Windy City Media Group Frontpage News

THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

home search facebook twitter join
Gay News Sponsor Windy City Times 2023-12-13
DOWNLOAD ISSUE
Donate

Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor

  WINDY CITY TIMES

Winter LGBT movie preview
by Richard Knight, Jr., for Windy City Times
2014-12-10

This article shared 4154 times since Wed Dec 10, 2014
facebook twitter pin it google +1 reddit email


With the holidays just around the corner, Hollywood is trotting out both their awards contenders and some of their most anticipated mega-blockbusters. And the winter months promise plenty of diverting film fare as well, with a few queer-friendly movies among them.

Here's a random sampling of what lies ahead cinematically in the coming months with movies both overtly queer or just eagerly anticipated by yours truly. Unless otherwise noted, the opening date listed refers to at least a one week theatrical run or VOD.

December

The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies—Peter Jackson completes his Hobbit trilogy, the prequel saga to the Lord of the Rings saga, with this fantasy action film that includes everybody's favorite wizard, Gandalf ( played by the openly gay Sir Ian McKellen ), along with a bevy of male eye candy: Luke Evans, Lee Pace, Richard Armitage et al, as well as the always luminous Cate Blanchett. Dec. 18

Big Eyes—Tim Burton directs the true story of artist Margaret Keane ( Amy Adams ), who became a mainstream art star during the 1950s and 1960s, when her renowned portraits of big-eyed children became a staple of every home in America. Christoph Waltz plays the overbearing, egotistical husband who takes credit for Margaret's paintings. Dec. 25

Unbroken—Angelina Jolie directs her latest, the true-life drama of Olympic runner Louis Zamperini ( played by current It guy Jack O'Connell ), who was taken prisoner by the Japanese during WWII. Dec. 25

Into the Woods—Out director Rob Marshall returns to his musical roots with this highly anticipated screen adaptation of the Stephen Sondheim-James Lapine Broadway musical fairytale for adults. Sondheim's sensational score is sung by Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt, Chris Pine, Johnny Depp and Meryl Streep, who's the witch ( literally ) who gets to sing "Stay with Me" and "Children Will Listen," among others. Tracy Ullman, Christine Baranski, James Corden and soap-opera hunk Billy Magnussen co-star. For showtune queens like myself, this is the movie event of the year. Dec. 25

January

The Way He Looks—This sexy Brazilian gay coming-of-age story was the breakout hit of last year's LGBT film festival circuit and comes to the Music Box for a Chicago theatrical run. Jan. 2

The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death—Forty years after Daniel Radcliffe's Arthur Kipps stirred up the haunting events at the uber-creepy Eel Marsh House, the nasty, unforgiving lady of the mansion is awakened again when a group of children evacuated during the London Blitz in WWII take up residence. Jan. 2

Inherent Vice—Director Paul Thomas Anderson ( There Will Be Blood, The Master ) returns to 1970s/Boogie Nights territory with this L.A. noir that follows Joaquin Phoenix as a stoner private eye trying to solve a missing-persons case and encountering a lot of eccentric folks. It co-stars Maya Rudolph, Martin Short, Josh Brolin, Reese Witherspoon, etc. Jan. 9

Selma—This is a historical drama chronicling the voting-rights marches in 1965. David Oyelowo plays Martin Luther King Jr., Tom Wilkinson is Lyndon Johnson, Tim Roth is George Wallace and Oprah Winfrey ( who also produced along with Brad Pitt ) is also in the large ensemble cast. Jan. 9

Still Alice—The Oscar buzz is building in intensity over Julianne Moore's performance as a brilliant linguistics professor grappling with early onset Alzheimer's disease in this intimate drama based on Lisa Genova's 2007 best-selling novel. The movie is helmed by out writer/directors ( and real life couple ) Richard Glazter and Wash Westmoreland. Kristen Stewart, Alec Baldwin, Hunter Parrish, and Kate Bosworth costar. Jan. 16

The Boy Next Door—J.Lo returns to cinemas as a woman involved with a younger man living next door ( actor/model/Step Up hunk du jour Ryan Guzman ) in this genre thriller that looks like cheesy fun. Kristen Chenoweth co-stars. Jan. 23

