refinedsugar Reviews

Playboy's No Boys Allowed 4 (2007 Video)

Clip Show Part 4

[5/10 · 28 May 2024]

'No Boys Allowed 4' is the last compilation in a series from Playboy that aims to deliver hot girl/girl action. I give them credit. Beyond it being recycled footage, they've done a good job of putting together a decent mix thru all four videos. The first two titles had a redundant host, but thankfully that element disappeared in '3' and remains gone in '4' leaving the clips to rightfully stand on their own.

"Student Bodies" from 'Wet & Wild: Slippery When Wet' is an edited version of "Schoolhouse Rock". Following students (Nicole Lenz, Jami Ferrell, Summer Altice, Neferteri Shephard) in white shirts, plaid skirts inside a classroom as they get all hot and bothered. Clothes drop as sprinklers go off making for pleasant views (4.5 mins). "In The Heat Of The Night" is originally from 'Barefoot Beauties' where it was called "Feet First". In a shorter cut that gets rid of the ffm threesome element, ladies (Kristi Cline, Christi Shake) touch and suck each others toes naked (2.5 mins).

"Part Time Job" belongs to 'Hot Lips, Hot Legs' where it was "Service With A Smile". A scene cut short about Playmates (Teri Harrison, Michele Rogers) providing a pool cleaning surface who get naked in the process and look hot to trot (4 mins). "All Alone" comes from the excellent 'Girls of Hedonism' video and was called "The Villa" there. A model (Lucie Faubert) with a tanned, petite figure gets shown off in and out of her clothes on a beach in Runaway Bay, Jamaica. She starts out in a white top, green skirt but also shown in a blue bikini looking great at all times (4 mins).

"We Will Rock You" from 'WildWebGirls' was called "We Rock" there. Tiffany Granath fake plays a guitar then joined by Julia Parton and they strip. Eventually get wet from water pouring down above (4.5 mins). "Strike A Pose" is from 'Wet & Wild: Slippery When Wet' aka "Liquid Lovelies". Playmates (Shannon Stewart, Brooke Berry, Neferteri Shephard, Kristi Cline) pose in front of a pool in the evening. First in classy evening gowns, black bikinis before completely nude (3.5 mins).

"Cabana Girls" comes courtesy of 'Barefoot Beauties' where it was called "Footprints in the Sand". Here in the much shorter version, Playmates (Jami Ferrell, Nicole Narain, Tina Jordan) strip down on a beach providing some lovely closeups of their bodies and some focus on their feet (4 mins). "Dancing Divas" comes from the same video where it was called "Tu Tu Tootsies". Two ballerinas (Kristi Cline, Kimberly Stanfield) stretch, dance a little and show off their bodies (4 mins).

"Beach Babes" from the 'Roommates' vid was called "Summer Rental" and finds four ladies (Jami Ferrell, Jackie Caswell, Kitana Baker, Amelia Nicole Garduno) getting out of their bikinis at the beach. Then it's closeups as they get wet from a hose followed by some tequila bodyshots inside (5.5 mins). "Touch of Class" is 'Barefoot Beauties' where it was called "Fancy Feet". Three Playmates (Shannon Stewart, Heather Carolin, Irina Voronona) eat pastries, try on dresses and have a bath together. Plenty of nice shots and the always great looking Stewart rocks it as a brunette (4.5 mins).

"Lights, Camera, Action" is from 'WildWebGirls' where it was called "Texas Girls" and ran two minutes longer. A girl/girl involved two blondes (Molly, Erica) getting frisky with each other getting out their clothes and on a bed. It's simple, but there's some decent shots within (3.5 mins). "Pool Party" again taken from 'Girls of Hedonism' where it was called "Caribbean Heat". Two models (Tracy Ryan, Yvette Michael) pose at the pool, take each others bikinis off and look pretty fine doing so (4.5 mins).

There's not much more that needs to be said about 'No Boys Allowed 4'. You're getting a nice collection of gorgeous women getting naked at the height of Playboy. First time viewers of this material will have the least to nitpick about. I saw these scenes back in their original titles - uncut, full versions - when they were still fresh. While that means I can't get overly enthusiast about what's going on here, I also can't rate this low.

Playboy's No Boys Allowed 3 (2006 Video)

Clip Show Part 3

[5/10 · 28 May 2024]

'No Boys Allowed 3' keeps Playboy's girl/girl format going for better or worse. I can't pretend to be excited about a compilation of stuff I've already seen, but cheer they ditched having a pointless host. Like the first two editions this sequel has a mix of standout material and some lesser stuff. If you want a decent highlight reel, you're in the right place.

"A Tantalizing Toast" is "Bubbling Over" retitled from 'Wet & Wild: Slippery When Wet'. Two Playmates (Shannon Stewart, Natalia Sokolova) literally pour champagne over themselves, each other (3 mins). "Desert Delight" features adult film stars (Devon, Janine Lindemulder, Raylene) doing the softcore thing. Taken from the 'WildWebGirls' video and originally titled "Desert Heat". There's some good shots in the mix whenever or not you know these X rated ladies (6.5 mins).

"Tasty Treat" comes from 'Roommates' original title "Two Scoops" which finds two ladies (Stacie Morrissette, Roxanne Galla) getting over their ex-boyfriends by indulging in ice cream. If you dig blondes, dripping sights there's cause to stop & stare (4.5 mins). "Steam Room" courtesy of 'Wet & Wild: Slippery When Wet' was originally titled "Dripping Delight". Ladies (Layla Roberts, Jackie Caswell, Sydney Moon) in high heels and short skirts come off as they get soaked (2.5 mins).

"Country Comfort" was called "Footloose" in the 'Barefoot Beauties' video has Playmates (Jennifer Walcott, Christi Shake) enter a barn that happens to have a stripper pole and you can spell out the rest (3 mins). Here's an odd inclusion in "Stripped Down" which comes from the 'WildWebGirls' video again. It's Danni Ashe solo which kinda breaks the theme. It was originally called "House Call" seeing her drop from her clothes (4 mins). "Silky Smooth" dips into 'Hot Lips, Hot Legs' vid to show Playmates (Jennifer Walcott, Stephanie Heinrich) shaving each other. Originally called "Smooth Shaven", it has some nice busty sights, yummy closeups (4 mins).

"Sandy Seduction" is a B&W scene that underwhelmed when I originally saw it as part of the 'Barefoot Beauties' video when it was called "Sole Searching" and the same feeling remains today. Two ladies (Stephanie Heinrich, Kimberly Stanfield) walk along the beach in white dresses and remove each other's clothes (2.5 mins). "Fun in the Sun" from 'Girls of Hedonism' was called "Wish You Were Here". Three poolside beauties (Kat Oberle, Lisa Wagner, Stacie Morrissette) are in and out of bikinis, but it loses the chill soundtrack originally part of the scene in addition to being shorter (6 mins).

"Just Add Water" is from 'Wet & Wild: Slippery When Wet' and was originally titled "The Wild Wild Wet". Ladies (Natalia Sokolova, Summer Altice, Jackie Caswell) get relief from the heat in a dry desert town by a large water tanker trucker that delivers plenty of hot visuals (6 mins). "Out of This World" comes from 'WildWebGirls' and was called "Super Space VI" there. It finds ladies (Brandy, Nancy O'Brien) getting out from their purple bodysuits wearing purple wigs and again some nice shots (6 mins).

Stating the obvious ... these videos work best if you haven't already seen the material. Newcomers will be happy. Playboy fans .... those who've already viewed what's on display might not be as quick to cream their pants again. 'No Boys Allowed 3' is a fun compilation, but I have to rate it accordingly.

