Flashback Friday- I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry

There is nothing that we would not do for our friends. Even if that includes pretending to be a same sex couple so that that friend can receive domestic partner benefits.

In 2007’s I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, Chuck (Adam Sandler) and Larry (Kevin James) are friends and colleagues in the same firehouse. Larry, who has recently lost his wife, is concerned about what will happen if he is killed on the job. But he does not want to forfeit his pension. Chuck offers Larry a way out of his dilemma. On paper, they will pretend to be a homosexual couple (even though both are straight and Chuck is known to be a womanizer), for the sake of Larry’s children. Now they prove to everyone that they are a gay couple happy in love. And that’s only the tip of iceberg.

I genuinely enjoy this movie. While Adam Sandler has not quite outgrown his man/boy act, Chuck is decent human being and a good friend to Larry in his time of need. What I also like is that it highlights the issue of the fight for equality that the LGBTQ community faces in a way that does not hit the audience over the head with.

I recommend it.

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Flashback Friday-The Black Velvet Gown (1991)

There is nothing like a romantic BPD (British Period Drama). Except that some are better than others.

Based on the book by Catherine Cookson, The Black Velvet Gown revolves around a family whose circumstances are changing for the better. Riah Millican (Janet McTeer) is a widow with three young children. She takes a job as a housekeeper for the reclusive former teacher Percival Miller (Bob Peck). Miller educates Riah’s children and will leave her the house at his death, but on condition that she never remarry. Years later, Riah’s daughter, Biddy (Geraldine Somerville) is hired as a laundress in a wealthy house. Her education marks her as different from the other staff and catches the eye of one of the sons of the house.

I have not seen this program in a very long time. While it has the hallmarks of a romantic BPD, it is also an engaging program that entertains.

I recommend it.