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I just finished watching this film and it was quite good for a documentary. I was very impressed by the range of the women in the pageant, and very impressed with the level that they competed at. They were like Miss America contestants.

Some were run of the mill drag show queens, then there were serious performers and even novices. Clearly they didn't turn many girls away from the competition.

It's interesting that someone commented that they didn't see anyone being discriminated against in the film; naturally they aren't going to show the dark underbellies of the pageant world. But it's pretty common in competitions that feature white and black contestants. That is why they have all black pageants, so women of color have a chance to win. When the winner was a blond haired, blue eyed, size 4 Barbie doll; I wasn't shocked--but I felt the hurt up there on that stage. There were women who were intensely beautiful that didn't even place. I know it was a slap in the face, but welcome to womanhood ladies! Overall it was informative and interesting. Worth seeing.

I went in thinking this was another hood movie, when actually it's a very emotional and artistic coming of age story. It captures southern culture without fixating on the violence and poverty of it. T.I. was very impressive as Rashan, a strong silent type with much talent and dreams to boot. Evan Ross makes his debut as Ant the mouthy little brother, and has a surprising presence for a first timer. My favorites were Veda and Star the twins, totally straight from the block chicks down to the colored streaks in the hair to match every outfit. The story was well written by Antoine Fisher and the characters very entertaining and well developed. The skating very well filmed and great to watch. This movie is definitely worth seeing! I only gave it a 9 because I didn't want it to be over at the end. I hope there is an ATL 2.

I have just come back from my third viewing of Hedwig, and I seriously dig this movie! I still got chills at the end and felt as moved as I did the first time I saw it. I think Hewdig gives validation to so many struggles, The Rock Band Struggle, the Drag Queen struggle, the Trannie Struggle, the struggle of love, the struggle of making it in a world that tells you to f**k off all the time. Hedwig is (to me) about not giving up. Believing when nobody else does, and accepting what is and moving on. John Cameron Mitchell is a hero, a magnificent writer and a 'Diva' to behold.