CHASING AMY

One of the most controversial films involving a lesbian character in years. Chasing Amy puts the proposition that a seemingly well-adjusted lesbian, who states repeatedly that she is a dyed-in-the-wool dyke, needs a dick (in this case attached to a cute but painfully dull man) to make her change her ways and enthusiastically embrace heterosexuality.

Straight writer/director Kevin Smith has sugar-coated the homophobia by placing the story within a seductively funny and involving romantic comedy. Ben Affleck plays a comic book artist who meets a kindred spirit (Joey Lauren Adams). After a few fun, platonic dates, he learns that she's a lesbian. Their friendship develops, but he finally breaks down and confesses he loves her.

Angry at first, she soon declares similar feelings and they begin a relationship - until, that is, he discovers her sordid, straight past, which he cannot stop obsessing over. He then dumps her, while she tearfully pleads for forgiveness and understanding.

This is serious straight male wet dream material. Not content with being lesbophobic, Smith includes a swishy, dishy stereotyped queen (Dwight Ewell) to insult gay men as well.