocked to see a cryptic message from Ru playing on the screen. Then Chad and Alaska appeared in back of her, what will happen next?!

Jonny’s Favorite Moments:

This Time for Africa: The ultimate shade of it all, having Bebe back in the competition. I love her to pieces and have heard rumors of why she is back, but I cannot wait to see what she brings to the table!

Reading Rainbow: It was fun to see everyone reading one another to filth, especially since they have known one another for so long.

Jonny’s Least Favorite Moments:

Dance Dance Revolution: Like All Stars 2 had with singing, All Stars 3 had way too much dancing! It’s arduous to have a talent show, because the world talent can elicit unrealistic expectations and I understand that many of the queens are dancers by nature, but let’s diversify your talents! Did no one want to tell jokes, arrange furniture? Or jump through hoops of flame? After a while it just seemed like a contest for who could do the most death drops.

Jonny’s Favorite Queen:

Aja wants to prove to everyone she was no one-trick pony. Giddup!

Jonny’s Least Favorite Queen:

Milk, but only in regards to her “talent”...which was rather questionable to say the least.

Predictions:

How soon until Snatch Game?

Anais’ Favorite Moments:

You better werk: Werkroom entrances are always one of my favorites, especially for All-Stars, it’s a chance to see how queens have grown (or not!) in terms of style, make-up and comedy.

Not another song and dance: I thoroughly enjoyed Thorgy and Trixie’s live instrumental performances. I feel like it’s a an old standby for queens to dance, sing or lip sync, things we already know they’re good at, but it’s a treat to actually see something that was only mentioned on their previous season or was never showcased.

Anais’s Favorite Shadiest Moments:

Reading is fundamental: So.Many.Reads. So many. From the reading challenge to confessionals, to the entrances (“looks like a Morgan McMichaels’ meet and greet”-DEAD), the shade was in full force right out of the gate.

Cutting Room Floor: the editors are back on their game. I loved the editing of past seasons, cutting things together to be silly fun or making it ultra shady, and it seemed like they were back to that. I hope they keep this up the entirety of the season and beyond.

Anais’s Favorite Queen:

Trixie and Aja. Besides looking great and performing well, it was nice to see them let go of the things that held them back in their seasons and just be themselves, they seemed like they were having fun but also came to play.

Anais’s Least Favorite Queen:

Milk. Besides coming off a little pompous in the entrance confessional, how was she not in the bottom for her “talent”???

Predictions:

Ugly/worst drag redo? Yes please! Also I’m into knowing how far Ru is taking the ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ theme this season…..

#RuPaul's Drag Race #review #dragqueen #vh1 #talent #queen #trixie mattel #morgan mcmichaels #chichi devayne #ben delacreme #milk #aja #bebe zahara benet #thorgy thor #kennedy davenport #shangela #lgbt #television

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thecineastes-blog · 7 years

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me: *hears farrah whine for the billionth time*

me:

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thecineastes-blog · 7 years

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Grand Prix RPDR RuView: Material Gurlz (S06E06)

Dust off your vintage cone bra from the closet! For Grand Prix RPDR RuView, we’ll be giving you the overview of each episode, top moments of each episode, the shadiest moment of each episode, our favorite queen of the each episode, our least favorite queen of each episode, best looks on the runway, and our predictions for next week.

So the episode begins on a rather somber note. For the first time this season the lipstick farewell message was read aloud, Eureka’s was especially heartfelt. But all these warm feelings were cut short when Farrah asks Nina Bo’Nina a rather pointed question, “Do you even want to be here?” But before things could really get heated Shea defused the situation. Farrah’s question, however inappropriate for the moment is very valid. All we have heard from Nina is how she thinks people are trying to sabotage her.

One of the best moments of this season is Peppermint coming out as a Transgender Woman. I think Peppermint will be a great advocate for the Trans community. I am so happy she felt comfortable enough to live in her truth. Unlike instances in other seasons where a contestant has come out as Trans, this was taken more seriously and less for dramatic effect. Peppermint is a trans woman of color, who performs as a Drag Queen. She has spoken about how some Trans people are against Drag Queens and how some Drag Queens are combative with Trans people.

Now let’s get to what we have been waiting for this ENTIRE season (and no I don’t mean my intervention…) SNATCH GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! American Horror Story’s Dennis O’Hare and Drag legend Candis Cayne were the contestants on the show. I’m glad they chose some more animated guests, because the supermodels from last season were so boring.

