Milk

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: November 26, 2008

DVD Release Date: March 10, 2009

Plot 411: A gay San Francisco merchant runs for political office and becomes a leader in the gay community.

Review: This was an inspiring and touching movie about the life of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office. Sean Penn plays the lead and completely reinvents himself in his portrayal of a man who changed lives. Milk's life was a testament to what one person can do to evoke real change in a community, political system and world. Fighting not only for gay rights, but for minorities, seniors, the disabled community and everyone in between, Milk ultimately died for his cause. The film's mix of reenacted and historical footage added to the authenticity and emotion of the characters and setting. This movie's focus was not primarily on gay rights, but something much more universal - human rights and equality. Also starring in this film are Josh Brolin (whose career has definitely skyrocketed since his time on the series "Young Riders"), Emile Hirsch (who I loved in Into the Wild and Lords of Dogtown), James Franco (who is quite possibly cuter as a gay man in this film than he is as a rich one in Spiderman) and Diego Luna (who I loved along with Gael Garcia Bernal in Y tu mama tambien).

Watch It: To be inspired to get up and make a difference and to learn about a social leader not covered in text books.

Skip It: Only if you absolutely must. Stick it in your queue until you find some time to watch it.

Trailer: