This is going to be two reviews in one, and to some extent there will be comparison of the two. Both movies are "special interest" in one sense of the word or another. Taken together however, they suggest something interesting about movies. What is a B grade, or more exactly a "porn" movie? One of these is more explicitly about sexuality than the other. What may supprise some is that the one that is about sex is far better produced and has better dialogue than the other.

The first movie is Grief: A Comedy. This film is 84 minutes long and features Alexis Arquette, Illienne Doyle and Craig Chester. The plot is primarily a look at the behind the scenes of a television show called "The Love Judge". The television show they are putting on is a bit over the top. Their lives are a bit more interesting. The characters include a larger woman who battles sizism only to end up getting married to a guy from eastern europe (where she is more appreciated). A guy trying to decide who he wants in terms of gender...his sexuality is in question. Finally, the "main" character is a man whose lover died one year ago, and who has to come to grips with issues regarding those he works with. He felt unsupported by one, the surprise is why. While this movie is more "mainstream" in terms of subject, and certainly in terms of action, it reminded me of a porno movie in that the dialogue seemed silted and artical...almost like the dialogue was a feeble attempt at giving the movie interest. This is unfortunate, because the movie really does have a lot to say.

The second movie is Boy Culture (named I think after a club in the movie called Boy Kulture). For more information go to Boy Culture. The cast includes Derek Magyar playing X, Darryl Stevens as Andrew and Jonathan Trent as Joey (and lets not forget Patrick Bauchaeu as Gregory to round out the cast). The theme of this movie is the "confessions" of a male prostitute, reminscence of the "Happy Hooker" type books that came out in days of yore. X, (what story of this genre would actually give a real name...defeats the purpose sotospeak) who is a very high priced call man. He is about 25 years old, very handsome, and very well educated. The story deals, not with his search for love, but his growth into acceptance of the love he already has available. Altought this would appear to be a "porn" movie, it really isnt. There are a few sex scenes (male on male) and some nudity (also male) but the dialogue is very well done, and speaks as much to family (blood and non; and yes it has both with some very interesting twists in the "blood" part) and relationships than it does to sex. One of the most moving scenes in the whole movie may be when an elderly recluse finds himself unwilling NOT to leave his house in order to share a bit of wisdom that he thinks will help X in his search for happiness (I did say "available love" didnt I?...grin).

Both of these movies are "not to be missed" in my mind, especially if you can "get" that everyone lives different lives, and that acceptance of who and what each person is is paramount. I suspect both movies are available somewhere on DVD...I think both are well worth the effort.