Now I’ll just say this, Snatch Game has become the be all to end all for RPDR; this challenge separates the tops for the bottoms of the season. And most importantly, BE FUNNY! BUT just because someone bombs Snatch Game does not mean they will no win (Tyra Sanchez) and just because someone wins Snatch Game, does not mean they will even make it to top three (Tatianna and Stacy Layne Matthews).

So the queens (from best to worst):

Alexis Michelle as Liza Minnelli

I’m actually surprised that no one had never impersonated Liza before in all 9 nine seasons (and 2 All Stars Seasons) of the shows; though Mrs. Kasha Davis has said she would have done Liza for Snatch Game had she made it that far. Classically Liza is one of the major Gay icons that is rather shocking no one did yet (I’m still waiting for Judy Garland, Bette Midler, and Barbra Streisand). Alexis was definitely able to capture Liza’s funny manic personality. She was definitely one of the saving graces of the episode. I also recommend watching Liza Minnelli’s appearance on HSN from a few years that’s on YouTube.

Shea Couleé as Naomi Campbell

I was really hoping Shea was going to be Grace Jones. But Naomi is just as good! She was quick with the quips and had a great British accent. I just wished she threw that cellphone at someone! Now I want her and Raja (as Tyra Banks) to do some videos together.

Nina Bo’nina Brown as Jasmine Masters

It was rather fitting that Nina decided on RPDR alum Jasmine Masters. Nina was able to embody Jasmine’s dissonance and cold indifference. I hope the judges were able to see Nina in a different light after this episode.

Sashsa Velour as Marlene Dietrich

Sasha was very strong as Dietrich; she was able to give a funny, phony German accent (reminiscent of Madeline Kahn in Blazing Saddles). It would have nice to have some have some jokes about Marlene never having a German sausage she did not enjoy. And it is true, Teutonic Bisexuals do make the most forceful and unforgettable lovers.

Trinity Taylor as Amanda Lepore

Trinity did a good job as Amanda, but it was nothing groundbreaking. She asked where were Cynthia’s jokes...I wanted to ask Trinity the same thing.

Valentina as Miss Colombia

Valentina was humorous, even though the character was rather one note.

Aja as Alyssa Edwards

This was a swing and a miss. This seems to be the big unwritten rule of RPDR, DO NOT impersonate an alumni unless it is HILARIOUS; I think it was especially jarring since Nina as Jasmine Masters was so much more entertaining. I was hoping that Aja would have done Rosie Perez, or with the way, her makeup could have been Telenovela star, Itatí Cantoral. Itatí Cantoral would have been even that more overly dramatic and hilarious. Also, Aja’s second choice was Crystal LaBeija.

That would have been a great history lesson for everyone who is not aware of LaBeija, and how modern Ballroom culture owes so much to her.

Farrah Moan as Gigi Gorgeous

I had NO idea who Gigi was prior to this episode...and unfortunately, Farrah was dry as month old toast. There were no zingers, just a lot of her smiling and throwing makeup around.

Peppermint as Nene Leakes

As much as I love Peppermint, this was so hard to watch! Like in the earlier acting challenge, Pepper kept flubbing her lines. And We barely got ANY of Nene’s quips. This was a definite Xanadont.

Cynthia Lee Fontaine as Sofia Vergara

This is arguably the WORST Snatch Game performance in the show’s herstory. Cynthia was so scatterbrained; her long tangents were not funny, just torturous. I’m glad she was not called on much.

Fashion Over-Ru:

Category is Night of a 1,000 Madonnas-the sequel. I'm so glad they decided to do this runway again after #KimonoGate of the last season-although they technically had a celebrity inspired look in episode 1 with Lady Gaga. First up on the runway was Aja, in a look inspired by Madge’s Who’s That Gir Tour. It was kind of just a basic look, it lacked a lot of refinement and detail.

Also, I get that Aja doesn't (or rarely) pads or breasts, but I feel like she needed something to fill out the top portion of the dress-it looked a bit saggy and sad. Next up, Alexis Michelle as Breathless Mahoney from ‘Dick Tracey’. This look was flawless. Alexis can construct for the body, and she really looked identical to Madonna in that movie.

Twinsies? Next up was Peppermint as Madonna in ‘Material Girl’. I liked Peppermint’s gown and felt it was really true to the source material, but the hair made it too Marilyn Monroe. I would've gone for dirty blonde wig.

Next up was Shea Coulee...in the exact same look. Granted, Shea’s was more Shea- the black gloves and the jewels were different, also another platinum blonde Marilyn wig. These two looks were just okay. The next set of twins? Trinity and Nina Bo’Nina Brown Joan Hart, as Madonna a la the Met Gala circa 2013.

