10. FILM: Step Up Revolution
Can we handle another Channing Tatum? Ryan Guzman, who stars in the fourth installment of the popular dance movie franchise, is already being touted as the heir apparent. Now in theaters.
9. FILM: Killer Joe
From her first appearance --bottomless--in this violent crime drama based on Tracy Letts's acclaimed stage play to a particularly difficult-to-watch scene that will make you think twice before eating another leg of chicken, Gina Gershon seems determined to erase all memories of her career-defining work in Showgirls. She largely succeeds. Matthew McConaughey, also with an extended nude scene, is chilling as the most brutal killer outside of a Tarantino film. Now playing in select theaters.
8. BLU-RAY: Forever Marilyn
Fifty years after her premature and still-mysterious death, screen great Marilyn Monroe continues to fascinate us. Seven of her best-remembered films, including Gentleman Prefer Blondes, How to Marry a Millionaire, and Some Like It Hot, have been remastered for a new Blu-ray boxed set.
7. Video: "La La Land," Sir Ivan
The summer's looniest video comes from Sir Ivan, in which his messiah-like alter ego spreads peace and love among an assortment of eccentric characters. Sir Ivan, a noted philanthropist who's made hefty donations to a number of LGBT organizations including AmfAR, Broadway Cares, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, will donate artist royalties of his album to The Peaceman Foundation, a charity which he established specifically to battle hatred and violence.
6. DVD: The Deep Blue Sea
Out director Terence Davies has created a stunningly sensual and thoroughly cinematic adaptation of the venerable Terence Rattigan play, reportedly inspired by an episode in his own life when his male lover left him for another man, with a superb performance from Rachel Weisz. Now on DVD and Blu-ray.
5. PERFORMANCE: Fabulous, One More Time: A Sylvester Concert
The life and career of the late entertainer -- let's go ahead and call him the greatest dance vocalist of the disco era -- is celebrated in this one-night-only event starring Priscilla, Queen of the Desert's Anthony Wayne. At New York's Le Poisson Rouge Theatre July 29 at 7 p.m. For more information go here.
4. MUSIC: Sparkle: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
The soundtrack for next month's remake of the '70s girl group drama is highlighted by Whitney Houston's stirring rendition of the gospel classic "His Eye is on the Sparrow" and "Celebrate," a sparkling duet with costar Jordin Sparks. Available July 31, but you can listen to it stream here.
3. VOD: Leave It on the Floor
After he's disowned by his mother, a gay man finds a new family in the world of Los Angeles drag balls. Last year's sensational festival hit is directed by Noah's Arc's Sheldon Larry and written by Eating Out's Glenn Gaylord. Now on Video on Demand and available on DVD August 14.
2. BOOK: The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell, Chris Colfer
The first novel from the Glee favorite follows twins who travel to a land filled with withches, wolves, goblins, and trolls. It will reportedly debut at the top of New York Times' list of best sellers for children.
1. FESTIVAL: Newfest
It's celluloid uncloseted as New York's premiere LGBT film festival launches today. Don't miss highlights include Jobriath A.D., Kieran Turner's riveting doc on one of the most fascinating cult figures of the '70s, and I Want Your Love, Travis Mathews's drama that features real sex and indie dance music. Through July 31. For more information go to FilmLinc.com.
