Proposition 8: The Musical

Rather hastily made and not trying to hide it, but entertaining nonetheless, Proposition 8: The Musical is the performing arts community's response to the ban on gay marriage that was produced by a referendum in California at the same time as the US presidential election. This modest yet colourful film never pretends to be anything other than a propaganda piece, but it's fun to watch and a resourceful way to respond to the multi million dollar campaigns that were created in support of the proposition.

Set entirely onstage and sticking firmly to the rules of the traditional musical so that it can highlight the absurdity of its subject, this film has a star-studded cast, with Jack Black delivering a particularly memorable turn as Jesus. Although it's very bouncy and cheerful in tone, hastily dismissing the arguments of the opposition, it strikes a more cynical note towards the end, making room for a different kind of humour and reminding us that legislation in this area has as much to do with politics as it has to do with passionate belief in either direction.

Those who strove to stop Proposition 8 will find this optimistic film reassuring in the wake of their defeat. Others will find it highly entertaining, just short enough to get away with its weaknesses and an excellent source of cheer on a dull day.