The pageboy dominatrix plaid no pants look (it was The Met Gala) was well executed by Trinity, very Tailored, although her bangs could've been an inch and a half longer (insert Trinity’s eye roll here). Nina’s look was more Nina, it was less structured and looser, with Nina’s signature breast plate and padding. I preferred Trinity’s but Nina’s was a B+ for me.

Sasha’s ‘Erotica’ look was well done but could've used a little finessing, had she added the tie and did a bra w/ padding than black pasties it would translated better.

Farrah’s SuperBowl 2012 look was spot on. It looked practically identical to Madonna’s. This look was, in my opinion, enough to compensate for her lackluster Snatch Game performance to at least save her from lip syncing.

Cynthia Lee Fontaine’s matador homage to Madonna’s Brit Awards 2015 look was good. Even her intentional slip and fall was spot on (even if it did make her look like runway roadkill). The only thing “wrong” with the look was her face, she contoured so darkly it read ‘beard’ on the runway.

Last up was Valentina as M on the cover of the Sex Book. It was naked to say the least, save for two black strips for censorship bars. This look was kind of genius, although according to the cut scenes, it looked like Valentina had a little, ahem, trouble with her lady bits.

So Peppermint and Cynthia are in the bottom two, and Peppermint shows her exceptional lip synching skills. She went in for the kill, and Cynthia was sent home packing. The best thing about Untucked, was seeing Nina’s mom.

Jonny’s Favorite Moments:

To Thine Own Self Be True: i’m really glad that Peppermint felt safe enough to tell everyone that she was Trans, and that everyone was so accepting. I really think she can the bridge that helps connect the Drag and Trans worlds.

It Takes a Village: In one of the deleted scenes pretty much everyone was trying to convince Aja to be Crystal LaBeija. I wish she had listened.

Jonny’s Favorite Shadiest Moments:

Make ‘em Laugh?: Trinity pretty much summed up this lackluster episode of Snatch Game, “Where are the jokes?!”

Dopplegangerland: WHY did this have to happen two years in a row? You should not have any duplicate looks on the mainstage! The producers should have made sure that all 13 contestants did not do the same Madonna look, even if they did not make to the Snatch Game episode. It’s Madonna, she has a million looks. I also tired of seeing these esoteric outfits she’s worn. Why has no one done “Like a Virgin” Madonna in a bridal gown?

Jonny’s Favorite Queen:

Alexis Michelle: her Liza was flawless and her Breathless Mahoney was even better. I would have also said Shea, but her and Peppermint going dutch on the same costume was unforgivable.

Jonny’s Least Favorite Queen:

Cynthia. These last few episodes, she’s been barely coasting. She was not suited for season 9.

Predictions:

Something else?

Anais’ Favorite Moments:

Original Sin: if another Queen has done a character in Snatch Game justice, don't do the same character. It was really a missed opportunity for Aja to do Alyssa when it had already been done (pretty well, I might add) by Violet Chachki when she could've done Crystal LaBeija. Also I was kind of bummed Charlie and Jaymes didn't make it Snatch Game so we could see their Joan Rivers and Rebel Wilson

How does this still happen?: Contestants should bring an extra look for runways like these just in case. (Also apparently Peppermint did? Why didn't you wear it, Pep???) There's really no excuse for two sets of identical queens with someone who has hundreds of iconic looks like Madonna. I could feel Michelle seething through the television.

Anais’s Favorite Shadiest Moments:

Laugh In: Trinity’s confessional spiel about “where are the jokes”- was the cherry on top of Cynthia’s Snatch Game train wreck.

All T, all shade: the PA’s and editors literally act as an extra shady queen. By grouping the two sets of twins to the added sound effects-I live for them.

Anais’s Favorite Queen:

Sasha Velour. I totally thought she was going to bomb Marlene Dietrich, but she was surprisingly funny.

Anais’s Least Favorite Queen:

Cynthia Lee Fontaine. I think she’s lovely and very nice but I feel like she's a queen that doesn't translate well to drag race.

Predictions:

No more celebrity runways! PLEASE.

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thecineastes-blog · 7 years

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me vs. me 5 min laters

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thecineastes-blog · 7 years

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Exactly.