February

Jupiter Ascending—The Chicago-based Wachowski siblings, Andy and Lana, follow their critically acclaimed sci-fi extravaganza Cloud Atlas with … another sci-fi extravaganza. Channing Tatum, Mila Kunis and Eddie Redmayne star in this futuristic tale about a villainous Queen of the Galaxy ( no, not Zsa Zsa Gabor ) who has it in for a lowly ( but lovely ) maiden destined for big things ( shades of Snow White ). Feb. 6

Ballet 422—For dance fans, this documentary about the New York City Ballet creating a new work under the direction of young choreographer Justin Peck is going to be nirvana. For those less cultured, there's also the benefit of all those fabulous bodies in motion as the company goes from first rehearsal to its opening-night performance. Feb. 6

Fifty Shades of Grey—The self-publishing phenomenon—the story of an erotic, S&M-based relationship between a literature student and a self-made zillionaire control freak—comes to movie theaters. Once Upon a Time pretty boy Jamie Dornan and lovely Dakota Johnson ( daughter of Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith ) co-star as the sexed-up couple. Feb. 13

The Last 5 Years—Anna Kendrick ( Into the Woods, Pitch Perfect, Up in the Air ) and Smash's Jeremy Jordan co-star in this film adaptation of the stage musical, a romantic comedy-drama that originally debuted here in 2001 at Northlight before heading to off-Broadway. The story details the five-year relationship of a struggling novelist and an actress told from his and her viewpoints ( one in reverse, one in chronological order ). Feb. 13

McFarland, USA—North Country director Niki Caro helms this fact-based sports drama about a Latino high school cross-country team in the 1980s. Kevin Costner plays the team's coach and out actor Maria Bello co-stars. Feb. 20


This article shared 4154 times since Wed Dec 10, 2014
facebook twitter pin it google +1 reddit email

Out and Aging
Presented By

  ARTICLES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Gay News

SHOWBIZ Dionne Warwick, OUTshine, Ariana DeBose, 'Showgirls,' 'Harlem' 2024-03-29
Video below - Iconic singer Dionne Warwick was honored for her decades-long advocacy work for people living with HIV/AIDS at a star-studded amfAR fundraising gala in Palm Beach, per the Palm Beach Daily News. Warwick received the "Award of ...


Gay News

WORLD Israel court, conversion therapy, death sentences, Georgia bill, fashion items 2024-03-29
- Israel's Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the Population Authority must register female couples as mothers on the birth certificates of their children they have together, The Washington Blade reported. The decision was made following a petition ...


Gay News

City Lit Executive Artistic Director Brian Pastor talks theater, comics, queerness 2024-03-26
- City Lit Theater has announced its programming for the 2024-25 season—which will be the company's 44th. It will also be the first season to be programmed under the leadership of Brian Pastor (they/them), who will assume ...


Gay News

The Jeff Awards announces the 50th anniversary awards for non-equity theater 2024-03-26
--From a press release - A complete list of recipients can also be found online in the Non-Equity and News and Events sections at www.jeffawards.org. (March 25, 2024 - Chicago) — Celebrating its 50th anniversary awarding recognition for Non-Equity theater, the ...


Gay News

SHOWBIZ Queer musicians, Marvel situation, Elliot Page, Nicole Kidman 2024-03-21
- Queer musician Joy Oladokun released the single "I Wished on the Moon," from Jack Antonoff's official soundtrack for the new Apple TV+ series The New Look, per a press release. The soundtrack, ...


Gay News

THEATER Chicago's City Lit has anxiety on tap with 'Two Hours in a Bar' 2024-03-21
- Two Hours in a Bar Waiting for Tina Meyer by Kristine Thatcher with material by Larry Shue Text Me by Kingsley Day (Book, Music and Lyrics). At: City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.. Tickets: ...


