@ Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark, (773) 293-1447: Chicago's Own: Recent Work by Tom Palazzolo (Down Clark Street, Rita on the Ropes, I Was a Zero in the City 2000, and more), plus Tom Palazzolo in person – Jan. 24; Chicago's Own: Memory Pieces (Target Practice, Untitled Affair, The Invalids, arrivals & departures, Ships Out to Sea, Dear Gary, Room) – Jan. 31; Film Studies: The Films of Guy Sherwin and Barbara Meter. Guy Sherwin and Barbara Meter in person. Feb. 7; Al-Jazeera Exclusive – Feb. 15

@ Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville, (773) 381-8030: Queersploitation - monthly film series viewing and examining the treatment of homosexuality in some exploitation films of the '70s and '80s. Thundercrack – Feb. 12, Satan's Children – Mar. 11

@ Nvy Pier IMAX, (312) 595-5MAX (5629): Young Black Stallion - Jan. 21-Mar. 18

In theaters:

Monster (Newmarket) – Based on a true story, Monster, the feature-length writing and directing debut of Patty Jenkins, is the gritty and brutal story of real-life prostitute turned serial killer Aileen Wuornos. Charlize Theron's praiseworthy transformation into and portrayal of Wuornos is easily the most consistent aspect of the movie. Wuornos, who was executed in 2002 after 12 years on Death Row, was something of a familiar face on the national news scene, and seeing Theron's incredible physical depiction, complete with accent and speech patterns, facial expressions and demeanor is almost unnerving. When she speaks of being raped by a friend of her father's, being abandoned by her family and stumbling into the life of a hooker at the age of 13, we believe what she is saying. In spite of her rapid, violent, downward spiral, which occurs following a brutal rape and beating at the hands of a sadistic john, she earns our compassion. Somewhat less consistent is the movie itself. Wuornos's relationship with the one-dimensional Selby (Christina Ricci), a young, naïve, lesbian, offers a temporary respite, but only serves to remind her of her vast limitations. There is also inconsistent use of voice-over narration (if you want to see good use of that, see Ricci in The Opposite Of Sex), which is meant to make us feel empathy for Wuornos, but just bogs down the narration. Simply put, Monster rages and rivets on the strength of Theron's singular performance. (B)

Yossi & Jagger - Directed by Eytan Fox, Yossi & Jagger sensitively tells the uncommon story of company commander Yossi (Ohad Knoller) and Lior (Yehuda Levi) two Israeli soldiers who conduct a clandestine romance in the macho environment of the Israeli army. Lior, who is nicknamed Jagger because he is like a 'rock star,' is told by one male soldier that he is 'pretty as a girl,' and is also the object of the affections of a female soldier named Yaeli (Aya Steinovitz). Yossi and Lior's interactions are intimate one moment and concealed the next, leading Lior to declare that he no longer wants to be in the closet and is prepared to come out to his family and introduce them to Yossi. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes before Lior has the opportunity. At turns erotic and frightening, Yossi & Jagger is a touching and well-acted movie. (B+)

Win A Date With Tad Hamilton – Nathan Lane and Sean Hayes co-star as an agent and a manager, respectively, both named Richard Levy.

On DVD:

Soldier's Girl (Showtime) – Excellent dramatization, with a screenplay written by gay writer Ron Nyswaner (Philadeplhia), of the true story of the brutal, homophobic murder of soldier Barry Winchell (Troy Garity). According to some narration by Winchell's transgender love interest Calpernia Addams (a memorable performance by Lee Pace), early in Soldier's Girl, Winchell is the true hero of the story, 'quiet and solid as a Chanel suit.' When Missouri native Winchell arrives at Fort Campbell, after meeting with his Airborne Infantry superior officer Diaz (Andre Braugher), he meets roommate Justin Fisher (Shawn Hatosy). Following a rocky start, the pair soon discovers that they have some things in common, including overcoming challenges. Winchell has a learning disability, while Fisher is heavily medicated for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and a touch of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. They also share a fondness for the movie Good Fellas, which honors 'loyalty among men.' Fisher, who is divorced with a young son, takes Winchell and a few of the other soldiers to a gay bar in Nashville, where there is a drag show. It is there that Winchell first comes in contact with Calpernia, and the development of their relationship is told with great insight and sensitivity. There is genuine chemistry between the actors, which gives the story its dramatic power. Eventually, Fisher, whose own sexuality appears to be questionable, begins to disapprove of Winchell's relationship, and in these days of 'Don't ask, don't tell,' sees ways in which he could use his rage and jealousy in his favor by manipulating others, leading to the film's violent and tragic conclusion. Compelling and involving, Soldier's Girl is deserving of our attention. (B+)

On TV:

SUNDANCE: The Adventures of Sebastian Cole – Jan. 22, 28; Lan Yu - Jan. 22; By Hook or by Crook – Jan. 22, 30; Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss – Jan. 23; È Minha Cara/That's My Face - Jan. 23, 26, 29; Get Real - Jan. 24, 29; Silverlake Life: The View from Here - Jan. 26; Paul Monette: The Brink of Summer's End - Jan. 27; Trembling Before G-d - Jan. 27; Priest - Jan. 28; The Cockettes – Jan. 29.