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Grand Prix RPDR RuView: Reality Stars!: The Rusical (S06E05)

Break out your selfie stick and get ready to break the internet! For Grand Prix RPDR RuView, we’ll be giving you the overview of each episode, top moments of each episode, the shadiest moment of each episode, our favorite queen of the each episode, our least favorite queen of each episode, best looks on the runway, and our predictions for next week.

The queens re-enter the workroom to see Charlie Hides’s lipstick goodbye...which is quickly erased by Trinity. I miss when the queens would actually read aloud the departing words of their newly eliminated sister. But that seems to have gone the way of the dinosaur. Trinity does not seem to be the least bit sentimental and wants to focus on what’s ahead. The queens seem so bummed that Charlie did not put up a fight. Trinity is also quick to clarify that she had wished she had been put into the bottom two for her performance and not for her questionable leadership. (personally, I thought she was in the bottom two for both those reasons but I digress…)

While everyone does seem genuinely happy about Sasha and Shea’s win, Alexis wants to become the cream to everyone else’s milk this season and rise to the top; Nina seems like she’d pull a Nomi Malone on any of her fellow contestants if given the opportunity.

The next day RuPaul drops in on the queens, sans her usual cryptic video mail. However, it does seem like our prayers (as well as those letter writing campaigns and hunger strikes) have paid off, we actually get a mini-challenge! Judt in time to be considered an Easter miracle! And on top of the that the Pit Crew is here! This season they are sponsorless, but have two new members, Yadir and Jared!

The queens had to shoot fun selfie photos with the Pit Crew in their summer ensembles. The photos were really fun to watch and made me realize how much I missed the mini challenges. Alexis is chosen as the winner, and will spearhead the maxi challenge in Kardashian: the Musical! Since Alexis won she got to choose not only her role, but everyone else’s.

The show seems to have gotten so disjunctive this season (and actually since All Stars 2). Drag Race used to follow a very linear pattern, there was the She Mail/RuMail, the mini challege, the preperation/rehearsal on the main challenge, performing the main challenge, the runway, and finally the lip sync. There just needs to be more a more cohesion for the rest of the series, because it’s getting ridiculous.

Alexis chooses the role self-proclaimed momager™ Kris Jenner; the other casting goes as follows, Eureka as North West, Cynthia as Kim, Farrah as Kylie, Valentina as Kendall, Aja as Kourtney, Sasha as Lindsay Lohan, Trinity as Paris Hilton, Peppermint as Britney Spears, Shea as Blac Chyna, and Nina as Khloe. Nina, originally wanting the role of Blac Chyna is already complaining about not receiving and the rehearsals have yet to start!

Eureka, has had her ups and downs these past episodes. ESPECIALLY since she has to use crutches. She is being a real Pollyanna about the situation, which is refreshing. As the queens are listening to their music and trying to get their lyrics down, Nina keeps going on and on about how unfair it felt not getting the role she wanted. Nina is as salty as the Pacific ocean. If this were Dreamgirls, she’d be playing Effie White.

Peppermint said what everyone else was thinking, there are THREE Black actors to the ONE Black role, so two people are gonna end up being shafted! I’m actually surprised they did not have Brandy as a character in the musical, since Kim working for her led to her meeting, dating and making the sex tape with Ray J.

The choreography session, led by Todrick Hall was well...clunky. Apparently, it was an intensive two-day ordeal...and some people took it to more than others. Eureka is making glam happen, she is applying rhinestones on ballet slippers to make it that more glam!

Aja has experienced a true Hannukah miracle with thinking she got a slimmer nose. Eureka also ate some humble pie and asks for Sasha and Valentina’s forgiveness. They both open up about their eating disorders, and even Shea talks about her bulimia battle. RuPaul’s Best Group Therapy Race indeed!

For the musical, I thought they all gave a strong performance but I’m sad they did not perform Kim Kardashian Meets the Easter Bunny: an American Play (and yes that is a real play, available on Amazon).

Ru comes down the runway in a shimmery silver number (is this becoming her signature color?); I’m happy to see hair and makeup and back to normal. So Meghan Trainor is wearing a unicorn onesie. Did she not have a stylist or at least ONE gay friend to talk to her about this? It just looks like she got up out of bed and ran to the studio to film the episode.

For the musical, I thought they all gave a strong performance but I’m sad they did not perform Khloe Kardashian Meets the Easter Bunny: an American Play (and yes that is a real play, available on Amazon).

Runway Over-Ru:

Category is Faux Fur Fabulous! First up is Peppermint, wearing a whole lot of pink (are her signature colors Blush and Bashful?). The skirt was very reminiscent of her ‘Naughty Nightie’ look, although the skirt fit her much better. Her faux fur piece reminded me of cotton balls. All in all, I was not a fan.

