VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Common Ground (2000, Not rated)
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Co-written by Pulitzer Prize-winner Paula Vogel and Tony winners Terrence McNally and Harvey Fierstein, this mini-trilogy of stories examines the effects of homosexuality on the New England town of Homer, Conn., over several generations. Vogel chronicles the dishonorable discharge of a Navy WAVE (Brittany Murphy) in the '50s. McNally's '70s-era piece follows a closeted high school student (Home Improvement's Jonathan Taylor Thomas) and his attempts to confide in his sympathetic, but also closeted French teacher (Steven Weber). The modern-day story centers on the impending wedding of the frightened Amos (James Le Gros) and his lover, Andy (Andrew Airlie), compounded by a protest organized by Amos' father (Ed Asner). Common Ground manages to deftly address three major areas of institutionalized homophobia -- the military, the education system and organized religion -- but wisely refrains from attacking or demonizing any of them. With terrific supporting performances from Eric Stoltz, Helen Shaver, Jason Priestley, Beau Bridges and Fierstein.