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Review: MOFFIE Scores Amid Testosterone, Tension & Toxic Masculinity

Kai Luke Brummer in 'Moffie'
Kai Luke Brummer in 'Moffie'
Kai Luke Brummer in ‘Moffie’ (images via official website)

Set in South Africa in the early 1980s, Moffie follows Nicholas (Kai Luke Brummer), who dutifully leaves home to serve a mandatory stretch of military service as required of all white men over 16-year-old at the time.

The title of the film comes from the Afrikaans derogatory term for gay men.

Nicholas is shipped off to boot camp where life is brutal, bleak, and harsh. As he and his fellow grunts prepare to defend the Apartheid regime from a conflict at the Angolian border, Nicholas contends with survival in an environment that reeks of toxic racism, homophobia and machismo.

All while quietly coming to terms with his burgeoning homosexuality.

Kai Luke Brummer in 'Moffie'
Kai Luke Brummer in ‘Moffie’

As we’ve seen in previous military movies, the new recruits’ basic training is humiliating and violent on both physical and psychological levels.

Drill Sergeant Brand (Hilton Pelser) takes the hyper-masculine environment to levels reminiscent of R. Lee Ermey in Full Metal Jacket.

The direction by Oliver Hermanus is taut and sensitive as he artfully plays elements of the film against each other.

During a barracks game of ‘spin the bottle’ where those chosen by fate must fight for the entertainment of the other soldiers, Hermanus offers a classical fugue as sonic soundscape in contrast with the bare-knuckle brawling.

A scene from 'Moffie'
A scene from ‘Moffie’

Throughout the film, Hermanus deftly balances scenes of war and brutal machismo with momentary touches of intimacy and humanity. The screenplay (by Hermanus and Jack Sidey) displays an economy of dialogue allowing the actors to express achingly tender moments of sensitivity.

In one episode where the soldiers are forced to dig (and then sleep) in trenches during a nighttime downpour, Nicholas’s fellow grunt Dylan Stassen (Ryan de Villiers) convinces him to huddle together under a blanket to keep warm. While the moment leads to a mere brush of Stassen’s hand on Nicholas’s face, the sexual tension is palpable.

Brummer is especially impressive in his first major screen role offering a compelling and continually nuanced performance.

Matthew Vey and Kai Luke Brummer in ‘Moffie’

Additionally, the riveting score by Braam du Toit and gorgeous cinematography by Jamie Ramsay become almost full-fledged characters in the film’s storytelling.

I’ll warn readers that the beginning of the film can be difficult to watch as Hermanus sets the tone and emotional scale of harsh journey ahead. Ultimately, the film – built on testosterone, tension, and trauma – resolves with a surprisingly delicate touch.

The BAFTA nominated film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2019 and was released in South Africa two weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic closed cinemas there.

Moffie is available in select theaters and digital streaming sites in the U.S. today.

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Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Deliveries To Drop Due To Manufacturing Issues

Image of a vaccine shot

Image of a vaccine shot There’s going to be a big dip in Johnson & Johnson vaccine deliveries due to woeful failures at the contracted manufacturing plant in Maryland. From the New York Times:

Johnson & Johnson will allocate 86 percent fewer doses across the United States next week than are currently being allocated, according to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dealing a setback to a national vaccination campaign that has just found its footing.

The distribution of the drug, a single-shot vaccine, has been inconsistent since Johnson & Johnson delivered its first batch at the beginning of March, sending 2.8 million doses across the country before dipping below 400,000 in the following weeks.

Last month, Johnson & Johnson was forced to jettison up to 15 million doses manufactured at the factory because the batch had been contaminated with a virus used in the production of AstraZeneca’s vaccine, which is also manufactured there.

The Johnson & Johnson shot has been popular for it’s easier to store “one-and-done” single dose. J & J had previously promised to deliver 24 million new doses by the end of April. Read the full article here.

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News Round-Up: April 8, 2021

Hunky guy snaps a gym selfie

Hunky guy snaps a gym selfie
(image via kenneth-in-the-212)
Some news items you might have missed: • Kenneth-in-the-212: Kenneth’s weekly ‘Mask4Masc’ feature is a winner with all kinds of inspiration this week (plus more at the link). • TVLine: NBC’s streaming platform Peacock has ordered a reboot of the landmark queer TV series Queer As Folk.  Described as a “vibrant reimagining,” the new Queer as Folk will center on a diverse group of friends in New Orleans whose lives are transformed in the aftermath of a tragedy. The original QAF debuted on Britain’s Channel 4 in 1999 and ran for 10 episodes. The American version was created for Showtime and lasted five seasons (from 2000 to 2005). • Axios: A new Gallup poll shows more Americans identify as Democrats by the largest margin since 2012. Per the recent survey, 49% say they support Democrats, 40% support the Republican Party and 11% say they are Independents with no partisan leaning.
(graphic via Gallup)
• Instinct Magazine: Grammy-nominated singer Kehlani shared this past weekend during an Instagram Live chat that she identifies as a lesbian. “You want to know? You want to know what’s new about me? I finally know I’m a lesbian,” said the singer. • Herald Leader: A southern state is actually making it easier to vote? Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY) signed into law Wednesday a significant election reform bill that will make it easier for Kentuckians to vote early, bucking a national trend of more restrictive election laws in the aftermath of the 2020 election. • The Gaily Grind: The office of embattled Rep. Matt Gaetz released a statement purportedly written by female staffers defending the pro-Trump lawmaker amid his ongoing sex trafficking scandal. Despite being signed by “The Women of the Office of U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz,” not a single woman is named in the statement. • Instagram: Just a quick reminder that baseball is back – and I ain’t mad 🙂 https://www.instagram.com/p/CNSknbvHINT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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Gaetz Associate Expected To Take Plea Deal

Joel Greenberg

Joel Greenberg
Joel Greenberg (official county photo)
An associate of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Jeff Greenberg, is expected to enter guilty pleas on a number of charges including sex trafficking in the next few weeks. That doesn’t bode well for Gaetz who is being investigated on similar sex charges. Greenberg could wind up as a key witness against Gaetz. From the New York Times:

A plea by the former elected official, Joel Greenberg, could significantly strengthen the Justice Department’s hand as it investigates Mr. Gaetz and others who met Mr. Greenberg through Florida Republican politics and are being scrutinized on potential sex trafficking violations.

Mr. Greenberg met women through a website that connects people who are willing to go on dates in exchange for gifts and allowances, then introduced them to Mr. Gaetz, who along with Mr. Greenberg had sex with them, people familiar with the matter have said.

The prosecutors and Greenberg’s legal team agreed to a May 15 deadline to come to some agreement on a plea deal which could include testifying against or providing information about Gaetz to prosecutors. Staring at a possible 12 year prison sentence, Greenberg may feel inclined to cooperate with the Justice Department. Click here for an in-depth rundown on Greenberg’s alleged crimes, which are numerous.

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Biden Announces Modest Actions On Guns

President Joe Biden announces modest steps intended to curb gun violence

President Joe Biden announces modest steps intended to curb gun violence President Biden announced a series of modest steps today aimed at curbing gun violence. “Gun violence in this country is an epidemic, and it’s an international embarrassment,” said Biden during his announcement. From the New York Times:

Mr. Biden said the Justice Department would issue a proposed rule to curb the proliferation of so-called ghost guns — kits that allow a gun to be assembled from pieces with no serial numbers. The intention of the rule would be to require that the components in the kits have serial numbers that would allow them to be traced and for the weapons to be legally classified as firearms, with the buyers subjected to background checks.

Mr. Biden also said he would require that when a device marketed as a stabilizing brace transforms a pistol into a short-barrel rifle, that weapon is subject to the requirements of the National Firearms Act. The gunman in the Boulder, Colo., shooting last month used a pistol with an arm brace, making it more stable and accurate, he said.

