Marrick's Promise by Kim Dare

Marrick's Promise by Kim Dare
Stars: 3/5

Blurb
Marrick thinks that being thrown to the lions will be the ultimate adrenaline rush, and he’s not disappointed. But his plan is to try everything life has to offer once. He has no intention of visiting the lions again.

Blaine and Luther don’t expect to give any of the human sacrifices they share another thought once they leave the den. This man’s different. They have no intention of letting this one go. The only question is, while they are willing to share Marrick with each other, are they willing to share each other with a human who could become as important to each of them as they are to each other?

Overall
This blurb, specifically the last line, is extremely misleading. The majority of the novel isn't about "can we make this threesome work?" In fact, aside from some initial struggle where Luther and Blaine make faces at one another and try to make sure they are both OK with what's happening (emotionally), the two were-lions are pretty comfortable with Marrick as their pet. I thought that it worked for this story, since that concept wasn't really the focus of the story.

In fact, the focus of the story mostly seems to be about sex until Marrick finally makes the long-hinted-at action and all three men struggle to come to an understanding with some outside help (or non-help, as sometimes the case seems to be). I enjoyed the story and the characters and overall the writing, but none of it was enough to grab me and make me want to stay and read more. Everything felt a little sex heavy, and I wasn't really inspired by the scenes. An OK novel.

Strengths
The characters were pretty interesting, with our masochist Marrick and two were-lions who have been told that humans are fragile. Blaine and Luther come across as being pretty dense, which I think is the author's intention, and really is the device that keeps the story moving forward as they just don't get it. I didn't fall in love with the characters, but I enjoyed while they were on stage, for what it was worth.

The final sex scene was the best and strongest scene in the book, I felt. It had emotion and depth that the rest of the book lacked, and it made me yearn to have the entire novel written with such thought and care. It was the first time I really felt what the characters felt and could understand what they all needed from one another--not just understand, but see it.

Weaknesses
I might be the only one who feels this way, but there was too much sex going on. Between sprints of plot were marathons of sex (okay, that may be a slight exaggeration). I'm fine with lots of sex, but I didn't really feel anything for these characters, and I couldn't buy why they wanted one another, aside from the mate thing. It wasn't until the final scene that they actually seemed to care for one another in a way that didn't involve a body part being shoved into another man's body part.

What is probably the crucial weakness for me is the lack of dynamic between characters. Supposedly Marrick is the mate to both Luther and Blaine and we see some of their yearning to always be near him and protect him, although some of it comes across as over-protective and domineering, but I never really got an impression from Marrick that he was in love with these two. While we were told that he was, and that he couldn't sleep without them, I didn't really go for it. Maybe we were limited by the length, but I wanted more development before they were swearing themselves to each other.

Hard as Teak by Margie Church

Hard as Teak by Margie Church
Stars: 3/5

Blurb
Kevin Marks escapes to the north woods to reignite his passion for photography and women. But the only flame he seems able to spark is for his latest photography subject, Teak Hildalgo, and Kevin's never been in a man's arms before.

Teak, the raven-haired, photographer's dream come true, is hell bent on capturing Kevin's heart. He takes Kevin, body and soul, on a romantic, sexual journey previously lived only in Kevin's fantasies. And no dream was ever this good, no truth this undeniable.

Will Kevin ever be the same? When the camera's put away, will Teak live up to his name?

Overall
I like photographers in stories and tattoos, so this seems like a match made in heaven. But while most of the story itself wasn't bad, many of the writer's choices, specifically in dialogue and while in bed, kept me from enjoying this as much as I could have. However, this is definitely a personal feeling--what bothered me may not bother another reader. See more details below.

What impressed me most is some of the instances that are set up for classical major dramas that the author doesn't take. While it may not be the path less traveled, there is at least different scenery along the way. The writing wasn't terrible, but it wasn't incredibly strong either; it was just good enough to keep me reading, as long as I skipped most the sex scenes.

Strengths
The plot was probably the most interesting element of the novel. In the beginning Kevin struggles with his suddenly altered view of his sexuality, while also being unable to deny that Teak is attractive--something more than just a photographer's appreciation. As he comes to terms with that, he's then faced with having to dump his girlfriend and having to find a way to make a long-distance relationship work--assuming Teak is even interested.

