Chicago-crafted Trial Run is a refreshing departure from standard Cali/Euro porn. We meet Leah (Rose) a slightly plump woman teetering on depression due to unimposed celibacy (not to mention walking in on her roommate having hot monkey sex).

Leah finds consolation with a Fem-Dom friend (Minax), who offers salient dating advice – after first throwing a girl/girl vibrator party. The loose plot follows Rose working her way through a variety of preposterous Internet dates before winding up with Mr. Sensitive (Sullivan). Humor helps. Minax has an amusing encounter with a submissive mime who cums on her shoes!

Granted, the dialogue is unsophisticated and the acting uneven, but Trial Run's sincerity conquers its deficiencies. Its feminist theme isn't overt enough to prevent a woody, yet distinctive enough to raise our attention. Peppered throughout are sexual encounters that seem far more realistic (in both content and style) than any typical porn feature, contemporary or otherwise. Consider Libido Films a reliable source for alternatives to "porn by the pound."

Retailing: Couples, couples, couples!