Did Kimora leave behind her Princess Banana Lady costume? Because that's what Trinity was serving on the runway (minus the first world sob story about not wearing padding.) the added nose ring and accessories were kind of a cross between Coco Montrese’s ‘Ru-animal’ look and Season one and ‘All-Stars’ alum Shannel. Sasha Velour was serving Russian dressing realness in a Kozachok inspired look.

The faux fur pants and hat were spot on. Well, after a chilly night of clubbing…” was Alexis’ Look for this runway, although the “reveal” was disappointing. Had she gone with a crystal encrusted mini dress or hell even a nude illusion like a Central Park flasher would’ve been more satisfying than that dress from Forever 21.

Cynthia’s Faux fur look was a lot. It was a two in one, it was mesh, it was faux fur, it had long sleeves, she had on gloves, she had on thigh high boots. Too much. Next up is Nina Bo’nina Brown Mountbatten-Windsor in a great look reminiscent of Mary J. Blige. This look (almost) compensated for Nina’s attitude this episode.

Aja’s look could best be described as holographic Hoth stripper.Not my favorite. I did like the lavender hair and earmuffs, but wasn’t living for the rest of the ensemble. Looking like a telenovela villain in a snakeskin patterned gown, faux fur stole and wild kingdom jewels was Valentina. I liked the look, but wish it was more faux fur.

Two words: muppet jacket. That’s what I’d use to describe Farrah’s Faux fur piece. That in combination with the holo printed booty shorts, highlighter green color (Hello, Michelle Visage!), weird windchime foil necklace and Red s-wave wig-it was a confusing look. I prefer Farrah’s retro showgirl vibe from last episode, it definitely suits her better.

Shea’s neon vinyl faux fur monster look was IT. It reminded me of Naomi Small’s neon runway look-which I also love. Were the Misfits’s missing a member? Speaking of 1980s kids Glam Rock, Eureka looked like she was straight out of ‘Jem’ and I wasn’t mad about it. From the neon, faux fur, hair, leotard and face paint- it quite literally looked like something Pizzaz would wear (minus the crutches).

Farrah and Cynthia are placed at the bottom two, and effectively were polar opposites with their performances; Cynthia performance was high energy but it was clear she did not know the words. Farrah’s performance was lackluster and somewhat boring. But I was clutching my set of Easter Sunday pearls when Eureka was sent home!

In hindsight, it made perfect sense, but RuPaul (and her lawyers) would be remiss (and held responsible) if they did not give Eureka time to heal. Untucked was just really weird when Alexis got on her pedestal about feeling that she did not feel the other contestants tried to help her with her runway look? Ugh.

Jonny’s Favorite Moments:

Mamma Mia!: Alexis Michelle as Kris Jenner nothing short of epic! She was present on stage, even when she wasn’t the main feature, was amazing.

Peppermint Twist: There is nothing better than Peppermint’s commentary on what is going on. My favorite parts of any episode.

Jonny’s Favorite Shadiest Moments:

Tony! Toni! Toné!: Will we be seeing Kardashian: the Musical make it to the great white way….don’t hold your breathe.

The Last Unicorn: Unofficial Commandment for RPDR Judges that I think Meghan Trainor did not realize, DRESS TO IMPRESS!

It’s the Great Menorah, Charlie Brown: I was glad we were able to witness a Hanukkah miracle! Aja’s nose becoming smaller! L'Chaim!

Jonny’s Favorite Queen:

Eureka, she will definitely will be missed this season. There were times she was downright grating, and others where she was very sympathetic and endearing. This episode, where we saw her hobbling around on crutches and wheelchairs with an ACL tear and not being the least bit salty or bitter? Take notes everybody, this is the attitude to have!

Jonny’s Least Favorite Queen:

Nina’s sourpuss demeanor this ENTIRE episode was really disconcerting. Come on, she was cast as Khloé Kardashian and was acting like she had to play Brody Jenner! And since Khloé is such a fan of the show (and a former judge to boot) I just wish Nina would have put more effort to outshine her cast members. I can see why people have called her a Debbie Downer

Predictions:

It’s FINALLY Snatch Game; this maxi challenge separates the boys from the men (or something like that). Let the odds be ever in your favor darlings.

Anais’ Favorite Moments:

Crystal Crazy: Valentina’s love of crystals and how stoning “feeds her soul” in ‘Untucked’ was adorable.