Beyond all of that, Kevin and Teak have to deal with some pretty common stuff that any couple--especially a gay couple where one member is "famous"--has to deal with. What I liked was that not every incident caused a huge blow up and lots of drama. That part felt extremely realistic, especially after a somewhat wobbly beginning.

Weaknesses
Hello Random Change in Perspective. Pet peeve, I know, but for 80% of the book we are in Teak and Kevin's head, and then, suddenly, we are in other characters' heads. If we had moments similar to this earlier in the book, I may have let it go, but the sudden switch is a giant niggle to me.

The other point, which may be more preference, was the sex scenes. They felt more porno than sexy to me, especially the dialogue. They didn't really catch my interest and I found myself skimming them more than reading them.

Promises by Marie Sexton

Promises by Marie Sexton

Stars: 4-4.5/5

Blurb
Jared Thomas has lived his whole life in the small mountain town of Coda, Colorado. He can't imagine living anywhere else. Unfortunately, the only other gay man in town is twice his age and used to be his teacher, so Jared is resigned to spending his life alone.

Until Matt Richards walks into his life, that is. Matt has just been hired by the Coda Police Department, and he and Jared immediately become friends. Matt claims he is straight, but for Jared, having a sexy friend like Matt is way too tempting. Facing Matt’s affair with a local woman, his disapproving family, and harassment from Matt’s co-workers, Jared fears they'll never find a way to be together—if he can even convince Matt to try.

Overall
After the first book I read by Sexton (Between Sinners and Saints), I was hesitant to read another Sexton book, for fear it couldn't live up to the previous. However, now that I've read another excellent book by Sexton, I feel like I should tentatively add her to a favorite author's list.

I was not too impressed by the first few chapters; the writing wasn't grabbing me and not much was happening with the characters. But all at once I fell in love with Lizzy (after she says something teasingly to Jared) and everything in the story started to come together and I began to settle into the wonderful journey that Sexton provided. My initial lackluster response was probably due to the style of writing, which I fell is more casual and, while not quite stream-of-conscious, it has a more personality to it. This isn't a negative, and it definitely works as the story progresses, but it kept me from really sinking into the story at the beginning (although I'm not sure why). By the end I was in love with the characters and the storyline.

This is an excellent story, and definitely worth checking out, especially if you're looking for something that is light and romantic without being too over the top, angsty, or dramatic. This is deliciously sweet without causing cavities.

Strengths
As they say, “It's the journey, not the destination.” The exploration of characters, setting, and the development of Matt and Jared's relationship from friends to lovers is a journey worth taking, since when you reach the destination—the end of the book—you want to be back on the road, experiencing the journey once again.

While obviously the romance takes center stage in this story, it's not the sole focus as the characters struggle against bias, their own hang-ups, and outside forces. The balance between what the world throws at them and their own fears of what the world is going to throw at them, is artistically handled. This is a realistic romance that gives us a long glancing look at Jared's life. It reads true and honest.

In addition to the main two men, there is a cast of other characters who add wonderful dimension to the story. Most of them are lovable, or amusing, although Lizzy is my favorite side character. She's funny, sweet, and really cares about Jared's happiness in a way that made me want to yank her from the book to have as a friend. Plus Jared is kind, if not a little scared, and Matt is strong and stubborn (and a touch manipulative, in a good way).

Weaknesses
The beginning of this story didn't really grab me. Although the characters seemed somewhat interesting and I trusted Sexton would get me somewhere worthwhile, it definitely wouldn't have caught my interest if I were just reading the first chapter. However, this could just very much be me, as the second time I read it, I had no problems with the writing or the opening chapters.

What really kept this story from getting a 5 star rating, and probably the only thing, is that I didn't feel emotionally flabbergasted by the anything. It was a good, strong story with good, strong characters and when I'm in the mood for something light and sweet and real feeling, I'll definitely come back to this again and again. But it did nothing to amaze me and nudge it up to 5 stars. Still, an excellent read!

Requested this book for review.