Mr. Biden said the Justice Department would also publish model “red flag” legislation for states. The measure would allow police officers and family members to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from people who may present a danger to themselves or others.

With no serial numbers, ghost guns are virtually untraceable making them appealing to criminals and extremists who want weapons that don’t require background checks. Biden can’t unilaterally pass a red flag law without Congress approving it first. But providing a blueprint for such legislation might help pass such laws in states that want to enact similar laws. And speaking of Congress, the president did urge the lawmakers to pass a number of reforms including banning assault rifles, requiring background checks for guns purchased at gun shows and more. Read the full article here.

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Out Movies: Friendship Turns To Romance In Gay Prison Drama ‘Luz’

Screen capture from LUZ

Screen capture from LUZ
Ruben-Ernesto Reyes in LUZ (promo photo)
What began as a friendship turns into a fierce romance in this heart-wrenching drama. LUZ is a story of survival, not only for the lives of both men, but for their relationship as it transitions to the world outside their cell.

Synopsis:

Ruben Gonzales (Ernesto Reyes) is a young latino man who’s fallen into the world of the mafiosos. When an accident leads him into incarceration, his relationship with the cartel and with his family is strained.

While in prison, he falls in the complex hierarchical system until his cellmate and eventual lover Carlos (Jesse Tayeh), comes to his side and helps him find emotional and financial stability.

When the two men are released from prison 2 years apart, they again meet on the outside and while dealing with the circumstances that had them incarcerated in the first place, they ponder whether what they once had was real or just two people hoping to seek light in a dark place.

The film is available now for streaming/digital download on iTunes, Vudu, FandangoNow, and GooglePlay.

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Poll: 90% Of College Students Plan On Getting Vaccinated

Vials of vaccine

Vials of vaccine
(image via Depositphotos)
Axios reports the results of an exclusive poll conducted by BeatTheVirus and Generation Lab showing nearly 90% of college students are “absolutely certain” or “probably” going to get vaccinated against the coronavirus when they are eligible. In that more than 120,000 cases of COVID-19 have been traced back to universities and colleges, getting shots in those arms represents an important demographic in bringing the pandemic under control. With eligibility opening up to all adults in the next week or so across the country, many large state schools have set-up large-scale COVID-19 vaccination sites on their campuses. The new polling indicates getting back to social activities is high on the students’ list of reasons to get vaccinated: • 30% said their top reason to get vaccinated was to resume in-person relationships • 23% said their top reason was to return to in-person events like sports, live performances or bars It’s worth noting, however, that a different survey conducted by the Pew Research Center showed the willingness to get vaccinated sooner than later among 18-29 year-olds was 60 percent.

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News Round-Up: April 7, 2021

Our pup Brody on the lookout

Our pup Brody on the lookout
Brody on the lookout
Some news items you might have missed: • Brody Watch: Just to let you know – we are soooooooo safe thanks to our fearless pup (above). Brody has no fear it seems other than not getting enough attention 🙂 • NBC News: Lawmakers in North Carolina have introduced a bill that would prevent doctors from providing gender confirming hormone treatment, puberty blockers or surgery for anyone under 21. Senate Bill 514 would also compel state employees to notify parents if their child displays “gender nonconformity” or expresses a desire to be treated in a way other than the gender they were assigned at birth. • USA Today: First lady Jill Biden, the military mom in the White House, is working with Joining Forces which helps military and veteran families, caregivers and survivors get the support they need. After weeks of listening sessions with military families, Biden said her priorities will focus on employment and entrepreneurship, military child education and health and well-being. https://www.instagram.com/p/CNX0x2rplAZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link • Daily Beacon: A Tennessee lawmaker has proposed a bill that would prohibit the use of any materials in schools that, in the language of the bill, “promote, normalize, support or address lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgender (LGBT) issues or lifestyles.” Opponents say erasing LGBTQ people from history books would send the message to queer kids that they arent’ “normal.” • CNN: At least one of the Capitol riot defendants has flipped against the Proud Boys, agreeing to provide information that could allow the Justice Department to bring a more severe charge against the group’s leadership. The development is the first indication that people charged in the insurrection are cooperating against the pro-Trump extremist group. • Instagram: Inaugural poet Amanda Gorman is the first-ever poet to grace the cover of Vogue Magazine – and when I say ‘grace’….I mean GRACE. #gorgeous https://www.instagram.com/p/CNX1HJRFrgY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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Ex-Gay Porn Actor Running For Anti-LGBTQ Political Party