Unbreakable: Although she wrecked her knee in the Cheerleading challenge, Eureka didn’t let it bring her or her attitude down. (Side note: FYI Ru-no cheerleading challenges ever again.)

Anais’ Favorite Shadiest Moments:

Basic Instinct: How exactly was it the other Queens’ faults that Alexis wore a basic dress on the runway? It’s a competition! They’re going to be cordial but they’re not going to dress you.

Unicorn Tears: Was Meghan Trainor’s stylist on vacation? Really, a unicorn onesie?

Anais’ Favorite Queen:

Eureka and Valentina. Eureka’s positive attitude about her injury and not letting it hinder her in the competition was great-and to be honest I wish she had spent more time being like that, than coming off as desperate for camera time. (Bring positive Eureka for Season 10!) Valentina giving Farrah a bit of tough love was just what the Doctor ordered.

Anais’ Least Favorite Queen:

Farrah Moan and Nina Bo’nina Brown Day-Lewis. Farrah’s whining and cry baby demeanor is getting a bit irritating. She needs to toughen up when receiving constructive criticism-the 5 G’s girl. (Good God Girl Get a Grip). Nina’s attitude was ultra-salty and she spent a majority of her time complaining about not being Blac China, as opposed to taking the role she was given and making the most of it. I understand Nina’s faced a lot of opposition in the ATL drag scene, but she really should be showing her haters that she’s H-E-R-E bitch and showing them that they can’t bring her down. It shouldn’t be a surprise to her that other contestants are questioning her desire to be in the competition.

Predictions:

Snatch Game! FINALLY. It’s really the time where we’ve hit mid season and it becomes survival of the fittest. Being safe isn’t enough anymore.

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me, when there was no mini challenge again:

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Grand Prix RPDR RuView: Morning Glory (S06E04)

I hope you have had your morning coffee, and prepare to smize! For Grand Prix RPDR RuView, we’ll be giving you the overview of each episode, top moments of each episode, the shadiest moment of each episode, our favorite queen of the each episode, our least favorite queen of each episode, best looks on the runway, and our predictions for next week.

So the episode opens with the queens reentering the workroom after Kimora’s elimination. Aja goes on about how she feels her self-confidence lowering and how she needs to reevaluate her drag. Sasha brings up a very good point about Aja needing some humble pie. The queens begin to joke, but then Aja and Alexis say they don’t feel Valentina deserved almost winning. I’m just worried about Aja’s fall off of her high horse.

The next day Ru informs her legendary children that the main challenge will be having to be split in teams of two and perform a morning talk show. They are also reminded that this challenge will be taped LIVE, so there are no second takes. Since Trinity won and Aja survived the lip sync they are made team captains. Aja is made captain for the “Good Morning Bitches” tv show, and enlists Valentina, Sasha, Shea, Alexis, and Farrah as her co-anchors. Trinity is made headliner for “Not on Today” with Peppermint, Charlie, Cynthia, Eureka, and Nina. Nina is bummed that she is picked last. From what we have been presented, I would never categorize Nina as a Debbie Downer.

From the start, Eureka is just full of it...ideas. Trinity implements a rule where you must raise your hand before someone else can speak. Trinity chooses what everyone’s role for the morning show. Eureka and Trinity keep butting heads, and it’s not pretty. Trinity then decides for the group to break away and work with their partners. Charlie is doing the rumor mill with Cynthia. Cynthia wants to put her own spin on the lines, which irks Charlie. She fears the delivery will not be right and fall flat. Cynthia does like Charlie’s critiques and finds Charlie smothering and possessive.

Good Morning Bitches are the first group to film their show. Ross Matthews is acting as director/producer for both shows. Does this mean we’ll see him pour hot coffee in the face of interns and chain smoke because he’s worried about the show’s success?...Probably not. Ross does mention that their set was furnished by 204 Events (whatever the hell that is…) Farrah and Alexis are the main co-anchors, and go off very well. Farrah shows off the newest trend, acrylic nails, which were so hard to get off Farah started to panic after their taping ended.

Aja and Valentina were head of entertainment news where they look at humorous photos of drag queens, which was descent. Sasha and Shea nailed the challenge with their food segment. It was funny, AND was borderline softcore Lesbian porn! Naya comes in as the celebrity guest for the final roundtable. Their interview with her comes off without a hitch.

