Coffee, Tea or Gay

Gay romantic comedies often get the short shrift when it comes to discussing queer cinema. Perhaps the reason they are so unfairly maligned is that they are simply meant to entertain, without all the political baggage more commonly expected in a genre known for embracing such a point of view (see The Living End, for example).

Here's what I have to say to those who summarily dismiss the gay rom com: lighten up. Sure, there have been some clunkers (see Lie Down With Dogs or, better yet, don't), but that is true in every film genre. Such titles as Big Eden, Kissing Jessica Stein and Trick are fine examples of movies that aren't afraid to wear their romantic notions on their comedic sleeves, and the recent DVD release Coffee Date is a worthy addition to their ranks.

Written and directed by Stewart Wade, Coffee Date on the surface appears to be a high concept variation of the tried-and-true "mistaken identity" plot, but cleverly delves deeper. Jonathan Bray plays Todd, a recently divorced, self-confessed straight guy who develops a friendship with Kelly (Wilson Cruz), the gay man he is set up with on a blind date by his pranksterish brother (Jonathan Silverman). Things get out of hand when everyone assumes the unlikely couple (who bond over their mutual love of movies) are a "couple", resulting in Todd questioning his own sexuality in a (mostly) believable turn of events.

The movie also stars gay faves Sally Kirkland as Todd's confused yet excepting mom and Deborah Gibson (yes, little Debbie is all grown up and looking fabulous) as Todd's office crush. Rounding out the cast are hilarious turns by Elaine Hendrix as Kelly's "fag hag" and Jason Stuart as another co-worker of Todd's who turns into an unexpected voice of reason in his hour of need.

Director Wade handles this all with a steady hand, nicely balancing the comedy with all "the drama" and making the romantic aspects evolve organically and even sexily. Take me advice: watch this Coffee Date on your next "date night" and you'll be in for an enjoyable evening. (Click here to watch the film's trailer.)

The same could be said for any of the gay rom coms featured in this week's MD Poll, where you can pick the best of the bunch. So cast your eyes to the sidebar at right and place your vote. If your favorite isn't listed, simply record your "write-in vote" in the comments section below. Results will be revealed next Friday.

UPDATE: This poll is now closed. Click here for the results, and click here to vote in the latest MD Poll.

Click here to buy Coffee Dateon DVD from Amazon.com.
Links via Imdb.com and YouTube.com.