Playboy's No Boys Allowed 2 (2004 Video)

Clip Show Part 2

[5/10 · 28 May 2024]

Playboy's 'No Boys Allowed 2' continues the series concept of reusing girl/girl footage in compilation form. I'm not a big fan, but give them leeway because they don't hide it. I gave the original title a respectable score of six because I was fond of some of their better material on display and seeing it again. I can't say the same thing this second time out. There's still choice picks here, but also time wasters in a host (Chelsea Chandler) complete with intro, segways and lengthy end credits that lists the ladies by scene.

"Intro" is your typical montage and Chelsea talking (2 mins). "Ruby Fruit Jungle" is a standout triple model threat from 'Girls of Hedonism' Playboy's trip to Jamaica and a great way to start off this sequel. Steamy shots, closeups and just overall hotness (7 mins). "Lip Smackin' Good" comes courtesy of their 'Hot Lips, Hot Legs' video and has busty Playmates Stephanie Heinrich, Miriam Gonzalez eating fruit. There's also a weird insert of two blondes involving ice cream (4 mins). "Lady Luck" has two ladies (Stacie Morrisette, Jessica Turner) in a gambling inspired bit taken from their 'Girls of Hard Rock' title that didn't do much for me the first time I saw it (6 mins).

"Legs, Legs, Legs" steals another scene from 'Hot Lips, Hot Legs' as Playmates (Barbara Moore, Serria Tawan, Christi Shake) showoff in & out of black lingerie (4 mins). "Slow Simmer" from 'Roommates' finds two ladies (Amy Miller, Jennifer Rovero) trying to beat the heat. Each time I see Amy it reminds me of how much she looks like Anna Nicole Smith (6 mins). "Barefoot Spirit" not shockingly comes from 'Barefoot Beauties' and is light, fun. Three Playmates (Jennifer Walcott, Irina Voronona, Christi Shake) ditch their clothes in the country and look great doing so. Especially Jennifer if I may say so myself (4 mins).

"Oil & Water" courtesy of 'Wet & Wild: Slippery When Wet' has the ladies (Sydney Moon, Jennifer Rovero) give massages with oil (4.5 mins). "Wet & Wild" dip into 'Girls of Hard Rock' again, but steals that video's best scene "Web-Cam Encounter". It's slightly shorted, but you'll enjoy the two babes (Roxanne Galla, Amy Miller) by the pool (6.5 mins). "Bathtub Gin" again from "Slippery When Wet" finds Playmates (Natalia Sokolova, Summer Altice) in a barn quickly getting naked per the title's theme (4.5 mins). "Girls Will Be Girls" from 'Playmates in Bed' see's four (Nicole Narain, Christi Shake, Serria Tawan, Heather Carolin) naked in a bunch of bunk beds. The sights are pleasing. Good closeups and a nice mix of ladies (3.5 mins).

Shortened scenes in some cases, original background music gone (licensing issues?) and a needless host. Those issues aside, if you haven't watched / bought a ton of vintage Playboy titles nitpicks won't be an issue for you. You're sure to find something to like in this collection of lovely young ladies getting naked and rubbing up against each other all in one convenient place.

Playboy's All Natural Girls (2008 Video)

Pleasure & Pain

[6/10 · 28 May 2024]

With it's 'All Natural Girls' title and cover first thoughts might be large boobs, but here natural implies down to earth women (amateurs) as opposed to professional models. There's some busty sights, but not wall to wall. One of Playboy's last videos before getting out of the DVD market it follows their latter day simplistic format, but isn't on the same level as say 'Fresh Faces'. Some wasted time, tameness and suspect camera work take this down a notch.

After the standard montage intro you'll see interviews followed by each lady's segment. Interviews in themselves aren't why guys tune in so it's a delicate balancing act. They either need to be fun, short or both. The ones here go a bit long & aren't great. On the plus side all the featured ladies are attractive and pierced navals, completely shaved down below seems to be a running theme. Nice mix of blondes, brunettes & redheads too.

"Courtney" Kivano is a blonde wearing blue & white lingerie on a bed. Lots of closeup shots - maybe too close at times - but also nice views of her butt at least early on. She has some lovely breasts however the camera never makes a stop at her kitty. Leaving this scene feeling very tame to start things off (4 mins not including interview). "Brooke" Barnes is a redhead (cover) who quickly gets down to a black bra, panties in the same sort of bedroom setup. It takes a good minute to get topless, but then her double D puppies look great. Her whole body gets exposure as she remains standing for the entire scene (4 mins).

"Hannah" Rory is a blonde taking off a summer dress outdoors. Her bending over showing off her ass still with thong panties on is a real treat and a great start. Her small but firm breasts make a show before her shaven kitty gets a peak or two (4 mins). "Bianca" Luciana is the black haired Italian caught outside in a white bra, panties. A long string of pearls around her neck too. She's got a nice body, but I didn't think there was any real highlights here. Definitely one of those times where the camera staying so tight in closeups all the time isn't a good thing (4 mins).

"Mia" Phillips in an open dress shirt, black bra & panties has a very alluring look to her dark haired beauty in the bedroom. When the bra gets dropped you get the very nice sight of tanlines on her big breasts. A warm, genuine nice smile doesn't hurt either in a mix of nice views of her butt, shaved kitty (3.5 mins). "Crystal" Carmel a brunnette Asian is in a white bikini outdoors overlooking rocks, water pouring down. It doesn't take long before she's topless and the wet look is always a hot one in my book. Nice views of her butt, but also a tendancy for "artsy" shots from behind leaves (4 mins).

"Priscilla" Clark rocks a plaid top, jean shorts and cowboys boots outside to no shock given her interview. It's slow to start, but once it gets going there's no denying she looks great. Firm breasts and a nice mix of her buns, shaved kitty wrap things up (4 mins). "Gabrielle" Ford sees this blonde open a front door and strip from matching bra, panties at the top of the staircase. Most of the shots come standing though the best for me was some yummy shots of her butt with the panties still on (4 mins). "Brandi" Lee is a gorgeous brunette indoors in a lacey pair of matching black bra, panties. Busty with a nice figure the camera makes stops at her lovely butt and shaved kitty. She has a pierced clit but the camera never goes in for a naughty closeup (4 mins).

"Trina" Marie wraps up the video outdoors in a white summer dress and you quickly get to lock your eyes on her pink thong panties beneath. She plays with these for a nice moment before they come off. Trina sports the complete package - nice breasts, tanned body, killer butt, shaved kitty - and being outdoors, the sun bumps this segment up a notch in my book. I was disappointed when it came to an end as I was really enjoying the sights of this lady that was giving off serious latina vibes (4 mins).

'All Natural Girls' is a 60 min video and you do the math. 10 ladies with 4 min scenes on average = 40 mins. Add 1 minute for an intro, 1 for the end credits and that means 18 mins got sunk on those interviews. Which is way too much time and frankly a waste. If you look past this, the visuals aren't always super hot and the camera work is partially to blame. At the end of the day, it's still naked ladies and the positives outweigh the negative.

The Last Kumite (2024)

Don't Stop Believin'

[4/10 · 27 May 2024]

80's / 90's martial arts flicks might have been low budget affairs with simple stories, but they also held a certain level of polish, grit whilst entertaining if that makes any sense. You don't get that mix with 'The Last Kumite' which leaves it to get by on nostalgia. As is it typical of dtv movies trying to stretch their dollar - the whole thing is shot in Europe - and the overall quality is lacking. The vibe is off. Not much real fun, one note villains and though some honest effort is put into it's hand to hand sequences little is memorable.

