Shock to the System: A Donald Strachey Mystery

While the idea would certainly seem to hold promise for interesting social commentary, the script by Ron McGee lacks the necessary bite, as does the rote direction of Ron Oliver.

This is a sly, refreshingly grown-up gay entertainment, though rather less satisfying as a thriller.

Where film noir is often punch-drunk with a jab of snappy patter and a left hook of world-weary cynicism, Shock tries to clinch with understanding.

It's certainly a pleasant enough way to kill 90 minutes.