written by Lorraine Mazza

blog layout by Amanda Vontobel

all photos by Sophia Wallace

It’s been about a year since “And Then Came Lola” was thrust onto scene and what a year it’s been.  As the film made the rounds on the LGBT indie movie circuit, the momentum of interest and excitement kept building steadily after each screening.  Now Lola has recently been released on DVD, including Blu-ray, and it still shows no evidence of slowing down.  It could be the often used tag line, “sexy, lesbian romp” that got everyone running to the theaters.  Or maybe it was the dynamic duo team of Jill Bennett (as Casey) and Cathy DeBuono (as Danielle) who have become increasingly popular in the last year thanks to their hit web series and vlogs, not to mention their genuine, down to earth personalities.  Of course, it could be the fact that film creators Ellen Seidler and Megan Siler set out to make a movie with a team of out LGBT participants, from actors to those behind the cameras.  In addition to Cathy and Jill, there is Ashleigh Sumner (as Lola) Jessica Graham (as Jen, Lola’s ex), and Jenoa Harlow (as “Speed Freak Girl”).  Ashleigh Sumner gives Lola the life that I have no doubt perfectly fit what Ellen and Megan had in mind for the character.  Though according to the DVD’s extra features, Cathy actually auditioned first for the role.  Jenoa Harlow’s role in the film may have been brief with few words, but they are definitely pertinent scenes that added much hilarity to the story.  Jenoa certainly gave “Speed Freak Girl” lots of charisma in her few moments on the screen.  She is another gem that I’m grateful for finding out about thanks to this movie.

The soundtrack for the film in a word, rocks.  It includes artists Saucy Monky, Sick of Sarah, Corday, and several more.  Corday probably would have never gotten on my radar if it wasn’t for this little film.  I had already been listening to Sick of Sarah, but hearing their songs along to Lola running the streets of San Francisco was a lot of fun.  And Saucy Monky is band that also may not have found its way to my iPod if it wasn’t for the movie, and for that, I am immensely grateful.  Annmarie Cullen and Cynthia Catania are the creative duo behind Saucy Monky’s greatness.  They are two talented artists who joined together after each having separate careers, and the result is a perfect blend of emotive, heartfelt indie rock tunes.  (Stay tuned for a full write up on Saucy Monky in the near future).  As for the “And Then Came Lola” soundtrack, you can check out and buy the tracks in iTunes.

Despite all of the greatness, there were a few glitches along the way.  Last year when Ellen and Megan began to promote the film, they hit a brick wall when Facebook deemed the ad photo too raunchy. 

Ridiculous behavior on their part, when you consider some of the ads that already grace the pages of Facebook.  Sure, the photo is suggestive.  But, let’s not forget the movie is touted as a “sexy, lesbian romp”.  The photo depicts the basis of the storyline, a love triangle, in a clever, tongue in cheek manner.  Perhaps most absurd was the fact that Facebook ads are on a targeted, marketed basis.  Which meant that only those 18 and older, who also have some sort of LGBT interest on their profile, would have seen the ad.  I’m also willing to bet that those same Facebook subscribers would have already been aware of the film, as it had quite a following all on its own thanks to the notoriety of its stars.  So what exactly was Facebook objecting to?  The whole thing reeked of double standard.  But thankfully after much effort from Ellen and Megan, along with the fans who found ways to help and protest the ban, it was cleared up.  And Lola ran on.

So what is the movie about?  It loosely pays homage to the 1998 German cult hit “Run Lola Run”, but the plot is much lighter as a romantic comedy rather than a dark thriller.  “And Then Came Lola” also cleverly uses some animation (by animator Jett Atwood) allowing them to play out the action scenes on a smaller budget.  And I don’t want to burst any one’s bubble, but it definitely is not just a “sexy, lesbian romp”, though that is a fun part of it.  The gist of the story is Lola’s girlfriend Casey needs her to bring some photographs to a meeting by 5:30 pm.  Lola is not the best at being on time, and Casey knows that, but is hoping Lola can pull it together just this once.  Lola is determined to deliver, especially when she realizes that Casey’s meeting is with her tall, dark, suave ex-girlfriend, Danielle.  Various events ensue that challenge Lola, but I’ll leave that up to the viewer to enjoy for themselves.  One thing I especially liked was the sub-story that seemed to show how some situations can be misconstrued in an instant.  That one second you look over and see your girlfriend in a car with a stranger leaning over, having just taken the seat belt off.  These bits of the film were subtle but I found them to be as much as part of the plot as everything else.  Ultimately, Lola ends up having three chances to make the delivery that will make or break her relationship with Casey.  As for the sexy romp scenes, all I will say is that is a pretty accurate description, and the viewer will have to get the DVD and see for themselves.

Now that Lola DVDs have been finally reaching the homes of the devoted fans who scattered about to the various screenings just last year, I’m sure the creators and all involved couldn’t be happier or prouder of their project.  Aside from the US and Canada, The DVD is also hitting markets overseas such as Germany, UK, France, and The Netherlands.  Ellen, Megan and various members of the cast are continually attending new screenings, parties, and other events regarding the film.  I’m sure it is a huge honor for all those involved that it has taken off and done so well.  Speaking from the fan perspective, I know I have thoroughly enjoyed watching this film grow from its early stages to now.  I’m also grateful that it has introduced me to the many wonderful talents who participated in this fun, feel good movie.  You can order yourself a copy of “And Then Came Lola” on DVD or Blu-Ray DVD from the links on the main site.

A few select news stories. Things we just want to talk/rant/snark about. Briefly.

by Lorraine Mazza & Amanda Vontobel

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First up: Nudge the “gay” dog

If de-sexed = gay then there’s going to be a lot of angry gays out there. Maybe ole Nudge here is just transitioning or perhaps a eunuch. Can’t a dog have his (or her) privacy? And wait a minute…why is the restaurant staff checking out the dog’s package anyway? Aussies. Sheesh!

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Next we have the missing yearbook photo of Ceara Sturgis

Homophobia runs deep in Mississippi. What sort of message is this school giving children when they completely disregard a student and alienate her for a piece of clothing? Being yourself is probably the most difficult issue for kids and adults alike, yet this school and too many like it feed the fear instead of acknowledging and accepting the positive. Besides, how do you remove a student’s photo from her yearbook because you don’t like her clothing? Half of our graduating classes would have been missing.

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After the prom debacle, more trouble for Contance McMillen

In other Homophobic Mississippi news, the Westboro Baptist Church has once again proven they are nothing but bigoted, hypocritical hate mongers spewing their twisted rants on the masses. The fact that this group not only exists, but has followers makes us cringe. These people are full of hate, isn’t that against their religion?

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Finally, California gets something right

California no longer wants to cure us. We are no longer deviants. Thanks CA, you’re swell. Now, about that Prop 8 thing…

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