Michael Rivers (Mathis Landwehr) wins a karate tournament in NYC with his teen daughter cheering him on under the eye of Ron Hall (Matthias Hues) and his right hand Wolf (Michel Qissi). He wants him in a Kumite tourney he hosts and when Rivers says no they kidnap his daughter to force his hand. The odds on favorite to win is Hall's champ Dracko (Mike Derudder) who's never been beaten. To muster the skills needed he gains allies in fellow fighters (Kurt McKinney, Mounia Moula) and former opponents, trainers (Billy Blanks, Cynthia Rothrock) of Drago. With the local law bought off, the only option is to win.

Blanks & Rothrock's roles aren't fancy, but they get quick moments of their own. Hues relishes being the baddie, but the name 'Ron Hall' is far from menacing and he isn't given much to do for most of the pic other than spout dialog. Ditto Qissi. Skilled stuntwoman Moula stands out as the sole female fighter for both good & bad. McKinney is game, but also too old to be here. By now you might be starting to get the idea the flick is banking on all these vintage names and you're right. It's all the cliches, obvious budget limitations not doing anyone favors.

Dracko grunts while he menacingly flexes. A bare bones hero, training montages and some Stan Bush music tracks teleport you back to the 80's. 'The Last Kumite' was partially a crowdfunded project and you can tell there's a lot of love, passion for movies of yesterday fueling it. That doesn't make it's short fight scenes, clunky story any better though. Convenient help around every corner and though you're told he owns the police yet go to them anyhow? Okay.

Prime Target (1991)

Row, Row Row Your Boat

[4/10 · 22 May 2024]

On the heels of watching his work in 'Kill Crazy', I had to give another vanity project from David Heavener a go. Costarring Isaac Hayes (Truck Turner, Escape from NY) couldn't hurt. After listening to David sing another title track & an ridiculous opening that sets up his character - hotshot cowboy cop dressed the part (jeans, boleros, vest, boots, hat) - I started to wonder if I had made a mistake. Thankfully some big laughs were yet to come with 'Prime Target'.

Det. John Bloodstone (Heavener) gets suspended by IA after a hostage incident and the bank threatens to foreclose his house. Not helping a strained relationship with his wife (Jenilee Harrison) plus he's still haunted by losing his ex-partner. Then the FBI having trouble getting mafia man Coppella (Tony Curtis) to trial want Bloodstone to do it in secret and his job, house problems will go away too. Of course what's a road trip without killers, betrayals and bickering between the two men along the way.

Heavener - stars, wrote, produced, scores the music, directs - which means he's still hot stuff with the ladies, singing songs, closeups of his face, tragic backstory with bad dreams. Continues to go bare chested when he can. His chemistry with Curtis is hackneyed and annoying. Hayes plays a decent police captain and appears quite a bit, but isn't given much to bite into. Two ladies provide boobs while Harrison has a hilarious romp with Heavener and the requisite shower scene.

I laughed so hard at that husband/wife reconciling sex with it's dialog, setup that I thought I was gonna wake up the neighbors. I don't know if that made the rest worth it however. 'Prime Target' is a low level b-movie competently made, but offers no reward for sitting thru it. You might recognize actor Andrew Robinson (Cobra) playing another shifty police official, but the finale is a letdown and most of the action is nothing special.

Kill Crazy (1989 Video)

What Are You Smoking?

[3/10 · 22 May 2024]

An 80's action survival flick with obvious ties to 'Rambo', 'Deliverance' and 'The Most Dangerous Game', 'Kill Crazy' is 90 minutes of cheese. Some quite funny, some not so much in what is obviously a vanity project for actor / writer / director David Heavener. If you don't believe me you'll soon find out. Lots of closeups of his face, 3 songs sung by him within the first 10 minutes (including the rock ballad title track). Of course self serving dialog, tortured acting 101, a cliche romance and "kill crazy" revenge near the end.

Puckett (Heavener) is amongst five ex-Vietnam Vets taken from the Veterans hospital for a camping trip into the remote hills. Soon a wacky paramilitary group led by Mallerd (Bruce Glover) wants to hunt these ex military men down in twisted war games. Puckett is forced to jump off a cliff and presumed dead, but very much alive. Physically & emotionally traumatized does he find love with two female campers (Rachelle Carson, Danielle Brisebois)? Can he save his fellow patients and end the madness?

The 80's and dtv flicks of that time loved to use the Vietnam trope and it's put to heavy use here. Of course, you're not supposed to think about it too deeply. It's only meant to play up the star who gets to have awful flashbacks, act his heart out having horrible dreams and then gather his experience, courage to kill all the baddies who deserve it in the campy action finale. That's before he finds the ladies who nurse him back to health of course. They tie a headband around him and he's playing the guitar, singing once again. I kid you not.

Stupid bad guys, a ridiculous "hero", cavalcade of running thru the wilderness and more than one piece of poorly shot action. A cornball ending completes 'Kill Crazy'. Some female nudity, but also dated racism and two rapes here. The star going around bare chested as much as possible and bum one liners meant to be tough. Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Burt Ward play fellow Vets. Come for the laughs or don't come at all is the name of the game here.

Terror Squad (1987)

Oh Boy

[2/10 · 20 May 2024]

'Terror Squad' is a poor dtv take on 'Red Dawn' and if you're not here for unintentional laughs, cheese get ready for a world of hurt. An 80's mix of cliche high school kids, terrorism and the worst police response ever seen. Forget about the IMDb plot outline too. It's incorrect and makes the movie sound better than it actual is. Not only is this really bad, a bore at times but it's story is shot in hokey fashion lacking skill.

Libyan terrorists on a mission of death & destruction covertly cross over the US / Canada border by water ... and arrive in Indiana (!?). When their first priority to take out the nuclear power plant fails, a high speed chase takes place between them and the police lead by Chief Rawlings (Chuck Connors). Innocent people being killed as they swept thru town before taking refuge, hostages at the local high school where a misfit gang of teens are spending detention. Can this 'Breakfast Club' overpower their captors and save the day?

See this for the inept chief of police who can't do one thing right. The SWAT team that never gets put to use. The extended middle that is one long chase that seems to go on forever. Some pieces of old property blown up are the only legit cool moments. Then it's back to cheeseville with the assortment of teens - the glasses wearing geek, attractive cheerleader, guitar dude, football jock - and way too many moments where people mouth off to bad men armed with guns. Lastly see this movie for Gus the janitor and the full sized school bus used at the end that magically turns into a short bus. 'Terror Squad' is a bad movie, but there's some laughs if you're willing to suffer thru it.

Playboy: Tryouts (2007 Video)

Periodically Decent

[5/10 · 20 May 2024]

When lavish production values, multiple settings, storied segments went away Playboy's later videos became much simpler affairs. Some found a way to be mildly decent on a smaller scale though. 'Tryouts' is not only what it sounds like, but Playboy operating at it's lowest level. There's not much to love about the bare bones format, but many pretty ladies and an authentic "girls next door" vibe save it from being worse.

Six stops in major American cities bring the ladies. Sometimes a mini interview otherwise it's posing standing, in a chair, on a couch as photos gets snapped, video taken. A reoccurring theme of being asked to throw their panties at the camera, say goodbye at the end of their typically short segments. With over 50 ladies in total there's a lot of variety. A nice mix of natural boobs in addition to those enhanced and some tasty closeups.

