Soundless Wind Chime (2009) rating: 7/10

So confusing that I had to re-watch it to understand the plot. Half of the movie is in flashback, but no explanation is really given for the non-flashback portion until way later (which is why going back to see it again is helpful). But I still have no idea why the movie is called what it is.

Two gay guys (Chinese and Swiss) become friends and seemingly nothing more despite living together.

Permanent Residence (2009) rating: 8/10

Could a straight guy ever love a gay friend enough to be his boyfriend? Obviously impossible, but that doesn't keep this movie from contriving to make it happen.

Set in Hong Kong with fairly attractive actors, the movie is well shot, and yes, there's a lot of male nakedness.

Spring Fever (2009) rating: 8/10

I love the music. Takes place in somewhere in China. The guys are good looking/pretty. The story is madness, but engaging. A suspecting wife hires a private investigator to follow her husband. It turns out he is having an affair with another man. But then the private investigator takes an interest in the other man, too. But his girlfriend finds out. Double jeopardy! Is mr homewrecker worth all the interest? Check out the movie.

I'm slightly embarrassed to say at certain points, I wasn't sure who was who, especially the women. Parts of the movie are pretty dark, too.

The Eagle (2010) rating: 6/10

A Roman soldier Marcus Aquila decides the best way to restore honor to his father and himself is through recovery of a golden eagle emblem lost by his father's Roman legion fighting in Northern Britain.

Played by all body Channing Tatum there isn't any nuance to his side of the story. Genuine and believable pained expressions? Sorry, no.

No Strings Attached (2011) rating: 7/10

Is this movie hitting on the trend of male and female role reversal? The girl is so bitten by life that she doesn't want a real relationship. She prefers friends with benefits or f**kbuddies to something real. The guy can't avoid falling in love with her.

I must say that I haven't ever really liked Ashton Kutcher, but he plays adequately here the role of guy hooked by girl and falling pretty hard despite his attempts to play along with the 'rules' set out by the girl, played by Natalie Portman (who I usually despise, but is believable here).

True Grit (2010) rating: 6/10

Over-hyped this movie is a bit of a disappointment. More of a drama than action, there's a lot of dialog, and in the tradition of the Coen brothers, there are attempts at wit and irony. Is it word-for-word identical to the original with John Wayne? I don't know. My guess is even if it were, it is significantly inferior. Still, it's at least mildly entertaining.

Red Riding Hood (2011) rating: 8/10

Who is the werewolf that terrorizes the town? The wealthy and significantly more attractive Henry (played by Max Irons) who is arranged to marry protagonist Valerie isn't to be trusted. Valerie who sometimes wears a red riding hood favors marrying the shorter, penniless childhood playmate and sweetheart Peter, though he has his dark moments (you've got strange taste girl! [please see the movie before judging this statement]). Any of them could be the werewolf or perhaps it's someone else. The movie keeps you guessing longer than you might think. A fair amount of action. Quite an enjoyable little thriller!