Do you make a mental note, "Yeah, I've got to see that!" when you first lay eyes on a billboard for a new movie? No? Oh. I would think that's the intended purpose of movie posters. You know, publicizing, promoting, giving a hint about the genre, evoking fear, depicting humanity, causing smiles or winks of romance — there has to be a reason the studios and distributors go through all the bother, right?

It's fun to try to figure out what the movie marketing types are selling. With that in mind, I'm taking a look at a few new posters that have just been released. No, unfortunately, none are lesbian films … sigh … but I'm including the few that have women of interest in the cast. But be forewarned: I can't help looking for lesbian subtext in these things! Hmm, maybe it's the titles that do it?

Battle in Seattle

Now, this movie poster tells me one very important thing: There's not a damn thing funny about this movie! This poster screams serious drama, doesn't it? It also seems to be screaming Charlize Theron is hot even when she looks like your next-door neighbor! Fine, maybe it's just me that heard that scream.

Admittedly, when I first read the title I really wanted this movie to be a romantic comedy. I dreamed of an adorably contrived little battle between two lesbians from Seattle. One, a cute barista in a café that serves Seattle's Best coffee, versus another barista that serves Starbucks. The two press and pull and pour themselves into finding true love through lattes and the perfect espresso. … continue reading

Ah, the chick flick. Much maligned. Often contrived. And, every now and then, downright satisfying. To be perfectly honest, I like a good chick flick — emphasis on good, of course. For me, the appeal is built right into the name. Chick: Well, I am one, and I like them. Flick: Well, movies; who doesn’t love movies? Two upcoming releases seek to find just the right chocolate-and-peanut-butter formula that results in the good kind of chick flick we all love to watch on lazy Sunday afternoons when we should be paying bills or regrouting the tub.

Both also fall into what is usually my favorite of the chick flick subgenres: the female bonding movie. Sure, romantic comedies are the more popular subgenre, but you just get more estrogen for your buck with bonding pictures. The films are Bonneville (opening Feb. 29 limited and March 21 wide) and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (opening Aug. 8).

Bonneville, which stars 50-somethings Jessica Lange, Joan Allen, Kathy Bates and Christine Baranski, centers on a cross-country road trip taken by three friends when one of their husbands dies. The trip is done in — you guessed it — a big old convertible Pontiac Bonneville.

Is anyone else getting a decidedly Thelma & Louise feel from that photo? I just hope it doesn’t end the same way. Though, from the trailer, it looks like the ladies have their automotive high jinks in the Utah salt flats, not the Grand Canyon. … continue reading