"Girls of Cleveland"

• Laura. Voluptuous strawberry blonde with nice curves who knows how to pose getting out of black bra, panties with some nice closeups (1.5 mins)
• Emily. Light skinned dark haired beauty (middle lady on the cover) shows off an ample bust, gorgeous butt and I would have loved to have seen more of her (1 mins)
• Hannah. A young blonde with a silly personality but also a great tanned natural body and réflexible to boot struts her stuff (1.5 mins)
• Abby. Sole Canadian not only has a great body and comfortable in her own skin, but a lover of salsa dancing too which she briefly shows off between poses (1 min)
• Sandra. Very pretty Detroit native with an all natural body & a great smile (1 min)
• Taryn. Another very pretty blonde with a tanned body and a nice sultry look (1 min)
• Nicola. Strips from lingerie and starts on a high note showing off her cute butt in panties in closeup (1 min)
• Heather. Not to be a broken record, but yet another stunning stacked tanned blonde. Some closeup shots of her shaved kitty don't go unappreciated (1 min)
• Heidi. A somewhat shy, but pretty blonde strips from a black bikini (45 secs)

"Girls of Kansas City"

• Marty. Gets her foot tattoo, nice butt and talkative personality shown off. Then goes the clothes so her butt especially can be shown some more (1.5 mins)
• Crystal. A good looking black lady that has the confidence to go with it (1 mins)
• Amy. In a matching bikini top & bottom this blonde goes right to showing off her butt before it all comes off allowing a bunch more nice shots (1.5 mins)
• Tamara. Another African American beauty and another fine butt to stare at (1 min)
• Crystal. This brunette in matching bra & panties shows off her ample butt before the top comes off allowing you to gawk at her fake breasts even harder (1.5 mins)
• Katrina. This blonde is topless from the start and describes herself as crazy but fun (1 min)
• Katie. This stacked brunette has a killer body, but it's hard to not stare at the obvious (1.5 mins)
• Jenny. Another lady topless from the get-go with some lovely tanlines. No voiceover or mini interview. Straight up shots of her posing as the G-string comes off (1 min)
• Allison. A fine looking tanned busty blonde and another great smile (1.5 mins)
• Jennifer. Gets the closeups in black bra, panties before fully nude (1 min)

"Girls of Sacramento"

• Heather. More specific Heather Rene Smith - future Playmate Feb 2007 - in a bright orange bikini quickly brings out the big guns (40 secs)
• Nichole. Lovely brunette with a killer body highlighted by her big breasts (1 min)
• Stephanie. This brunette loses the bikini top quickly and then the various poses show off her toned tanned body (1 min)
• Marie. This blonde strips from her black bra, panties but a bit of video effects are in use which isn't great (1 min)
• Shelly. Pink bikini gets ditched and then quick poses and it's over (40 secs)
• Kelly. Black bikini comes off as this dark haired lady hits her poses (1 min)
• Stephenie. Sports a nice tanned body and a Playboy tattoo on her butt cheek. She also has a great smile like some of the other ladies here (1 min)
• Aubrey. Blonde who doesn't always seem comfortable posing nude however there's no denying she looks great (1 min)
• Jennifer. Blonde in and out of black bra, panties that's over pretty quick (50 secs)
• Andrea. A playful attitude and another awesome body both clothed or not. Also pierced down below for added effect and a wicked long tongue (1 min)

"Girls of San Antonio"

• D'Nika. The first thing you're bound to notice is her boobs almost bursting from her tight bra. Then her ass gets shown off before the puppies come out to play (1 min)
• Sabrina. A natural Asian beauty with a playful attitude and a nice body (1 min)
• Stephanie. Pierced nipple you'll notice, but also maybe too much eyeliner (1 min)
• Seanne. Dark haired lovely with a great body and some unique poses that I would have liked to see more of than this quick bit (1 min)
• Rachelle. Floral bra, panties don't stay on long before this blonde hits the list of asked of poses standing or all over a chair (1 min)
• Amber. This dark haired lady has a unique face that I liked and her huge boobs don't hurt either (1 min)
• Lyndsey. Another blonde comfortable and having fun. Her butt gets shown to start, but then her nice breasts and beautiful smile come out (1 min)
• Caroline. A cute dirty blonde with some lower tattoos and a quick closeup of her shaven kitty (1 min)
• Brittney. This redhead ditches her white top, panties and poses in a chair (1 min)
• Monica. Natural brunette shows off her body in & out of a white bikini (1 min)

"Girls of Tampa"

• Aimee. Poses in a see thru yellow bra before it all comes off. Another lady who prefers being shaven gets a full body closeup that ends on her lovely kitty (1 min)
• Annmarie. In a red one piece lingerie has a big laugh to start before it comes off which highlights multiple piercings down below (1.5 mins)
• Lanie. This stacked brunette loses her top, bottoms and looks good in the process. A full length fur jacket comes into the mix which is a hot look too (1 min)
• Kylie. Black bra, purple panties and some standing poses (1 min)
• Nikole. A petite blonde with a pretty smile shows off her butt before it all comes off (1.5 mins)

"Girls of Denver"

• Audra. This attractive blonde poses in a bedroom, but the light coming in from the big windows behind her kinda wash out the picture somewhat (1 min)
• Alecia. In a colorful bikini this dark haired beauty has a great face and natural body. Take note of her cute, but tight butt (1 min)
• Desiree. A black top, panties and leggings (nice touch) this dark haired lady also shows off a pretty smile, tattoos and pierced nipples (1 min)
• Cyan. Off goes a zebra print top then poses in the bedroom (1.5 mins)
• Samantha. A great smile gets shown off in addition to her youthful look (1 min)
• Monica. Full length fur coat and the black bra, panties underneath (1.5 mins)
• Bonnie. A face that might remind you of other nude models and topless in red panties to begin. The picture displays hints of being washed out due to the lighting again (1 min)
• Brooks. Red bra, panties and a big bright smile. Shot at night the light from outside is no longer a problem (1 min)
• Jami. A pretty young lady but not the type of quality shots you wanna see closes out this video (1 min)

Playboy's name isn't what it once was, but ladies still turn out to become the next Playmate or pose. Hence 'Tryouts' is one of their titles released monetizing hunt for talent. It has the nudity you crave, but little else. I'm conflicted as the good moments are too short and it doesn't hold a candle to the material they used to put out. However many nice ladies and a few cute moments save it from being rated lower. Adjust your expectations accordingly.

Land of Bad (2024)

Danger Close

[6/10 · 19 May 2024]

'Land of Bad' has a great sounding title, deals with the advanced state of battle in the use of drone aircraft (UAVs), but the actual movie itself is no more than a mildly decent dtv action flick. If you wanna dive deeper it's got two halves and one is more successful than the other. Russell Crowe like other established great actors in older age has chosen or been reduced to appearing in questionable material for a paycheck. Here he's stuck with a part that is not very deep. The latter can be said for Liam Hemsworth's role although he's much more central to the plot and goes thru hell.

The CIA lose an asset in Southern Asia and a three man Delta Force team lead by MSgt. 'Sugar' Sweet (Milo Ventimiglia) are sent in to retrieve him being held captive. Also along for the ride is air force Sgt. Kinney (Hemsworth) callsign 'Playboy' responsible for comms with their drone overwatch. The other end of the com-link is Cpt. Grimm (Crowe) aka 'Reaper' who offers support thru the mission's volatile nature that sees a known terrorist group and it's leader enter the picture. Can they rescue the captured operative? Can Reaper help navigate the men thru dangerous territory and get them out alive?

