Homo Heights

There are so many brilliant one-liners in this quirky, independent film that is would be impossible to enumerate them all - so I am not even going to try.

The plot revolves around Malcolm, an `aging homosexual guru' (played by Quentin Crisp shortly before he died at the age of 90), who is trying to escape from the clutches of the evil queen of the Gay Mafia, Maria Callous, well played by Stephen Sorrentino.

Mr. Crisp is ethereal and sweet as Malcolm. Since he is essentially playing himself it would appear that his true nature shines forth.

Stephen Sorrentino is a total kick as Maria. He has a rubber face the equivalent of Jim Carrey; he never lets up and mugs and postures through the entire film. His scene in boxer shorts, T-shirt and enormous wig and high heels is a guaranteed laugh. One of the true highlights is when he sings 'Caro Mio Ben' in his own voice.

Lea DeLauria proves that she is more than just her stand-up routine; she can actually act. The one scene where she does a Citizen Kane on her apartment is so good that you expect her to drop to the floor and utter `Rosebud' and then die.

Film after film is referenced: `The Wizard of Oz,' `All About Eve,' `Whatever Happened to Baby Jane' and `Streetcar Named Desire' just to mention a few.

Malcolm's collection of memorabilia from Hollywood stars is just too funny: Charlton Heston's codpiece, Gloria Swanson's false teeth (complete with a bit of Beef Wellington between the first and second molars) and other equally delightful, yet somewhat disgusting, icons are a great bit of film buff's whimsy. Author/director Sara Moore is to be praised.

This is the only film that Kate Lehmann has produced; it would be nice to see what other fun stuff she can come up with.

David Fenley as Ethel (Stan) Merman is Maria Callous' dumber than dumb henchman. Horror of horrors he throws two drag queen's shoes into the river when they dare to cross Maria

The Widows (or, as I thought of them, The Three Jackies) were a continual sight gag in their pink suits and pillbox hats.

Very good performances were turned in by Stella and Blanche; played by Lynn Sain and Michelle Hutchison, respectively. Though this film came out before `There's Something About Mary' Blanche has the Cameron Diaz hair-do that Mary sports in the infamous 'hair-gel' scene.

While this is not a film for everyone and may be difficult to find at your local video store, it is High Camp and a tremendous amount of fun. See it just for the sake of seeing Stephen Sorrentino in his over-the-top performance, Lea DeLauria so you can actually see her act and, last but certainly not least, the magnificent Quentin Crisp.

Though not a cinematic masterpiece, which I did not expect it to be, I thought the film, was endearing and very original. The camp element was surprisingly funny, considering it was written by a Lesbian, which in my opinion shows that Sara Moore has wonderfully campy and eccentric friends. The main reason I enjoyed the film so much, is to achieve camp, you have to totally believe what you are saying, if you try and be funny, you're not funny. Stephen Sorrentino excelled at this as "The Donna" he believed 100% of what he was saying. I have recommended this film to a lot of my friends, and I wish that Sara Moore would direct another chapter of "Homo Heights." John Martin San Diego, CA.

Sara Moore is a comic genius. Her writing and directorial debut leave the audience thirsty for more Moore.

Stephen Sorrentino is a master the likes of which have not been seen on the big screen since the hey day of Jerry Lewis.

Quintin Crisp is delightful as Malcom. This is the only film the late, great Quintin Crisp ever did that required him to really act. It is unfortunate because he is so adorable.

Oh yeah, Lea Delaria is in the film too. Her performance is flat and uninspiring, but it does not hurt the film because Sorrentino's brilliance more than enough to compensate.

Rent Homo Heights - you won't be sorry.