Shock to the System (2006)

50% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
34% of users liked it
(15,344 ratings)

The traditional crime thriller gets a modern twist with this sequel to Third Man Out following the further adventures of gay detective Donald Strachey (Chad Allen). Hard boiled private investigator Donald Strachey has just found the lifeless body of his latest client, and now in order to catch the… More The traditional crime thriller gets a modern twist with this sequel to Third Man Out following the further adventures of gay detective Donald Strachey (Chad Allen). Hard boiled private investigator Donald Strachey has just found the lifeless body of his latest client, and now in order to catch the killer he'll be forced to rely on his straight-laced husband Tim and overenthusiastic assistant Kenny. As the investigation leads Strachey straight into Dr. Trevor Cornell's dark world of "conversion therapy,' where psychology and religion combine with the singular goal of turning average everyday homosexuals "straight," the stage is set for a climactic showdown with more than a few surprising twists and turns. Sebastian Spence and Morgan Fairchild co-star in an adaptation of author Richard Stevenson's best-selling series of books that will have viewers of all sexual pursuasions on the edge of their seats. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 31 min.
Directed By: Ron Oliver
Genres: Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Gay & Lesbian

In Theaters: Aug 4, 2006 Wide
On DVD: Feb 13, 2007
Studio: Regent Releasing

Critic Reviews

Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
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.
Nathan Lee, New York Times
This is a sly, refreshingly grown-up gay entertainment, though rather less satisfying as a thriller.
Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times
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.
Jim Ridley, Village Voice
... director Ron Oliver applies a thin veneer of straight-to-cable pseudo-gloss without finding a workable tone, and the cast lacks the charisma and chemistry to make the genre and gender-bending register as more than novelty.
Robert Koehler, Variety
A perfectly respectable second entry in the saga of gay private eye Donald Strachey.
Pam Grady, Reel.com
It's certainly a pleasant enough way to kill 90 minutes.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Were it not for the fact that the hero and many of the major supporting characters are gay... this breezy, disposable film could as easily have been a mainstream network pilot for a McMillan and Wife-style series.
Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine
Pity there was no room for Phyllis Diller or Carol Channing here, because then the film might have had a leg up on Scooby-Doo and the Creepy Castle.