When it's on the ground - in the jungle - there's some good action and a real sense of dread. The horrors of war, terrorism, soldiers duty. It feels authentic and it doesn't go according to plan (perfect). Co-mingled is Reaper and when it deals with him offering support everything is fine. Fleshing out his personality feels forced or rather needless. Honestly this part of the movie is seriously weak. You get that he's good at his job and really cares, but it doesn't stop it from feeling like fluff. Taking away from the much more interesting brutality with the guys on the ground.

'Land of Bad' also has some dramatic conventions like the out-of-his-depth guy being plunged into the "hero" role, aerial bombs that come too late and people being captured but surviving. Still you have to hand it to the filmmakers that everything is shot well, looks great, sounds great. The action isn't done over the top, but rather quick, efficient with some no nonsense pieces of gruesome violence. I didn't have lofty expectations, but I enjoyed the majority of it. I think having Crowe's character dialed back would have made it even stronger.

Sleeping Dogs (2024)

Ignorance is Bliss

[6/10 · 18 May 2024]

'Sleeping Dogs' tries to deliver a decent murder mystery and Russell Crowe is solid, but the initial idea is a lot to swallow and the way it wraps up doesn't help. The title is not very subtle in spelling out the resolution too ("Let sleeping dogs lie"). I didn't mind the flashbacks, jumping back and forth thru timelines, everything made sense at the end and tied together ... but the final result? Mixed at best.

Retired detective Roy Freeman (Crowe) suffering from advanced Alzheimer's is approached by an Innocence project. Looking for a last ditch chance to save Isaac Samuel (Pacharo Mzembe) from death row in a months time convicted of killing Dr. Joseph Wieder (Marton Csokas). Freeman was the lead investigator alongside partner Jimmy Remis (Tommy Flanagan) to whom he gave a drug induced confession. Granting Isaac's request to meet hints at a very real possibility justice was miscarried. However if true, who killed the doctor? His ex-Army caretaker Wayne Devereaux (Thomas M. Wright)? Disgruntled research assistant and possible lover Laura Baines (Karen Gillan)? Her boyfriend Richard Finn (Harry Greenwood)?

When I said the setup is hard to swallow I wasn't kidding. When the tale starts Freeman can barely remember his own name. In a moment that harkens to another title - 'Memento' - finds his apartment littered with notes. His condition greatly improves over the course of the two hour runtime, but early on you may rightfully be thinking this retired cop is in no shape to be deep diving one of his old cases. Alzheimer's angle never goes away completely, but it slides into the background until near the end when the flick has it's "pop goes the weasel" moment.

I was never bored watching 'Sleeping Dogs' due to some great acting by Crowe, a decent amount of atmosphere, but the boatload of red herrings gave away to a contrived three-way showdown (of sorts). Then an additional twenty mins more are spent to tell the real truth. Fans of Crowe or Flanagan have the most to gain giving this a go. Movies about people with faulty memories are hit 'n miss and this isn't the strongest effort from this genre.

Asphalt City (2023)

Grim. Bleak. Darkness. Sadness. Light.

[6/10 · 15 May 2024]

'Asphalt City' aka 'Black Flies' has a point to make and goes the extra mile to drive it home. Casual moviegoers who want light, something uplifting are in the wrong place. Though you're not wrong to question if it's too heavy or removed from reality at times. It seems appropriate they set the tale in NYC as it was once the haven for hard boiled action flicks, horror nasties that liked to play up it's once seamy nature. As one who never sat thru the Nic Cage pic 'Bringing Out the Dead', I thought the ride here thru the ups and downs of a paramedic was unique if not scattershot.

Cross (Tye Sheridan) a newbie NYC paramedic gets a crash course in death, sadness and the futility of helping the public. Who sometimes distrust, loath, don't appreciate or abuse people in civil service frontline jobs. Mainly stuck to the nightshift, he lives in a rundown apartment with strangers and studies to become a doctor. Soon enough his world mentally starts to unravel and an incident with his veteran partner 'Rut' (Sean Penn) is either a really bad mistake or something much worse. A wakeup call to not go down the wrong path, circling the drain.

The story is mainly a collection of emergency calls of various states of panic, distress and the learning curve that goes along with it. The film is purposely dark and you see the correlations between the mens journeys at certain points. Michael Pitt & Gbenga Akinnagbe play fellow paramedics and in a bit of stunt casting Mike Tyson their immediate supervisor. Really the strength here is two leads - Sheridan, Penn - willing to throw themselves into their roles and what is has to say about the toll paid on people doing this for a living.

'Asphalt City' left me wondering a lot about paramedics. What they get paid, the worst of what they see and ultimately why they do it. Having it all go down in the city that never sleeps as opposed to small town USA wasn't lost on me. I knew the effect they were going for here at all times. Only in the last quarter of it's two hour runtime did I wish for a more fleshed out story, sanctuary from it's dark nature. It's not a home run, but it's also not bad like some people are making it out to be.

Shallow Grave (1994)

Toxic People, Toxic Greed

[6/10 · 14 May 2024]

A huge amount of cash falling into your lap is not a new thing in the movies. It's an idea ... a fantasy a ton of people identify with, dream about. 'Shallow Grave' another entry into this genre had opinions divided when it came out. The UK setting, the main cast are noteworthy and perhaps the strongest element. Often you like or sympathize with the characters put in this predicament so having the opposite be true ended up being my favorite part as the tale plots the usual trajectories of trust, greed.

David (Chris Eccleston), Juliet (Kerry Fox) & Alex (Ewan McGregor) share a large flat together in Edinburgh. They are looking for a fourth and in the process belittle applicants until they meet Hugo (Keith Allen). A "writer" who dies of a drug overdose and with a large suitcase full of money. Having to dispose of his body David draws the short straw and from there it's a race against the police, infighting, paranoia and the murderous thugs who want the money back as Hugo obviously wasn't what he seemed.

Before director Danny Boyle & McGregor would go on to 'Trainspotting' here they are in raw form but flashes of brilliance. Though Fox & Eccleston are no slouches either. Juliet is the female type within bounds of reality and the way David slowly but surely loses himself is brilliant. Closest to likable of the lot but even he succumbs to the madness. It goes without saying there's a tint of black humor here but it's not played to the hilt and the tension is sometimes palpable.

I can see why 'Shallow Grave' got some minor acclaim, struck a note with a certain crowd. Awful people end up being it's calling card. I say this as how everything plays out is rather routine other than one devilish twist at the end. This isn't the usual tale of everyday decent people, but awful sorts making bad decisions and being awful. That's really where the fun came watching this for me.

Playboy Video Playmate Calendar 2003 (2002 Video)

Everyone Has Their Favorites

[7/10 · 8 May 2024]

Another year, another batch of lovely Playmates and 2003 has some choice picks. These video compilations can be hit or miss or largely down to your tastes, but this edition had some standout names for me. The high quality production values Playboy held at their high mark are here with great camera work, closeups and decent music. Not every lady or scene choices they're placed are top notch, but it's still a solid package overall.

"January" is Darlene Kurtis - PMoTY 2002 - and initially revolves around firefighters and old fashioned America patroristism. Going with the theme dalmatian dogs are here intercut with shots of Darlene in costume, nude being held by the men, riding the truck or at a newstand. It might not deliver as much eye candy of the variety that you want however. Her second is a long drawn out bit that features her in a wedding dress then getting naked on a couch intercut with the story-like ceremony (9.5 mins). "February" is the busty blonde Tina Jordan - Mar 2002 - playing up her (second?) career as a real estate agent. Having the time before the next showing of an open house, she gets naked and climbs into a luxiorous bathtub but trust me I'm not complaining. This means plenty of nice closeups of her boobs, legs, shaved kitty etc as liquid soap gets applied. Her second scene has her looking very glammed up getting naked from a robe, bra & panties in bed. Which again has more nice views, closeups of her body in store (8.5 mins).