Not on Today enter the set, and prepare to go live. Trinity and Peppermint are the star co-anchors, who come off as rather toxic frenemies; they weren’t so much funny bitchy, as they were just bitchy bitchy. Peppermint fumbles some of her lines toward the end of her segment. Charlie and Cynthia were up next doing the entertainment news. They play #SophiesChoices; while Cynthia was lively and fun, Charlie sort of falls flat. The second game they played was even worse. Eureka and Nina were the bright spots in the whole spectacle. They showed how to do drag on an extreme dime. They were both engaging and fun. Finally it’s the celebrity interview; the queens were rather abrupt with Naya. Since no one was paying attention Charlie had to give a rather terse end to the morning show.

The next day Aja laments to Alexis about her position in the competition. Valentina and Aja have a heart to heart. They may become the Elphaba and Galinda of the season. Cynthia tells Charlie about her work with HIV patients, and Charlie bares her soul about how she had to bury most of her friends died from the HIV-AIDS Crisis. The queens also discuss different issues that they have dealt with, and Eureka casually jokes about eating disorders. Sasha tells Eureka is is not right for her to do that, as she has personally fought eating disorders for most of her life. The argument goes around in circles and Valentina just asks them to focus on prepping for the main stage.

Joining Ru, Michelle and Matthew are our guest judges for this episode, Glee’s Naya Rivera, as well as Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman from the Lifetime dark comedy-drama series, UnREAL. Sasha and Shea rightfully won, they and rest of their team are safe and are excused to untuck backstage. Trinity was criticized for being too mean, uptight, and not really a good fit for morning tv. Peppermint’s outfit was read to filth, but her character was deemed far more likeable than Trinity’s. Both Peppermint and Trinity apologized for not ending the show well.

WHY did no team do a boozy, kooky Hoda Kotb and Kathy Lee Gifford kind of morning talk show? That’s why those two are so popular! Or even with the View, you have so many different personalities it is fun to watch. I’m surprised Charlie didn’t put on a heavy British accent and joining Cynthia with being an outrageous expat.

Charlie’s control freak behavior ruined the timing, Cynthia was congratulated for keeping her composure when things with Charlie got tense. Eureka and Nina were praised but warned to brace themselves for how tougher the competition would become. RuPaul asks the contestants who on their team should be sent home. Trinity and Peppermint agree on Charlie, Cynthia and Charlie say Peppermint. Eureka and Nina agree on Trinity. Trinity snaps back at Eureka for trying to throw her under the bus. The queens are excused backstage while the judges deliberate.

Trinity and Charlie lip sync; Trinity gives it her all...and Charlie just stands there like a mighty sequoia.It reminded me of Tammie Brown and Akashia lip sync of “Break The Dawn” by Michelle Williams from season one...just really stiff and awkward. I heard through the grapevine that Charlie left the show because of broken ribs he got from the cheerleading challenge. But you don’t go on a show and decide to not participate in the thing that would keep you said show. I guess Charlie thought he would be like Tyra Sanchez, Alaska, Courtney Act, and Bianca Del Rio and have to lip sync to reach top 4. You have said that Bianca del Rio does not lip sync. Bianca does not like to lip sync and there is a difference.

Bianca Del Rio’s lip syncing to “Evita”

In Untucked, Aja opens up about her issues with her skin and appearance. Shea revels in being able to win a challenge. She also emphasizes that perspective is key for everyone’s survival. The Good Morning Bitches queens speculate who will be in the bottom, and it seems like Trinity and Peppermint are lip syncing the general consensus. Not on Today’s awkward chemistry seems to be apparent to them, and they didn’t even see that segment! The rest of the queens are excused backstage and are greeted with cocktails. Eureka and Trinity go for the jugular. I understand Trinity was offended by Eureka questioning her leadership, but for Trinity to dismiss Eureka’s experience (even going so far as to walk away…) is very rude. Even Charlie thought there should have been more rehearsal and get more familiar with the script and roles.

Runway Over-Ru:

The blink and you miss it runway….ugh. The runway theme this week was ‘Naughty Nightie’, of which a majority of the queens I feel missed the mark. First up, Farrah Moan, in a pastel pink look that I could best describe as ‘if Marlene Dietrich was a femme-bot in “Austin Powers”. Serving “soft body”- Alexis Michelle, in a rose printed robe that revealed into a stoned corset and panty. She reminded me of a wealthy woman preparing for a night out. Being awarded ‘most improved’ was Aja, in a red burlesque inspired number. Her makeup was blended, softened and pretty.

