—Woofwax candles: I first encountered these items at IML this year—and, considering their names and scents, they definitely belong there. (I mean that as a compliment, by the way.) Choose between scents such as sauna (cedar with citrus and eucalyptus) and midnight shower (sandalwood). These candles burn a long time, also—up to 170 hours. See www.woofwax.com.
—Mega Python vs. Gatoroid (out on DVD for $27.97): Yes, this so-bad-it’s-good movie has more cheese than the dairy section at Jewel, but there’s an undeniable level of fun, too. Eighties pop queens Debbie Gibson and Tiffany play, respectively, an animal-rights activist and a forest ranger (somehow reminding me of Denise Richards playing a nuclear physicist in that James Bond movie) who are responsible for the titular genetically enlarged reptiles. Cinephiles might also like the fact that Mary Lambert (Pet Sematary; Madonna’s “Material Girl” and “Like A Prayer” videos) directed this film.
—Kerry Washington in Life is Hot in Crackdown (out on DVD): The title of the movie sounds like an ABC after-school special but this gritty (and very graphic) film offers a lot—and I don’t just mean the depictions of gang life, homeless children and prostitution. Kerry Washington is a stand-out in the little-seen movie as transgender woman Marybeth, who is married to thief/drug addict Benny (Desmond Harrington, who manages to look hot even in this role). The stunning Washington brings a vulnerability and, ultimately, a strength to a role that could have been a caricature. This movie also stars Evan Ross, Lara Flynn Boyle and Brandon Routh (who played Superman a couple years ago), among others.
—CookiesFromScratch.com: I was fortunate enough to have a friend in Wisconsin who brought me a bag of goodies from this company. (It’s based in Colgate, Wis.) The company has cookies for practically every major holiday, and even sells cookie cutters in the shapes of foods and pets. Flavors range from red velvet to butterscotch oatmeal honey to that standby, the chocolate-chip cookie; however, we’ll stay away from the Green Bay Packers items.
—Donovan’s Big Day: A children’s book by Leslea Newman, who wrote Heather Has Two Mommies, Donovan’s Big Day looks at the themes of love, family and marriage as it celebrates same-sex marriage. Donovan is a best “man” as his mothers get married—and it’s an adult situation handled in a way kids will find likeable, if not relatable. Newman based the ceremony on her own life.
—Andrew Davis
(Andrew@WindyCityTimes.com)