"March" is petite redhead Heather Carolin - Apr 2002 - first in & out of a plaid skirt, top playing up her Irish roots. She looks great and the scene is pleasant. Her second trip she's has much more makeup on for a strip on a circular bed that rotates during the scene (6 mins). "April" returns us to the busty blonde variety again in Cristi Shake - May 2002 - as she does a professional photoshoot on an outdoor lot. The best shots come intially as she's in a open tied up top, cutoff jeans that highlight her butt and she looks fantastic. For her second scene, a common trope to Playboy - a male neighbor catching a Playmate in a state of undress from a window - returns as we watch her drop from black clothes for her lover who appears at the end (7 mins).

"May" is lovely Heather Spytek - Jun 2001 - and in another common theme it's eating fruit. Heather snacks on peaches and closeups of her lips, body are shown. Cream makes an appearance dripped down her boobs too. A lot of ladies who pose for Playboy, become Playmates have dance, ballerina backgrounds. So that's her second scene that has her move around before posing naked in a chair with some nice sights (6.5 mins). "June" is Lauren Anderson - Jul 2002 - who gets naked on a white set as cute puppies stumble about, lay on her body, etc. I like Lauren's look and the scene is naturally cute, but it doesn't have enough prolonged shots of her. Second scene has a strip for her boyfriend when they sneak in the Dean's office at college and root thru his files briefly. It's decent, but also short (7 mins).

"July" is Lindsey Vuolo - Nov 2001 - who first drives a sky blue cadillac across the desert, arrives as a gas station and strips from her summer dress, bikini. Then it's a diner solo fantasy scenario because a cute guy who works there catches her eye. A nice shot or two with her laying on the counter nude was the standout here for me (7 mins). "August" is Nicole Narain - Jan 2002 - as she gets out from a few pieces of clothing including a white fur top on a purple set complete with a suspended swing and zebra print floor. The second time out has her strip from a dress on a bed in a tribal feel. I like Nicole's look and was looking forward to her month, but I got to be honest and say the visuals let me down somewhat (7 mins).

"September" is blonde hottie Stephanie Heinrich - Oct 2001 - as she starts out with frizzy hair in a black bikini looking sultry. I really like her look, attitude here and there's some hot shots of her body. Then it's a traditional photo session in a bedroom that delivers good shots of her in lingerie, but can't top her first scene (6 mins). "October" is Shanna Moakler - Dec 2001 - in a horseback polo theme to start. Takes a bit of buildup until she's naked on a couch where too much time is spent on needless shots. Throwback to 40's movie stars has Shanna done up glamorous on a classic movie set that nails the theme, style but I didn't think was very hot (5.5 mins).

"November" is brunnette stunner Jennifer Walcott - Aug 2001 - and features hand down my favorite moment of the video. Her first scene has her stroll through a neighborhood where three guys wait for her to pass by of course intercut with three dream sequences. First she's in a hot pink bikini where Jennifer looks killer and it has a bunch of nice shots, closeups. Then in a black top, jean shorts she's getting wet, naked washing a motorbike. Lastly in a summer dress she quickly gets naked while attending to some flowers. She puts a hose over her buns, boobs which is always a hot look. I've always been a fan of Jennifer since her appearances in 'Barefoot Beauties' and the Christmas themed 'Playmated Unwrapped'. Now she practices martial arts that doesn't give much views of her sans clothes and is very short in length (7 mins). "December" is Kimberly Stanfield - Jul 2001 - in a fashion designer segment that sees her in and out of various pieces. Then her on a swing in a tophat before it settles down to her getting naked on a bed or on a big chair (5.5 mins).

If you're familiar with Playboy, their video calendars you already know they're solely comprised of preexisting Playmate profiles in shorten form and thrown together into a typically decent package. Some years are better than others, but 2003 is a solid title and the presentation is on point. If you like any of the females featured be sure to track down their extended profiles to see more from them.

Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me (2023)

Her Story ... Again

[5/10 · 8 May 2024]

I never got caught up, interested in Anna Nicole Smith's saga during the 90's. My appreciation for her (like others) never went beyond the physical. Saw her Playboy pictorials and then much much later her two action pics, PB videos and movie exploits made about her life. I honestly didn't expect 'You Don't Know Me' to add anything new to the tale because frankly I don't think there's any deep secrets to be told. This documentary didn't change my view.

From growing up in small town Texas to her son Danny and then Howard J. Marshall onward to fame, stardom. Playboy, Guess jeans, appearances in legit movies, talk shows. Natural charm, love for the cameras, paparazzi. The reunion with her estranged father than went sideways. Prescription drugs, alcohol, a fondness for partying and the wheels slowly coming off. Howard K. Stern enters the picture, the reality show, her weight gain, a new baby with it's father in doubt. Danny dies and she passes soon afterwards at only 39 years old.

Everything here is well put together and flows nicely. A lot of the details are old hat if you're up to speed, but the narrative is decent with interviews from people who've never spoken in depth about Anna or their roles in her life until now. It's a talking heads style of doc that uses footage from shows, home footage, Playboy or shot specifically for use in montages. Every topic is touched on in compact format rarely dragging on or overstaying it's welcome.

Put this two hour Netflix doc 'You Don't Know Me' in the curiosity category that will get views from lifelong ANS fans or those who think there's deeper meaning to be found when really there isn't. Her undoing was her own. You get sprinkles of new details, but the end result remains the same. At the end of the day, we love our celebrities. We love underdog stories, beautiful woman. Praising them where they're up, tuning in or kicking them when they're down.

Fast Food Nation (2006)

Diluting the Point

[6/10 · 8 May 2024]

'Fast Food Nation' has a lot to say about the multi-billion dollar business that is food. Particularly a type that millions of people (me included) eat on a weekly basis. Bits about the cleanliness of the product, heavily processed to taste better, last longer and the true cost may or may not be news to you. However the film goes down a few loosely connected paths and not all is insightful, interesting.

Marketing VP for Mickey's Don Anderson (Greg Kinnear) must get to the bottom of unclean meat coming from a plant that affects their most popular burger 'The Big One'. Illegal immigrants including a couple (Catalina Sandino Moreno, Wilmer Valderrama) pay to be shuffled over the border looking for a better quality of life where many of them end up working in said plant. A teenager working a local burger joint (Ashley Johnson) gets caught up in ideas of protest, going against what her former employee stands for (mistreatment of people, animals).

Here's the bottom line. It does a great job of spelling out how it'll never change because of the vast money being made. Faceless mega corporations, self-serving politicians, government indifference, the public masses who continue to be naive or support this "huge machine" as it's put at one point. Will you give up your Big Mac or Whopper? Does anyone really care? How many people watched 'Super Size Me' and then craved some McD's?

Putting that aside, the film is very uneven and Don's part is the most solid. He's perhaps more naive than his real life counterpart would be, but it works because he represents the uninformed viewer. His journey has him cross paths with some faces (Bruce Willis, Kris Kristofferson) that really drive the point home. The sideplot of widespread illegal labor is very real, sad but also very surface level. Relying on a horrible supervisor (Bobby Cannavale) to make it's mark. The less said about the segment involving a teen turned social activist the better. Beyond trite.