Signed and Sealed by B.A. Stretke

Signed and Sealed by B.A. Stretke
Stars: 2-2.5/5

Blurb
William Drake’s living an ordinary life—he's got a job, a dog, and a house near Lake Superior—when a frantic call for help from his ne'er-do-well sister, Katrina, throws a big rancher-shaped kink in the works. Proving that no good deed goes unpunished, Will’s arrival at the Montana ranch belonging to Katrina's fiancé, Martin, is marked by a flat tire and unexpected help from a tall, dark, and handsome Good Samaritan who turns out to be Elijah Hunter, Martin's brother, and the most unsettling man Will has ever met.

Eli’s fury over Katrina’s misdeeds boils over onto Will, and he demands that Will remain on the ranch until the matter is resolved. While Will can take Katrina's place, Eli doesn’t make it easy, testing Will at every turn, but Will’s uncompromising morals exceed even Eli’s exacting standards. The attraction growing between them is further complicated by Eli’s ultimatum: he's still holding Katrina to the pre-nup she signed... unless Will agrees to marry Eli instead.

Overall
A lot of other reviewers have listed this book as "Harlequin" in nature, which really didn't mean much to me, since I've not read enough Harlequins to judge. However, it is something to keep in mind when reading this review, as some of my points may be applied to this Harlequin status.

To enjoy this book, the reader is going to have to take a ginormous leap of faith from the beginning, as the entire story is reliant on the notion that Will is practically held hostage at Eli's estate. While he's not being forced physically, Eli is holding financial reasons over his head. I found that, and the majority of the plot, to be ridiculous and horribly weak, which made a majority of the story unenjoyable. That, rolled together with the facts that Will can't trust Eli (who seems to change personalities every other scene) and Eli thinks Will is a gold digger like his sister, but they both have the hots for each other, makes for a frustrating story.

However, not all is lost. Once the story begins to dig deeper into Eli actually beginning to court Will and overcoming Will's distrust of him, the story picks up. If this is "your sort of story," I think it could be very interesting, but in general I was not impressed.

Strengths
Admittedly, I have a soft spot for antagonistic romances where hatred (with a touch of lust) blossoms into love. Once this novel got to that point where the initial logistics were put behind and Eli was beginning to court Will, everything was much more enjoyable. I realize that a large portion of the beginning was needed to develop their relationship to create the conflict, but more could have been done to focus on the strength of the story rather than the flimsy building blocks.

Weaknesses
The point of view was third person limited omniscient, jumping from character to character at the author's discretion. While it wasn't done poorly, I feel this novel could have improved if it was kept in a second person perspective, leaving the reader just as confused as Will was about Eli's motives and feelings. As it was, we know what's going through Eli's head, and it makes the majority of the struggles rather inane. While many books flip between the two characters and play off "misunderstanding" trope, this novel relied too heavily on Will's issues and distrust to work the conflict appropriately. While we can see Eli is a bit of a jerk, we never think he's as mean as Will does because we see inside Eli's head, although sometimes even that isn't enough to make sense of what's going on. I give the author credit for being consistently omniscient in writing, but don't feel it was very helpfully to the story telling.

The set up of the story was the most difficult for me, as I mentioned above. It seemed trite and unfeasible. I couldn't buy it and so I had a difficult time settling into where the author wanted me to go. Along those lines, I had a hard time buying that Will could just take off from work for a month, since we know he's not exactly rich. Plus, even though his dog is safe at a "friend's" house, I'd be a little pissed if I was asked to dog-sit for a weekend and it became a month! And he never calls to see how the dog is. Minor points, perhaps, but symptoms of the larger problem.

In addition, Eli seemed a bit unbalanced. To an extent, we are given the reasons behind this, but for the most part he just comes off as a little crazy/vengeful, which makes sense, as this is how Will is supposed to see him. However, some of the events that we see through Will's eyes are not compatible with how Eli behaves when we see events through Eli's eyes. Not until the end did Eli begin to have a consistent personality that seemed to fit with the person everyone describes throughout the story.

Requested this book for review.

Change of Heart by Mary Calmes

Change of Heart by Mary Calmes
Stars: 2.5-3/5

Blurb
As a young gay man―and a werepanther―all Jin Rayne yearns for is a normal life. Having fled his past, he wants nothing more than to start over, but Jin’s old life doesn’t want to let him go. When his travels bring him to a new city, he crosses paths with the leader of the local were-tribe.

