2024 the best of me movie review review

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(as of Dec 12, 2024 19:29:09 UTC - Details)

Movies That Made Me Gay is a wonderfully well-informed, witty and acerbic take on iconic Hollywood films, film-stars, and indie cult favorites from an author who is himself a Black gay icon; and is also a touching and extremely listenable personal memoir of growing up gay in the early '60s, surviving the AIDS pandemic of the '80s (legendary Vito Celluloid Closet Russo was a dear friend) and the adaptation of his novel 'Blackbird' into a feature film starring Mo'nique in 2014, and still thriving today.

Reviewer: Achim Nowak
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: This book brings heaps of joy!
Review: So, I expected a chatty and perhaps slightly bitchy take on Hollywood movies (pardon the gay stereotypes). And yes, Larry Duplechan delivers all of that. What I loved in equal measure, however, was learning more about Larry's own life. The generous heaps of cultural context. And Larry's truly encyclopedic understanding of pop culture. "Movies That Made Me Gay" is an immensely readable book - fun, fast-paced, enlightening and often quite moving. I found it hard to put down. I have a hunch your reaction will be very much the same.

Reviewer: Marin
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Book That Made Me Happy
Review: Reading Larry Duplechan's "Movies That Made Me Gay" is like going to cocktails with your favorite professor. It's dishy without being gossipy, and academic without being stuffy. The book is chock full of movies, some I've seen, some I've heard of, and some I had no clue existed, but Duplechan ably takes the reader through each film without making you feel like you can't follow along without knowing all the movie plot points. Weaving his autobiographical notes throughout gives each film a personal touch. As someone who grew up straight with cable TV and VHS, my childhood was much different than Duplechan's, but we can all identify with finding ourselves in a piece of film. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves movies and a well-written story.

Reviewer: Peter & Mona
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Review
Review: Great addition

Reviewer: Sheila Gallagher
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Fun
Review: This is a dive into the movies Larry Duplechan liked or didn't and why. Most feature LGBQT+ actors. Being a fan of the Golden Age of Hollywood pictures, I had to read this to see what his take was on movies. While I've seen most of the old black and white movies he talks about, I haven't seen them all. I also got a list of newer movies to watch. I will not be watching too many of his Halloween selections since I am not into horror movies. But I did like hearing what he thought of these movies from the classics (Wizard of Oz) to today's movies (Bros). I loved his snarkiness and tongue-in-cheek. I also appreciated that he looked at the original movie and any remakes of it. I absolutely agree with him on Footlight Parade (one of my favorites.) I will also have to check out the ones I haven't seen to see if I agree with him on them.A perfect read for movie buffs.

Reviewer: Charlus
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Like Watching Movies With Your Gay Best Friend
Review: First of all, ignore the cheesy cover which so screams GAY, as if the title wasn't enough. And don't be put off by the fact that it is being issued first in paperback by a small press. This book would honor the publishing list of Farrar, Straus and Giroux.Picture yourself at a bar (you know what kind), hitting a few Cosmos with your best friend who HAS to tell you his opinion of the movie (or movies) he has seen. And although he WILL go on a bit long sometimes, and can repeat himself (and his better jokes), you remain continually amused, entertained, nodding in agreement, and, against your better judgement, rapt by what he has to say. And you really don't want him to stop. (And you KNOW he needs only the slightest encouragement).So that is what reading this book feels like. Now it is best if you get his references because there ain't no footnotes (if someone needs to explain to you what "sexy in a Belle Watling sort of way" refers to, you may not be the audience for this book, but for the rest of us, do not deprive yourself). If you want to get yourself a Christmas gift early, you may want to look no further.Only two criticisms: the book could have used another editorial run through and where is the index? But this is nitpicking. The book gives so much pleasure, it shouldn't be a deal breaker.

Reviewer: Richard P. Jasper
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Bravo!
Review: Like me, Duplechan is a American gay man in his mid 60s. Like me, he grew up watching American and British movies on afternoon local television and later on VHS, DVD, and (unlike me) anything he could get his hands on (laser discs, Blue-Ray, the works.) This book isn't quite equal parts autobiography and an encyclopedic personal knowledge of films that having been informing gay sensibilities for generations but both parts are equally profound, witty, and delightful. The movies that made Duplechan gay are not the same ones (largely beefcake in an endless series of Peplum, Western and WW2 movies) that molded mine but the process was very much the same. For any movie afficionado and every gay man (yes, the autobiography is that pertinent to our lives.) Thanks, Larry!

Reviewer: Linky
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Charming, clever and very informative
Review: I love the tone of this book. Larry Duplechan has a charming writing style that makes us care about HIM, alongside whatever he's talking about. His reviews and associated commentary are really helpful, in addition to being oftentimes funny. He provides context, back stories and dish that add to any movie-watching experience, should you choose to watch them. I've really enjoyed this, and have bought several copies for gifts for my movie-lover friends (some gay, some not!)

Reviewer: M. F. Burns
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Book of the year!
Review: I'm calling it. This is the best book I've read all year. Knowledgeable, opinionated, funny as hell. Like listening to a dear friend talk about a subject he loves.