From heavy hitter director Richard Linklater and of course a best selling book, you never stop feeling the message 'Fast Food Nation' wants to deliver. However like the burgers it features, there's a lot of unwanted filler. A scene where cows are slaughtered isn't one of them however. Reawakening you to how heavily we've become domesticated to eating meat without getting our own hands dirty. It's a decent watch, but the end result isn't always entertaining.

Alien Private Eye (1989)

I Love the Power Glove - it's So Bad.

[1/10 · 6 May 2024]

A gang of thugs threaten a lady when a dude looking like a Michael Jackson impersonator complete with black fedora hat comes to her rescue. Chop socking guys one by one until they're dealt with. What does a hero do now? You start dancing in your apartment, call up a random friend and gloat about the hot lady you've meet and then go dancing again in a club. When another cheap action showdown follows, an bare bones aliens subplot emerges and the bad acting continues it quickly dawns on you. 'Alien Private Eye' is a piece of the absolute bottom of straight to video realm and not in a fun way.

Lemro (Nicholas Hill) saves Suzy (Judith Burke) twice within the same day, the two become involved and he reveals he's an alien. It turns out a gang is trying to track down a powerful disc that is the key to a highly addictive otherworldly drug and Suzy has the second piece. Now Lemro the private eye is thrust into a battle of good vs evil versus this gang. Coming face to face with it's leader Killgore (Cliff Aduddell) who'll let no one stand in his way of power & wealth.

I appreciate a good b-movie and sometimes a bad movie can be a barrel of laughs, but it's a fine line. Especially if friends or alcohol is not involved. 'Alien Private Eye' is the type of trip I don't enjoy, usually seek out. I cracked a smile once or twice at it's absurd elements - wait until the hero wields a laser gun mounted to his arm near the end - but I can't in good conscious recommend it.

The Fall Guy (2024)

Order the Fruit Platter

[7/10 · 6 May 2024]

The likable pairing, chemistry of Ryan Gosling & Emily Blunt got you here, but it's the organic stunt work driving the action that will stand out the most. Stuntman turned director David Leitch captures it well and of course this is based on a vintage tv series. The romantic angle anyone can see coming from a mile away, but I'm disappointed the story didn't have more depth, substance beyond a one note mystery, villains.

Mega action star Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) is filming a movie and his highly skilled personal stuntman Colt Seavers (Gosling) has a thing going with Jody Moreno (Blunt) a camera operator before a stunt goes wrong on set. 18 months later, Colt has left the biz. Depressed, disillusioned he ghosted Jody due to his fall from grace. Big producer Gail (Hannah Waddingham) pulls him out of retirement to be Ryder's stuntman once again except it's really a cover to find the star who's gone missing. Colt only does the movie as he's told Jody - who's now doing her big budget directing debut - wants him involved.

I enjoyed quite a few pieces of dialog, some zingers and the music soundtrack utilizing licensed tracks at the right moments (thank you Dolby ATMOS). Gosling has no issue headlining as his easy going charisma, physique chops make it believable. Blunt easily sells someone who's been hurt. Johnson gets kudo for nailing an egotistical movie star with suspect acting credentials, aloof personality but also the charming, good looks package that makes a star.

'Fall Guy' is really a love letter to the unsung heroes of the stunt world that directors, producers, stars & audiences alike take for granted. A lot of money has been thrown into the project and you can see it, sense it at all times on the screen alongside the likable big actors. Pity there isn't a lot of heart in the story though. Kinda just going thru the 1-2-3 setup delivering fights, explosions, chase scenes galore in between little character moments, rekindled romance on route to a formula finale. I enjoyed 'Fall Guy' but it's first and foremost action that saves the day.

Good Day for It (2011)

Good Atmosphere, Simple Story

[5/10 · 5 May 2024]

I put 'Good Day for It' in my queue solely because it stars Robert Patrick, Lance Henriksen. Imagine my surprise when opening credits sprung more familiar names. Hal Halbrook, Robert Englund, Samantha Mathis & Kathy Baker. Cast aside, there's elements to appreciate here. It has a down to earth feel and the people ring true, but you gotta know it's a low budget slow burn affair. Deep dark crime saga this is not.

Emily (Mika Boorem) plans to meet up with her estranged dad Luke Cain (Patrick) unbeknownst to her mom (Mathis). At Rose's Cafe, they bond under the friendly eyes of owners Rose (Baker) & Hec (Halbrook) as the daughter finds out why he left them over fifteen years ago. Luke also comes face to face with cronies of Lyle Tyrus (Henriksen). One of which reports back to his criminal boss. Turns out the two share a past association and Lyle has a score to settle with Luke.

A tale of broken pasts, bad decisions and being in the wrong place at the wrong time in rural America coming to a head. 'A Good Day For It' has some real heart, but also a high dose of predictability, a few cliches and surface level characters. Fans of Patrick, Henriksen should give it a go to see the two men share the screen together in a real way, but nothing ever rises above including the last minute finale.

Staying on Top (2001 Video)

Muff Galore

[6/10 · 1 May 2024]

We all know what type of flick 'Staying on Top' is and thirty minutes in spells it firmly out. Everyone screwing everyone both figuratively and literally. Well worn territory. With the amount of times muff showed up, I knew I had watched the unrated cut too. The female nudity, simulated sex you've come looking for is here, but it might not occur as often as you'd like. You also have to tolerate a largely boring story to get it.

Katherine Phillips (Holly Sampson) fresh out of grad school with some cutting edge ideas is courted by all the marketing firms but joins CBB. Her name alone attracts Lip Ink Cosmetics to have them do their next big line. Except exec Cindy La Conte (Angela Davies) - emphasis on that last name said slowly - won't give up power & control easily. When she unfairly sidelines Katherine and takes over, Cindy thinks she's won the battle. That is until Kat quits, discovers truths and decides to go after that contract for her own newly formed company.

The deception between the two ladies is one note, easily discoverable. There's typical cheating, use of seduction to get ahead. Way too many lines of bum dialog. Story issues aside, it's shot well where it counts. Sampson has sex nine minutes in then later the prerequisite shower masturbation scene. Davies has sex twice (limo, couch) ditto Sasha Peralto as an office secretary (bathtub, poolside). Holly Hollywood (as a masseuse) rubs down both Sampson & Peralto. Then Mia Zottoli (Kat's friend) gets the same treatment followed by some lite girl/girl that provides explicit kitty shots. A model (Leila R. Hashemzadeh) ends up getting naked, sex in a shower too.

'Staying On Top' is a low budget affair from Indigo Entertainment - a shell company Playboy used to release softcore story titles - that explains why the first 40 secs look, feel, utilize familiar female talent. It might even be taken from their 'Girls of Hard Rock' video and not newly shot. If you're going to give it a go seeing the unrated version is a must, but it's not next level hot as some are suggesting.

Outside Ozona (1998)

Lots of Charm

[6/10 · 1 May 2024]

'Outside Ozona' is an OOP dtv title largely forgotten about from the 90's with a plot of intertwining characters, their life stories that you don't see made much anymore. At the center is a serial killer and a radio station everyone listens to driving down the back roads, highways of California. It's cast might be the first thing you notice, but it's real life sentiments, blurbs fleshed out by fine atmosphere brings it home. Only a slightly long runtime keep it from being stronger.