Ex-gay porn performer Logan McCree

Ex-gay porn performer Logan McCree
Ex-gay porn performer Logan McCree (photo – cropped: fotorebelxt via CC license 2.0)
Philipp Tanzer, who performed in gay porn as Logan McCree, is planning a run for Scottish parliament in May’s Holyrood election. Tanzer, whose previous porn catalogue includes films like Rear Deliveries and Hotter Than Hell 2, raised eyebrows a bit when he announced his plans to stand for the anti-LGBTQ Scottish Family Party. Saying he now identifies as ‘ex-gay, the 43-year-old  says the political party, which opposes any LGBTQ-inclusive education, “best represent my views on life and society.” According to the SFP’s website, LGBTQ-inclusive education “mandates the indoctrination of schoolchildren into a radical ideology of sexuality.” The group also opposes ‘transgender ideology’ saying it confuses young people. Tanzer has declared his candidacy for the Highlands and Islands after moving to Durness, Sutherland, in 2012.
Philipp Tanzer today
Philipp Tanzer today (screen capture via BBC)
In an interview with The Times, Tanzer says that since leaving adult entertainment he’s worked as a hairdresser, a massage therapist, and a fireman. He also shares that he’s currently in a relationship with a woman and considering “marriage and starting a family.” The self-described ‘men’s rights activist’ also called out the porn industry saying, “In one year I lost five friends in the industry to suicide and drug overdoses. I have seen the harm porn addiction can do.” He makes a point to say that porn is not just an issue for men. “Both boys and girls consume pornography and both suffer under its impact,” said Tanzer. Seeming to brush aside responsibility for his adult entertainment career, today he shares, “I was pushed into identifying myself as something at the age of 32 that I was not.” Read the full article here.

Tanzer was profiled by the BBC last year in a report titled, “I am a Men’s Rights Activist.”

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Drama: Pageant Crown Snatched From Winner On Live TV

Former winner of Mrs. Sri Lanka snatches crown from new queen

Former winner of Mrs. Sri Lanka snatches crown from new queen
The crown has been snatched! (screen capture)
Crowned and uncrowned! There was serious drama during a beauty pageant this weekend when Pushpika De Silva won the title of “Mrs Sri Lanka” during the nationally televised event on Sunday. Moments after being crowned by the wife of the country’s Prime Minister, the 2019 winner and current Mrs. World – Caroline Jurie – dramatically appeared on stage and declared De Silva was disqualified from winning because she is divorced. “I am taking my first steps saying that the crown goes to the first runner up,” Ms. Jurie told the live TV audience. “There is a rule that prevents women who have already been married and are divorced.” She then approached a stunned De Silva, snatched the crown from her head, and placed the prized headpiece on the runner-up leaving De Silva to tearfully exit the stage.

The national director of Mrs Sri Lanka World, Chandimal Jayasinghe, told the BBC that the crown would be returned to De Silva on Tuesday. Expressing his disappointment in the history-making moment, he added, “It was a disgrace how Caroline Jurie behaved on the stage and the Mrs World organisation has already begun an investigation on the matter.” In a Facebook post, De Silva emphasized that while she is separated, “I’m still an un-divorced woman,” and dared her detractors to show documentation otherwise. She also shared she suffered head injuries when Jurie hurriedly took the crown from her head. According to the BBC, she plans to take legal action for the “unreasonable and insulting” way she was treated. Who thinks this might inspire some shenanigans in a future season of RuPaul’s Drag Race? Here’s another view of the snatching as seen on Sunday.