C.O.G. Gay Film Review

I think I’ve posted already that Tony and I have been watching Netflix a lot this summer. The most interesting thing about Netflix I find is that after you’ve watched the most popular shows like Orange Is the New Black and Grace and Frankie, which you’ll love, you’re pretty much left wondering what else is there. So far, I’m just not as thrilled with Netflix as everyone else seems to be.

In any event, last night we watched a film titled C.O.G., starring Jonathan Groff. It’s worth watching simply because it’s so amazing to watch Jonathan Groff in action as he carries this film all by himself.

The Jonathan Groff character, Samuel, is the cliched Yale graduate from wealthy Connecticut who decides to run away from home after college to pick apples. He is supposed to be meeting his girlfriend in a couple of weeks, so you naturally imagine he is straight. But then the girlfriend arrives, she shows up with some other dude, and she announces she’s leaving Samuel and running off with the other guy, leaving Samuel in apple hell.

After that, Samuel does meet a guy, there’s a creepy/amusing dildo collection that will make you smile even though it’s a serious part of the movie, and a few weird Christian scenes where you almost think Samuel has found the Lord. There’s also an almost gay rape scene, so you’ve been warned. The story line is lacking, however, as I said Jonathan Groff does make the film work.

So yes, I can recommend this movie, in spite of the bad story and painfully contrived plot twists, simply because you’ll enjoy watching Jonathan Groff. This is proof that Jonathan Groff really is that amazing.

For those into m/mromance and happy endings, this one might not be for you.  But it’s not an unhappy ending either. So there’s that.

Tom Hardy’s MySpace Underwear Photos

Here’s something you don’t see all that often. A guy who posted underwear selfies before selfie was even a term used and he’s owning them, with pride, and he’s not apologizing to anyone.

Good for him:

“I’ve got no shame about my Myspace photos,” the star of Mad Max: Fury Road and the upcoming Legend told Sky News. “Especially the one of me in my underpants, which is a glorious photo of a man in his natural habitat.”

Now that’s the kind of honesty I can appreciate. You can check them out here. 

Royal Vauxhall Tavern Historic LGBT Site

This is interesting because there’s a good side and what some consider a bad side. The Royal Vauxhall Tavern in the UK which has always been known as an LGBT venue recently gained what’s called grade II zoning…I gather that means something of historic significance. I know I’ve posted about this bar before but I can’t find it anywhere for some reason.

Today, RVT Future issued a press statement saying: ‘As of today, the RVT becomes the first building in the nation to be listed for its place in LGBTQ history and heritage. It’s a brilliant recognition of the Tavern’s unique role in our country’s story, and also a vital protection against radical redevelopment.’

RVT Future is a group that was formed after RVT was sold to developers. The property is also of architectural interest.

But there are a few issues, according to the new owners…

‘This listing attacks the commercial viability of the RVT and the future of this fantastic gay performance venue has now been put in doubt. We need a period of time to reflect and study the listing report in detail.’

It all seems to be an attempt to keep this an LGBT venue and RVT Future is even saying they will take over if the developers can’t make it work as a commercial establishment. Read the article in full. It’s worth the time.

My only comment is that while I do believe “the gay bar” in general, in any part of the world, is becoming as extinct as the phone booth, I’m thrilled to see that someone finally decided to dedicate something, somewhere, to LGBT history and culture. I hope more people start doing this. At one time, right here in New Hope, we had three gay bars that were packed with New Yorker’s, people from Philadelphia, and from even as far off as Washington DC. Now there’s only one bar left and that’s pretty much a mixed crowd at this point. One of the bars that closed is now a bank and offices, without a trace of recognition of what once stood there. And the other bar burned down and developers are trying to get zoning for some kind of commercial retail outlets. Again, not a mention of what as once there…as if it never even existed.

You can read more here about RVT.