Most of the dialogue takes place among friendly, funny members of the homosexual community who dress in “drag,” wearing women’s clothing, wigs and makeup. A group of them recite a “prayer” to the “Blessed St. Mary of Gay Men” while holding up their (false) breasts. One of the subplots revolves around Duchovny’s character, who is trying to reconcile with Robert, his brother. Although Jeff is engaged to someone else and believes Connie is a gay man, he is strangely attracted to her. This alludes to the popular claim of the gay community that most men have some homosexual tendencies. This myth is further underscored when a character says, “Who is a real man, anymore?”

“For the first time in my life, I like who I am,” Robert says. We are asked to believe this, even though he has been estranged from his family for six years, looks rather miserable (if not sickly) and has no career or job to speak of. In fact, it’s rather odd that Robert and his entire crowd of friends are mysteriously able to support themselves without working. The clear message about cross-dressers, however, is that they would be just fine if only they were not so “persecuted,” so we must love and accept them “the way they are.”

A blatant remake of “Some Like It Hot,” the film distinguishes itself only with a gender-bending twist from “Victor/Victoria.” Vardalos was still credited with an original screenplay, though. Go figure. Overall, the film has a distinct sitcom feel, which isn’t surprising given director Michael Lembeck’s television background.

“Connie and Carla” has some charm, but to enjoy it, you’ve got to buy into the gay/drag queen subculture as one “big happy family.” It will be a huge hit in the gay community. But, because I am aware of the devastation – physical, emotional and spiritual – that this lifestyle brings, I was more saddened than charmed.