Logan Church is a shock and an enigma, and Jin fears that Logan is both the mate he fears and the love of his life. Jin doesn't want to go back to the old ways, and mating would irrevocably tie him to them. But Jin is the mate Logan needs at his side to help him lead his tribe, and he won't give Jin up so easily. It will take time and trust for Jin to discover the joy in belonging to Logan and how to love without restraint.

Overall
I wanted to enjoy this novel more than I actually did, and while parts of it really grabbed me and held my attention, most of it dragged on and on and on. Part of the problem was imbalance of information. On one hand, we would be given the same information repeatedly, and while it was important, it wasn't so difficulty to understand that the reader didn't get it the first time. On the other there was a habit of not mentioning a vital piece of cultural information until it's useful to the main character, either for him to use or to be used against him. While with the number of cultural-specific elements it would have been difficult to be warned about things, I felt like information "talking up" the main character was stressed while plot-relevant information was left on a need-to-know basis.

The storyline, while it had its faults, kept me interested enough to continue reading, and I was happy with the results, but there were definitely parts that left me wanting. I think my biggest mark against this book is that I enjoyed it to a degree that made me want to like it more and made me want to see the story live up to its potential. I'm not sure I'd recommend this book to someone else, but I wouldn't talk someone out of it either, especially if they enjoy shapeshifter stories.

Strengths
While neither of the characters are types that endeared me to them, I appreciated them as people, and I appreciated how they were handled. Logan is a top dog―so to speak―and acts accordingly. Sure he has tender moments with his mate, but he also is pushy, bossy and, at moments, scary in his violence. I found Jin annoying, but I could also understand some of his behaviors and defenses, even if they did make me want to grab his ear and twist until he apologized. For me, his flops between “woe is me” and “cocky bastard” were hard to take, although that's just how some people are. Even not liking the characters, I thought they were interesting.

Another strength was the challenge from an outside character and the resulting struggle between characters, both trying to protect one another while facing despairing odds. The build up from when the challenge is issued up through the resulting solution were pretty intense, although some of the resolution felt a little too easily resolved.

Weaknesses
Info dumping had to be my biggest peeve with this novel. Admittedly, there is a lot of vital cultural information for the reader to know, but sometimes we're given too much information―repeatedly--and other times we're just given the brush off with bare minimal information. When the info was being repeated, I felt like the author was playing me as stupid, and when it wasn't developed, I felt like the author was hiding things or not bothering. I think this was even more frustrating because of the potential this world had in being exceptionally interesting.

Along those lines, I think if this were the second or third book in a series, where world development had already happened to create a basis for what's going on, then things may have come out smoother. As it was, the writing felt a little bogged down with facts.

Jin portrayed all the qualities of a “Mary Sue”: He's special (not just to one or two people, but to everyone, even if it's just so they can hate him; he's powerful; he has specific physical attributes that distinguish him as different; and he's the sole focus of the story. The last I'm willing to let slide, a little, because a lot of other things do happen that revolve around him but could be considered outside events. Otherwise, he comes across as bit of a self insert, and some of his more feminine qualities made me feel like he was written as a stereotypical woman. However, these moments didn't happen all the time, which made them all the more glaring when they did.

It's difficult with main character with special powers who are the focus of the story to not come across as being Mary Sues, but it is done. However, Jin's “Mary Sue qualities” didn't detract too terribly from the story, most of the time. Usually he just came off as a little self-centered.

Requested this book for review.

Eight Seconds by Jean Ferris

Eight Seconds by Jean Ferris
Stars: 4.5/5

Blurb
Each ride on the bucking bull is a lesson in pain. Each landing on the packed dirt is a jarring reminder of reality. Rodeo camp is a tough way to spend a summer, but John is having the time of his life. No clingy girlfriends, no nagging moms, no annoying sisters. Just him and the guys and the biggest bulls he's ever seen. All he has to do is stay on a bull for eight seconds. It may feel like an eternity to his aching body, but for once John feels in control of his own fate. Then he learns his new rodeo buddy Kit is gay. Shaken by the news, he tries to deal with the other guys' reactions and his own self-doubts.

