When the folks at Wicked Pixel Cinema offered me an early sneak peak at a work in progress, I figured, how could I refuse? Their latest offering is entitled China White Serpentine and I was fortunate enough to take a look at a first cut, hot off of the presses. Just in case you're new to this whole world that is known as Wicked Pixel Cinema, let me just tell you (in my humble opinion) that they are responsible for some of the most entertaining shot on video flicks around. Titles like Scrapbook, Ice from the Sun and most recently The Undertow. China White stands as a bit of a departure from some of their most recent efforts, in that we get a much higher level of sexuality and erotica and a little less violence. Don't get me wrong, the flick will still fit in perfectly with its brothers and sisters under the Sub Rosa Extreme moniker, and let it also be known that this is still a film that you probably won't want to watch on family night.

The events unfold within China White in a very slow, deliberate manner, as a matter of fact, most of our questions aren't even answered until after the end credits have rolled. Our story revolves around Dave a struggling writer, his sister Carla and her "girlfriend" Zenna. Dave and Carla are quietly mourning the death of their brother Trent from about a year ago. One afternoon, Dave receives a knock at his door, imagine his surprise when he opens it to find Trent standing there before him. Not a word is spoken, Trent hands Dave a DVD and promptly vanishes. A little shaken, Dave pops the DVD in his player, preparing himself for the events that are about to unfold. Simply put, the weirdness has only just begun.

An image of a woman (named Beth) appears on Dave's TV, visibly traumatized, she begins to relay the story of Trent, herself and a mysterious woman named Tracey. Beth reports that she and Trent lived with Tracey - selling drugs (receiving drugs in return for their services) and also participated in lewd sexual acts that were broadcast on a pay adult web site. As the story is told, we flashback to scenes of Trent, Beth and Tracey, many of which consist of said lewd sexual acts. It's up to Dave and Carla to try to get to the bottom of Trent's unusual circumstances (as well as his last days) in an attempt to nab the woman named Tracey who they hold responsible for their brother's death. The only problem is that Dave begins to slip into a world of darkness himself, one that he may not be able to escape from as well.

On the surface, China White would appear to be Wicked Pixel's ode to the European sleaze-fests of the 60's and 70's and in some respects they are quite successful. The film is a continual barrage of sex and violence (well, mostly sex and only some violence) and the extended ménage a trois scenes between Dave, Beth and Tracey appear as if they could have been lifted from a 70's Franco film. It's these scenes that some will most likely feel bog the film down however. Your enjoyment of the film will then solely be dependent on your tolerance for all things cinematically trippy. The scenes in question are actually pretty graphic. Mind you, there is no hardcore to be found here, however, the softcore doesn't seem so soft either. The extended montages consist of blurred and double images of the three, bumping and grinding, licking and sticking (I think you get the idea) so the easily offended or really shy folks, should be forewarned.

Performances range throughout the film, and I'll have to admit that there are a few moments within that remind us that we are indeed watching an independent film. Worth mentioning however, is the standout performance from Jason Allen Wolfe as Trent. In one spectacular scene, he has a silent emotional breakdown (no dialogue), with only background music - which is simply fantastic, the first of many moments to be found in a truly solid performance here. Jason receives my kudos on this one - which also appears to be his first role in a film. I say stick with it.

Co-directed and co-written by Eric Stanze (Scrapbook) and Robin Garrels (Insaniac) China White Serpentine remains a solid view with a brisk and quite entertaining 70-minute runtime. While it's most certainly not going to be a flick for everyone, it will however be a flick for those who have enjoyed Wicked Pixel's past output, as well as those who have an affinity for the glorious erotic sleaze-fests of yesteryear. It's not in the same league as the insanely powerful Scrapbook, or the kitschy 70's throwback The Undertow, but it's still quality and entertaining indie filmmaking nonetheless, and easily worth your dime.

For more info vist www.wickedpixel.com or www.b-movie.com