Gay Firefighters Embrace Chuck & Larry
[I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry], starring Adam Sandler and Kevin James as two straight firefighters posing as gay guys in order to qualify for insurance money, opens tonight. But the film already has at least one fan: [FireFLAG/EMS](http://www.fireflag.net) president Mike Vissichelli. The official fraternal organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members of the FDNY, ([yes,](http://www.newyorkpress.com/blogx/display_blog.cfm?bid=94695306) the FDNY evidently has a lot of these organizations ) released a glowing statement about the movie Wednesday after Universal Pictures invited its ranks to a preview screening as well as its star-studded (depending on whom you consider a star ) premiere.
The film shows the journey that gay firefighters go through in their careers, the brotherhood of firefighters, and ultimately their respect for one another based on actions and deeds, Vissichelli writes of the film. The coming out process in the movie mirrors what I, and many of my colleagues, have gone through on the job. Vissichelli ends with the following: Chuck and Larry is, of course, a comedy and some of the humor may be considered offensive to some, but the growth of the principal characters during the course of the film is the ultimate measure of how to judge the intent and heart of the filmmakers. You can view the full press release [here].
Other than that, however, Vissichelli had little to say. We spoke with him via phone for additional comments, but he told us that he issued the press release partially in order to avoid talking to the press. Well, OK then. When I asked whether he thought the movie did a good job portraying the experiences of gay firefighters, he had this to say: I think they did an excellent job. I thought they did a very fine job. It portrayed firefighters pretty good Wait, let me make sure I understand, so you thought it was good then? Vissichelli also said that he was not alone in his positive opinion. I have not had any bad responses from anybody, he said. Last night was a premiere. There were straight and gay firefighters there. The crowd overwhelmingly laughed and cheered, he added. And to ensure that the positive feedback keep on coming, Vissichelli asked that we not include any derogatory comments about the film in our write-upbut obviously we would never agree to refrain from sharing our honest opinion, disparaging or not.
Luckily, our own [Armond White] seems to have liked the flick. Other critics, however, seem [much less forgiving](http://www.afterelton.com/movies/2007/7/chuckandlarryreview). [Newsday](http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/movies/ny-etsecw5298271jul20,0,6768839.story?coll=ny-moviereview-headlines) reviewer John Anderson, for one, said that the film portrayed New Yorks Bravest as homophobic meatballsor guidos, as theyre described during one moment of this Dennis Dugan-directed laugh-festknuckleheads who wouldnt have the sense not to drown while staring up, slack-jawed, into a rainfall. According to Kevin James, however, the film was screened for [gay rights group GLADD](http://www.postchronicle.com/news/original/article_21292504.shtml) for fear that it was offensive, and evidently got the a-okay.
That said, check it out for yourself. If you dont want to pay the 10 bucks to see Sandler kiss Jameswill he, won't he?or worse, Jessica Biel, then watch the preview [here]. We're sure even these brief moments of cinema are enough for you to make a judgment.