Suddenly, riding a bull seems easy. . . .

Overall
This is not an easy or light reading, although it's not too heavy either. It's a nice balance of story and teenage sexuality drama. Although the topic is nothing new, I feel like the way the story was handled was fresh, making it a new and interesting story. While I really enjoyed this story, I can see some people taking issue with its not-completely-happy ending. I struggled with it myself, but I felt the decisions the author made were appropriate for the story and the lessons that John learns.

Strengths
The writing is pretty easy going, matching the character, who is pretty laid back most of the time, but has a temper when his buttons are pushed. It was straight forward and well paced and overall made for an enjoyable read.

John is a likeable character, although he is flawed (he has a temper, biases, and acts like the teenager he is). But he's still a young man struggling to deal with things in his life and he acts like many teenagers do, and has to face those consequences. I think what I liked most about him is that he never complained about things being unfair or trying to take things back (even if he wishes he could). Instead he focuses on where he's at and what he needs to do—and what he should do. There are various side characters that are nice and varied, all of whom help make John who he is. I also liked Kit, even though some of the things he did/choose were just as hard to deal with as what John did/choose.

While there are some difficult things that happen in this story, and some difficult decisions that the characters make (many of which I disagree with, personally), I really enjoyed the story with its different resolution and some of the "morals" it teaches (to the main character, but not in a preachy way). I also liked the bull riding/western environment, which fit into the story without being too heavy handed in its role.

Weaknesses
Not really a weakness, but I didn't like the ending. It was handled well, and I knew it was coming because of what I read in someone else's review, but … well, you'll have to see for yourself.

The cover that I had makes it seem like the main cast is young teens when they are actually all 18 or older. While I like the set up and the emotion behind it, I think it would dissuade younger people from reading it, which is a shame.

Tokyo Babylon vol 1-7 by CLAMP

Tokyo Babylon vol 1-7 by CLAMP
Stars: 4/5

Overall
Originally I saw the anime that is based on this, and was amused, but not really impressed. However, my friends promised the manga was better and they loaned it to me. They were putting it lightly! Although the majority of the volumes are about Subaru's job putting restless spirits to peace, within the stories is the development of the relationship between Subaru, his sister, and their friend Seishiro.

Each volume only took about 45 minutes to read, as they were fast paced and interesting, not rambling on and on and on about something that the reader quickly didn't care about. While the story takes place toward what is soon to be the apocalypse, none of that is really mentioned in the series, although it does lend a darker theme to the stories.

Strengths
Aside from some of my frustrations at the end of the series (see below), I really enjoyed the storyline. Although there are plenty of Japanese cultural references, the authors do an excellent job of explaining everything as the events unfold. The individual “one shots” are interesting enough to keep the reader's attention while still progressing toward the over arching story, which unfurls rather quickly in the last one and a half volumes. The beginning works to build the characters so that the reader cares for them, making the ending all the more poignant.

Speaking of characters, I really fell in love with Subaru and Seishiro, and although Hokuto annoyed me at the beginning, even she redeemed herself. The development happens over five or six volumes mainly, although many revealing facts aren't told until the final volume. These are fun characters, and even with designs that aren't really to my liking, they were enjoyable to follow.

Weaknesses
This isn't a complete weakness, but the end frustrates me. It is concluded in some aspects, but I also know that there is more to the story, as seen in the X anime, which I will be seeing.

Dark Edge of Honor by Rhianon Etzweiler and Aleksandr Voinov

Dark Edge of Honor by Rhianon Etzweiler and Aleksandr Voinov
Stars: 4.5/5

Blurb
Sergei Stolkov is a faithful officer, though his deepest desires go against the Doctrine. A captain with the invading Coalition forces, he believes that self-sacrifice is the most heroic act and his own needs are only valid if they serve the state.

Mike, an operative planted within Cirokko's rebels, has been ordered to seduce Sergei and pry from him the Coalition's military secrets. His mission is a success, but as he captures Sergei's heart, Mike is tempted by his own charade and falls in love.