Gay News

Jamie Barton brings nuances of identity to her Lyric Opera 'Aida' performance 2024-03-18
- Chicago's Lyric Opera is currently featuring a production of Giuseppe Verdi's Aida starring Michelle Bradley as Aida, Jamie Barton as Amneris and Russell Thomas as Radamès. The opera runs through April 7, 2024, with Francesca Zambello ...


Gay News

Queer Eye's Jai Rodriguez is set to slay at The Big Gay Cabaret 2024-03-05
- Out and proud performer Jai Rodriguez is set to play at The Big Gay Cabaret this March for three days. Presented by RuPaul Drag Racer Ginger Minj, this monthly series highlights the wide world of cabaret ...


Gay News

THEATER 'R & J' puts a female, queer spin on Shakespeare 2024-03-05
- Romeo and Juliet is the theatrical gift that keeps on giving. It's been reworked for the masses numerous times, whether in direct adaptations or musicals such as West Side Story. Shakespeare's plotline points have even inspired ...


Gay News

Center on Halsted hosts 6th Annual Intergenerational Talent Show 2024-03-03
- On the evening of Feb. 29, Center on Halsted held its 6th Annual Intergenerational Talent Show in front of a packed audience at the Hoover-Leppen Theater. The event brought together participants of the Center's youth and senior ...


Gay News

THEATER When growth is paramount: Jim Corti helps fuel Aurora theater expansion 2024-03-01
- Out actor/director/choreographer Jim Corti made his Broadway debut in 1974, in the ensemble of Leonard Bernstein's musical Candide. Director Harold Prince's acclaimed Tony Award-winning revival is often cited as a ...


Gay News

Theater Review: Billy Elliot, The Musical 2024-02-19
- Book and Lyrics: Lee Hall; Music: Elton John. At: Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora Tickets: 630-896-6666 or Paramountaurora.com; $28-$79. Runs through March 24 Billy Elliot: The Musical may nearly be two decades old, but ...


Gay News

'West Side Story' gets a sex-positive spin with new burlesque show 2024-02-19
- In partial observance of National Condom Day, which was Feb. 14, Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) presented A West Side Story Burlesque at the Harris Theater for two hour-long performances on Feb. 17. The show, ...


Gay News

Second Glance Productions hosts LGBTQupid Soiree 2024-02-16
- In celebration of Valentine's Day, Chicago based film and media production company Second Glance hosted The LBGTQupid Soiree. The event, which was focused on spinning attitudes on this particular day, was presented at The iO ...


Gay News

Carisa Hendrix mesmerizes as Lucy Darling in Teatro ZinZanni 2024-02-12
- Since 2019, Teatro ZinZanni has gathered together amazing performers from all over the world to create an experience in Chicago under the Spiegeltent in the Cambria Hotel building, 32 W. Randolph St. Over the years, ticket ...


 


Copyright © 2024 Windy City Media Group. All rights reserved.
Reprint by permission only. PDFs for back issues are downloadable from
our online archives.

Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and
photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no
responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials.

All rights to letters, art and photos sent to Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago
Gay and Lesbian News and Feature Publication) will be treated
as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such,
subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the
columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are
their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature Publication).

The appearance of a name, image or photo of a person or group in
Nightspots (Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times
(a Chicago Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature
Publication) does not indicate the sexual orientation of such
individuals or groups. While we encourage readers to support the
advertisers who make this newspaper possible, Nightspots (Chicago
GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay, Lesbian
News and Feature Publication) cannot accept responsibility for
any advertising claims or promotions.

 
 

TRENDINGBREAKINGPHOTOS







Sponsor


 



Donate


About WCMG      Contact Us      Online Front  Page      Windy City  Times      Nightspots
Identity      BLACKlines      En La Vida      Archives      Advanced Search     
Windy City Queercast      Queercast Archives     
Press  Releases      Join WCMG  Email List      Email Blast      Blogs     
Upcoming Events      Todays Events      Ongoing Events      Bar Guide      Community Groups      In Memoriam     
Privacy Policy     

Windy City Media Group publishes Windy City Times,
The Bi-Weekly Voice of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans Community.
5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640-2113 • PH (773) 871-7610 • FAX (773) 871-7609.