The latest victim sits dead behind the wheel with a particular radio station still on. It's DJ Dix (Taj Mahal) butts head with manager Floyd (Meat Loaf). Broke couple Wit (Kevin Pollak) and Earlene (Penelope Ann Miller) take to the road when he's fired from his latest job. Sisters Marcy (Sherilyn Fenn) & Bonnie (Beth Ann Styne) on a cross-country trip for their fathers funeral pick up Alan (David Paymer) who's car has broken down. Widowed long haul driver Odell Parks (Robert Forster) prone to stops for coffee, gas, food has a chance meeting with Reba Twosalt (Kateri Walker) who he lends a hand. Meanwhile FBI Agent Deene (Lucy Webb) follows the bodies two steps behind.

If you haven't seen the film before chances are you're thinking a large part will be figuring out who the serial killer is, but thankfully that's not the case. They don't try to pull any twists. If you're paying attention you know who it is before it's spelled out. The enjoyment is watching, listening to a bunch of people from different paths, perspectives. Taj does a great job as the DJ who's the backbone of the tale. Pollak & Miller give a honest picture of unfulfillment, drifting & countless bad decisions. Forster, Walker supply a large dose of heart, warmth.

'Outside Ozona' is one of those movies that looks to be dividing people. Either you'll enjoy it's simple down to earth nature, characters & accept the contrived bit of how they all come together or you'll find the whole experience a bore. I saw this back in the late 90's and I thought it was alright. That feeling is still largely here two decades later. Though it does lose some of it's spark near the end when the nonstop talking has run it's course.

Karla Faye Tucker: Forevermore (2004)

Sappy Portrait of a Killer

[2/10 · 30 April 2024]

I have to say when I read Karla's story, saw an episode of 'Law & Order' loosely based on it and found a movie had been done I thought it might be from the Lifetime network. After 2003's 'Monster', I didn't expect 'Forevermore' to play fair with the rules governing convicted female killers. This film doesn't feature a big star playing the titular role or go into the fictional realm. It does however play up it's religious, romantic and redemption themes to the hilt.

Crusty female "Prison Official" (writer, director Helen Gibson) makes a pass at preacher Dana Brown (Kenny Jezek), but his heart belongs to one woman. Convicted murderer Karla Faye Tucker (real life wife Karen Jezek) aka "pickax killer". Thru meetings, correspondence he falls in love with a soul he feels has been reborn into a higher spiritual power. Their bond becomes deeper, they marry as public sentiment, support grows as she awaits execution on death row until that fateful day and the aftermath is all that remains.

There's a lot of positivity is the nice way of saying things. Contrived scenes where Karla is shown to have changed thru the involvement of the lord & even the most hardened faces like prison lady soften their stance. Murky flashbacks hint to a time when Karla was on the wrong path making bad decisions. Obviously downplaying the murders (they're not shown) little mention of gruesome details. Choosing to focus on the bitter criminal justice system faces looking to impose a cruel sentence. Falling in love, talk of God. Get used to seeing her prison "cell", people laying on beds, sitting in offices for the majority of the 2 hour runtime.

Religious motivational speakers in prison, Karla's transformation, uplifting music. Not only am I the wrong audience for 'Forevermore' but I strongly disliked, disagreed with it's point of view. There's talk to be had about the death penalty and whenever it's right or wrong, but it seems people only get bent of shape when a woman is involved. I believe people can change too, but after you viciously kill folks ... that's not a conversation I'm interested in being a part of.

Law & Order: The Brotherhood (2004) Season 15, Episode 3

Justification for Murder

[5/10 · 29 April 2024]

L&O was often a commentary on real life events, people, topics in their wheelhouse. When it was carried out effectively the results really stood out and when it wasn't they had the habit of missing by a mile. 'The Brotherhood' is one of the latter. Supposed to be a powerful piece on prison gangs and their scary reach, but the delivery is botched leaving one to feel any sweeping message they were going for is lost. You can piece together the intent, but the end result is weak.

An ex-con recently released from prison is found with a bullet in his brain and after a few conversations, Det. Fontana (Farina) & Green (Martin) learn he had history with corrections guard John Worley (Gary Basaraba). Evidence supports the theory that he killed him because of a beef with 'The Brotherhood' gang who was using their reach to harass him & his family on the outside. At trial his defense is one of fear that the man was going to do something leaving McCoy (Waterston) & Southerlyn (Rohm) to note there was no immediate threat and what he did amounts to premediated murder.

You get a bunch of faces to fill out roles. Daniel von Bargen is head of the prison guards, Candice Bergen the judge overseeing the trial and Giancarlo Esposito as the defense attorney. However none of them are memorable. The episode goes down in predictable fashion showing how awful the gang is. The head boogeyman for a leader with threats, threats and more veiled threats.

You're supposed to sympathize with Worley and what he did because of some scary sentiment. A reveal in the last 30 secs doubles down on viewer manipulation as to say 'look he was right all along'. I went into 'The Brotherhood' hoping for a decent episode and was highly disappointed.

Law & Order: Self Defense (1992) Season 3, Episode 7

Above & Beyond

[7/10 · 28 April 2024]

Plenty of movies, tv shows get on a soapbox and use emotion to make you feel, think a certain way. I'm not about to say L&O wasn't immune to this baloney, but 'Self-Defense' in my humble opinion is not one of those times. Of course the case here is largely at the mercy of your own preconceived opinions. I however think it presents a fair and balanced look into things going overboard and the image of the store owner isn't unfair.

A dead man is discovered in a car and meters away another also shot dead. Store owners including Greek immigrant Costas (Alan Arkin) are mum on seeing anything, but he's quickly discovered to be lying. Soon a picture is amassed thru further evidence of a robbery that went past the point of self defense. Det. Cerreta (Sorvino) sympathies with Costas while Logan (Noth) sees things differently. In court it comes down to the line in the sand about where standing your ground crossed over into murder, unjust vigilantism.

Notable actors in Arkin (copping an accent) and Ron Rifkin as the type of defense lawyer you love to hate punch this episode up a notch. Not to say the topic isn't already interesting on it's own and emotionally charged. However remaining level headed you'll see the slippery slope. A parting word about public opinion, mob mentality on justice rings true and leaves a lasting impression as well.

Law & Order: Golden Years (1994) Season 4, Episode 11

Don't Need A Smoking Gun

[7/10 · 28 April 2024]

There's frustration thrown 'Golden Years' way because it doesn't spell things out. As the law, real life tell us everything isn't always airtight. Customary suspects are here per usual, but it's clear what the real story is. People should be less upset about it not being cut 'n dry and acknowledge that in a roundabout way the lack of real justice at the end shows how little society cares about old people.

Mildred Bauer an elderly lady in failing health is found deceased and cause of death is ruled starvation. Enter granddaughter Laura (Julie Dretzin) who's law school is being paid for amongst other financial favors. Soon the lies, suspect decisions amount to a mole hill. She takes the stand in her own defense and presents a picture of a caring family member. A piece of evidence gained last minute casts more shade on her character. Suddenly a religious component is introduced to explain that Mildred herself wanted to die without any collaboration to the fact and Laura was just ceding her wishes.

The only problem I had with 'Golden Years' was the phony way Stone (Moriarty) & Kincaid (Hennessy) waiver near the end on Laura's guilt. Remind me to toss away my conscious, lie repeatedly to an elderly family member to gain favor. Then put them behind lock & key and wait for the financial windfall to come my way. When confronted with my series of suspect decisions by the legal system, I'll claim they wanted to die. Pull out some religious, suicide rhetoric as a defense. This episode works on your emotions - perhaps not as intended - but that alone makes it worth a view.