When the hostile natives of the planet Cirokko make their move, all seems lost. Can Mike and Sergei survive when the Coalition's internal affairs division takes an interest in what happened in the dusty mountains of Zasidka Pass…?

Overall
In a story as gritty as the planet it takes place on, Mike and Sergei struggle with their environment, their armies, and their own feelings. While this isn't a light read, it's not overwhelmingly dark either, immersing the reader in Sergei's struggle to keep hope in what seems like a doomed situation.

The plot, the beginning of which is pretty much described by the blurb, is excellent and definitely interesting, but its the characters that, through strong writing, come alive on the page through their strengths and weaknesses. On my initial read, I had two problems with the story, which I've listed below, but upon re-reading I reconsidered these "weaknesses" and feel they were both handled well in the situation. The main issue, which I think pushed the two supposed weaknesses, was that the blurb sets up a heavy plot that doesn't start really moving until 40% of the way through the book.

That being said: The wait, and the build up to it, are worth it.

Strengths
The characters are in a difficult situation and almost constantly show their bad side, but despite this they are easy to fall in love with because even in their dark moments they struggle for love and hope (without it being as cheesy as that just sounded). Mike, who feels like the 'good guy' since he's not part of the invading army, is an interesting conflict, since while he may be on the 'good' side in the war, he's the more underhanded in the relationship. Sergei, who is part of the militaristic invasion, is almost naive in his dealings with Mike, making the good guy bad and the bad guy good, blurring the lines of there being any sides at all.

This is developed further as we meet Pat and Ulyanov and Nikishin (both of whom I want more of), who are not, on any level, flat characters. In fact, and this applies to the main characters as well, there is so much not talked about beyond a passing mention. Much of what is happening with the characters that isn't vital to the story that is only alluded to, which in its own way is frustrating, but is perfectly acceptable for the story we're being told. It's great to have a story that is bursting with history that we only get a small taste of.

Once the plot really starts, it moves quickly building off all the previous information and relationships. Details that seem insignificant are brought to light as being important without the authors seeming underhanded, misleading or sneaky. One element I enjoyed most about this story is that while it involved politics, war and star-crossed lovers (of sorts), it never relied on a sudden plot twist. What you see is what you get: This story is about the struggle of the individual and the circumstances he finds himself in.

In addition, this novel has a very attractive cover, which doesn't mean much for an ebook, but it still is worth noting, although I've noticed this publisher is better at providing appropriate and understated covers.

Weaknesses
There are two points that I think count as weaknesses, although I know the one at least was, if not on purpose, at least recognized by the authors.

The beginning of the novel is sex heavy, and then followed by the second half of the novel which is plot heavy and completely lacking sex except in moments of flashback. There are obvious reasons for this flip, the most important of which is that the plot and major amounts of sex couldn't happen at the same time, but it is slightly jarring in the switch and did leave me wanting for more plot in the beginning. I felt it was worth the wait and the sexual encounters between the two men did further the plot and character development.

There is a slight feeling of the two men falling in love rather quickly, but it was done in a way that only niggled me slightly, as Sergei hasn't really experienced someone like Mike before, and for Mike there is just something about Sergei that grabs him right from the beginning. Plus they are in a high intensity situation, which amps up both their emotions and reactions.

Requested this book for review.

Four men and a fox... Movie Reviews

The Trip - It's 1973, and gay rights activist Tommy Ballenger (Steve Braun) is about to embark on the journey of a lifetime when he meets an older man, Alan (Larry Sullivan), whose political views skew as far right as Tommy's do left. In spite of their differences, they fall in love, but four years later they're torn apart when an anti-gay book Alan once wrote re-surfaces. Does their love deserve a second chance?

(rent/buy) I shouldn't be surprised when a movie turns out good, but after reading the description, I figured it would be cheesy fun, not cheesy fun that was something more. This is one of those films that some people are going to take more out of it than I did, sort of like TransAmerica (maybe road trip themes don't do it for me). The acting was good, all through the ages, and there were some well placed real clips to set the mood of the political history. While this definitely amused me in some parts and touched my heart in others, I never felt deeply moved by the characters.