It was still drag but fit her face better-and her outfit was sexy. Speaking of sexy-was Valentina, in something I could see slinking down the runway of Agent Provocateur. She managed to still be demure in such an overtly sensual look. While I understood Shea’s Harlem Renaissance/Cotton Club seductress bit, the look didn't really give me “Naughty Nightie”-perhaps if she had on a chemise or bralette/knicker combo it would've fit the 1920s look better. Sasha’s unusual Crimson Peak/Moulin Rouge look wasn't bad-just confusing. She loves a good prop.

I'm convinced Trinity has a fantasy about infidelity? From the cheated on new anchor to the mistress runway look-was she giving us the underlying narrative? Her cheek baring black lace lingerie look was fierce, but could've done without the weird gold trash bag esque robe. Peppermint look wasn’t terrible, but I feel it didn't fit her, and the gloves and necklace took it out of the realm ‘boudoir’. Had she done a silk and lace nightie, maybe a sleep mask pushed up on the top of her head, and a marabou slipper, it would've look looked 1000x better. Charlie’s lingerie look reminded me of Lindsay Duncan’s character in “Under the Tuscan Sun”. Sexy on the runway quickly translated to ‘get off my lawn you hooligans!’ in the lip-sync. Confusing. Beffuddled.

Perplexing. All words I'd use to describe Cynthia Lee Fontaine’s look this week. In a weird combination of dominatrix, meets Halloween angel costume, in contrast with her Marilyn Monroe hairstyle and accessories from “Gentleman Prefer Blondes” this look really missed the mark.

In what I described as “a cheap dress from Rainbow with a bargain bin corset from Frederick’s of Hollywood” was Eureka, in yet another #wigtopiary, which for some reason needed a wig reveal? I'm biding my time until Michelle brings up wig choices. Nina Bo’nina Brown’s skeleton look was a bit underwhelming, as it was just some pasties, a corset and a panty, but her paint job saved it. Also I love her long winded look descriptions-they rival Kennedy Davenport’s iconic “after a long night of hooking…”

The looks this week were hit or miss, just like Mama Ru’s unfortunately. Her makeup and hair looked fine, but where is her stylist this season? Could VH1 not muster up the budget to retain her stylist from Logo? Anyway...see you next week!

Jonny’s Favorite Moments:

Jungle Fever?: Sasha and Shea’s sapphic moment was humorous AND kind of sexy lol

Drag on a Dime: Nina and Eureka’s segment was so much fun...but could not save that team’s Titanic of a disaster .

Jonny’s Favorite Shadiest Moments:

At a standstill?: Charlie not lip syncing, was completely disappointing. It was painfully hard to watch. Charlie had such an impassioned speech earlier in the episode I had hoped she would have been more driven to stay in the series.

Mocha-choca-lata ya ya: Seems a shame no one did an homage to the Moulin Rouge version of “Lady Marmalade” for “Naughty Nighties”

Jonny’s Favorite Queen of the Episode:

Alexis Michelle, she was very poised for Good Morning Bitches, and loved her bedroom attire on the mainstage.

Jonny’s Least Queen of the Episode:

Trinity, she was being a control freak of Joan Crawford proportions.

Predictions:

….is it Snatch Game yet?

Anais’s Favorite Moments:

VH-none: ALOT of the show is cut down for time reasons...including the mini challenges, which are apparently defunct. The show seems a lot shorter than its hour time slot, crappily hosted “viewing party” (aka designated bathroom and snack breaks) and massive amounts of commercials-do not compensate.

Lost in translation: the majority of ‘Not on Today’ was an entertaining train wreck with some bright spots-Cynthia Lee Fontain and the ‘Drag on a Dime’ segment.

Anais’s Favorite Shadiest Moments:

Girl fight: things got soooo shady and drama filled during untucked between Eureka and Trinity, about the challenge and who should be in the bottom. And when Trinity said “you're done, because in going to tell you why you're done”- girl.

Over-it: Nina Bo’Nina Brown laying on the ottoman in ‘Untucked’ while Eureka and Trinity fought: truly iconic.

Anais’s Favorite Queen of the Episode:

Sasha Velour-from her hilarious morning show moment with Shea during the Maxi challenge to seeing her go toe to toe with Eureka about her ill timed joke-it was nice seeing her emote and show a different side to her personality.

Anais’s Least Queen of the Episode:

Trinity and Eureka. Although their ‘Untucked’ fight was undoubtedly entertaining, Trinity’s iron fisted leadership and Eureka’s constant need for attention (read: screentime) are both equally annoying.

Predictions:

Will the Library be open? Also SNATCH GAME.

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