Top 5 LGBT–themed films to rent this summer

Summertime, an’ the livin’ is easy… and the cinematic pickings are slim. The blockbuster film season is almost upon us, and for lovers of character, story, pathos and skill, the multiplex buffet is soon to be spread with big budget eye-popping extravaganzas which can be disappointing at best and predictable at least.

If your tastes differ from middle-class heterosexual teenage males ages 12 to 16 – the most sought–after demographic in the summer film market – then perhaps this list can help. Pop your own popcorn and consider the following LGBT-themed favorites:

1 Beautiful Thing (1996) – This British phenomenon is touching and memorable, but if you have difficulty with the inch–thick working-class accents and numerous Britishisms, switch on the subtitles. The story: Jamie and his mom Sandra live in a low-income apartment near Ste, who is constantly targeted by his brother and father in their violent household. When Ste finds refuge at Jamie and Sandra’s, the boys have an opportunity to explore themselves and each other and ultimately those who love them. Shot through with the musical genius of Mama Cass Elliot (of The Mamas & The Papas), this film is among my all–time favorites.

2 C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005) – This French-language Canadian gem is complex, at times harsh, deeply affecting and indelible, not in small part to the lead actor’s on-screen charm and Gallic beauty. Set in the 1960s and ’70s, the story of Zac Beaulieu (Marc-André Grondin), who has three older brothers and a homophobic dad, carries the appeal of production values and storytelling on par with any film release, not just those within indie gay film circles. This is a dramatic feast: gritty and rewarding. It’s a rating rarity, scoring 100 percent from reviewers on RottenTomatoes.com and 91percent from audience – more than 80 percent is considered stellar.

3 Victor/Victoria (1982) – If you haven’t seen this film in a while, it holds up beautifully. If you’ve never seen it, you’re in for a smashing treat! Julie Andrews stars as a down–and–out singer in 1934 Paris, taken under wing by a freshly jobless performer. Together they transform her into Count Victor Grazinski: she masquerades as a man who performs as a female impersonator. The Count becomes an instant smash (the musical numbers are phenomenal) and two meet a gangster (James Brolin) who owns a string of clubs in Chicago. The gangster’s moll is played brilliantly by Lesley-Ann Warren and his bodyguard played by Alex Karras. Both Warren and Karras are given fantastic scene stealing lines. Victor/Victoria was nominated for seven Academy awards and won for Original Music Score.

4 My Beautiful Laundrette (1985) – Young and incredibly hot Daniel Day-Lewis – long before his acclaimed turn as Abe Lincoln – took his first starring film role in this unlikely romance. The film broke bias barriers as a gay Brit and Pakistani fall in love while the audience cheered. It marked director Stephen Frears’ successful foray into gay cinema and was followed up by the classic Prick Up Your Ears, and a host of successes including Dangerous Liaisons, The Grifters and High Fidelity. Day-Lewis and costar Warnecke mount what may be one of the steamiest and funniest lovemaking scenes ever.

5 Pariah (2011) – This phenomenal indie went on to great acclaim, but it stuns me how many people have yet to see it. Actor Adepero Oduye is a knockout as 17-year-old Alike (a-lee-kay), an African-American lesbian just figuring out how to navigate the world around her. So many outstanding performances mark this film, but Kim Wayans as Alike’s mother is especially impressive as the funny lady takes a dramatic turn. This slice of working class urban life has genuineness and honesty, and is still able to preserve a poetic facet that seared through me. This is a skillful, beautiful and ultimately satisfying story of learning to live in a world with real difficulties and no easy answers.