Gone, But Not Forgotten - In writer-director Michael D. Akers's romantic drama, forest ranger Drew (Aaron Orr) meets yuppie Mark (Matthew Montgomery) after he falls while rock climbing. Mark wakes up in the hospital with amnesia and sees that Drew has remained by his side since the accident. Drew offers to move in with Mark to help him out until he regains his memory, which propels the two men into a passionate affair. But things change as Mark's memory slowly returns.

(meh) Everything in this movie was mediocre enough that I spent the time re-reading a book while it played in the background. Why bother? I wanted to give it a chance, even though it started off rough. It has the classic signs of a small budget film with less than savvy tech hands and actors: When the camera wasn't stationed, it wobbled and dramatic close-ups felt over used, especially in the beginning. Whether it was the acting or the script--I don't know--but everything felt slightly forced and, honestly, uninspired. The story line had potential and was actually somewhat interesting, but the stilted acting/dialogue/performance left me uninterested. When the leading men finally got together in the end, I was happy because the movie was over. Why by no means torture to sit through, it probably would have been in if wasn't multitasking.

Defying Gravity - Frat boy Griff (Daniel Chilson), who works hard to keep his brothers in the dark about his intimate encounters with Pete (Don Handfield), is forced to come to terms with his sexual identity in this touching drama. Pete, who left the frat house for a more liberating off-campus life, wants a real relationship, while Griff claims he only wants sex. But when gay-bashing thugs beat Pete into a coma, Griff must face his true feelings for him.

(rent) This was okay, although it definitely felt like a movie from the '80s (though it's from the '90s). This isn't the first time I've encountered "boy dealing with sexuality while boy he likes is unconscious," and to be honest, the other time (the book The God Box by Alex Sanchez) did it better, probably because the acting was so stiff in this movie. I had a hard time believing there were feelings between the lead males, and while I liked how Griff's best friend, and some of the frat, reacts to Griff and Pete when it inevitably is revealed, little else really stuck out to me. While this movie wasn't bad, it definitely rang with elements of amateur, especially in the acting.

I Think I Do - The marriage of mutual friends reunites former college roommates Bob (Alexis Arquette) and Brendan (Christian Maelen), who tried to ignore the sexual tension that always flowed between them. Brendan finally comes out to Bob at the reception, but is it a case of too little, too late? Writer-director Brian Sloan's romantic comedy co-stars Lauren Vélez and Jamie Harrold and features a rare cameo from Marni Nixon.

(rent) The start of this movie is a little slow as the relationship between the two men is built, creating their friendship and the sexual tension there. After the big fall out, there is a time skip in which everyone went their separate ways. Oddly enough, even though they live in different states, the group is still the core of best friends (possibly the biggest, "Wait, really?" moment in the movie, aside from the ones purposefully placed there). I felt like the plot was strong, the dialogue was pretty good, but the acting was lacking. The plot is serious, but with obvious humorous tones, both in characters (like the soap opera actor) and events (face mask before the wedding). However, the actors didn't seem to be able to handle this double play, as they played everything as straight drama, leaving a feeling that they were trying a little too hard. That aside, it was still a pretty good--if not a little strange--movie.

Fantastic Mr. Fox - When Mr. Fox's nightly raids on three nearby farms raise the ire of the selfish farmers, he must outwit the men's increasingly outrageous plans to catch him in this animated adaptation of the Roald Dahl book. As the farmers' schemes take a toll on his hungry family, Mr. Fox must find a new way to get his paws on the bounty. Wes Anderson directs, and George Clooney and Bill Murray lend their voice-over talents in this Oscar nominee.

(rent/buy) Going into this movie, I had very few expectations. I'd heard good things, in general, although I'd heard plenty of people complain about the animation style. I found the visuals a little strange at first too, but my love of foxes and general willingness to try new things meant I gave it a shot. The style grew on me the longer I sat through the film, although I doubt the style will ever catch on. The voice acting was good, and I really enjoyed the depth of the characters, who struggled with many things, the main issue focusing on the fight between being animals and creatures who try to be civilized. The plot was interesting, but strange, leading my interest to fade in and out slightly, although the escalating reactions of the humans is amusing. Because of the unique style of this movie, I would definitely recommend renting before purchasing if possible, but I think everyone should give this movie a chance.